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.
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On learning to choose
Chelsea de Souza ’16
“Oberlin has helped me with something that I have struggled with my entire life — the strength to make choices and believe in them despite any regrets that might follow.”
On visiting Oberlin
Crystal Sheffield ’12
“As I planned my schedule of classes to visit, I found myself tempted by the different departments listed and the variety of classes offered. I barely had time to fit in a conservatory class because...
On the connections between Capoeira and social rights activism
Dan Barella ’15
“The conversation starts with you. You can’t sit around waiting for someone else to start it for you.”
On living a multifaceted life
David Lowe ’11
“I am a double major in law & society and sociology; I play varsity men’s soccer; I am heavily committed to acting; I produce music and DJ on a regular basis. Only in a place like Oberlin.”
On building websites for the Oberlin College Archives
Eva Fineberg ’16
“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.”
On a (failed) attempt at an individual major
Hannah Varadi ’15
“I now have a better grasp of how all my language-based interests—translation, journalism, and, yes, fiction writing—tie into comparative literature.”
On exploration
Jake Holtzman ’16
“Although we are all at Oberlin to go to school first and foremost, I don’t see an Oberlin education as complete without at least exploring the other opportunities that are so readily at our...
On changing intellectual pursuits
Joshua Morse ’12
“Oberlin [gave] me the chance to see that I could find that same level of fulfillment and meaning in any field that struck my fancy.”
On support networks
Leo Harrington ’16
“The people here have copious and astoundingly diverse passions of their own but will also go to incredible lengths to help you pursue yours, in all likelihood because someone did the same for them.”
On the ethos of Oberlin
Stewart Kohl ’77
“What made Oberlin outstanding then is still its magic - the students who want to learn, the faculty who want to teach, and the intense tradition of intellectual curiosity.”
On the connections between college and the future
Thanisa Durongkaveroj ’18
“I start to see my college experience as part of my overall life experience; classes become more applicable, and I become more competent to enter the professional world.”
On a day in the life of a double-degree student
Woan Foong Wong ’09
“I was congratulated by friends who had either attended my honors economics presentation or had played my piece in the orchestra... how impossible my life would have been had I taken my diverse...