Oberlin Stories Project
We have collected hundreds of personal narratives from students, alumni, faculty, and staff that explain the merits and strengths of Oberlin through the eyes of those who have experienced it firsthand.
Add your story
On joining Model United Nations at Oberlin
“By allowing one to take classes in English, environmental studies, history, and theater, all in one semester, Oberlin encourages students to develop new ways of thinking about the same problem.”
Katherine Sicienski ’12
On building websites for the Oberlin College Archives
“My time in the archives department in Mudd Library allowed me to apply my coursework in computer science to a fascinating niche of Oberlin College’s history.”
Eva Fineberg ’16
On their Winter Term project
“Touring as the saxophone and classical guitar duo Syzygy proved to be a defining moment in both of our burgeoning musical careers.”
Andrew Flachs ’11
On a full-fledged learning experience
“No matter our individual passions, Oberlin provides us the opportunity to do what we love while connecting us with peers and professors that broaden our perspectives and help us make connections.”
Reid Palmer ’14
On finding his voice in a creative writing class
“Never before have I felt that excited about a story I was telling, which became all the more empowering when I realized this story was also my life.”
Liam Oznowich ’17
On playing Carnegie Hall
“I never truly understood the relationship between a conductor and an orchestra until I played under Robert Spano ’83.”
Hannah Levinson ’09
On Oberlin’s Contemporary Music Ensemble
“In this new music, I heard nothing, only an ugly idiom that my ear could not, would not grasp... Then something happened that I’ll never forget.”
Avery Waite ’10
On finding a home on SciFi Hall
“Like many incoming first-years, the thought of having a roommate and finding a solid group of friends was extremely daunting.”
Sammy Moores ’17
On a special meal at his co-op
“For me, this meal was exactly what Oberlin’s co-ops are all about: making food with your friends, and knowing exactly where your meal came from.”
Matt O'Connell ’09
On opportunities and the people who help you grab them
“The people I have met at Oberlin have recognized potential in me that I did not know existed and held me together when I felt that I might crack.”
Jane Clark ’16
On being one of the first female runners
“Running became a political statement for me... while other women made statements in class, delivering heart-pounding lectures, papers, and demonstrations, I put on my shoes and ran with the men.”
Carla White Freyvogel ’79
On being a part of the Oberlin swimming and diving team
“[It] means becoming absorbed into a large family of people who are committed to exploring their lives athletically and academically in various ways.”
Simone Christen ’15