Oberlin Provides Foundation for Future Education

Sherry Miao ’23, who majored in economics, is currently pursuing her master’s in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School (of Harvard University). While the program is rigorous, it’s fulfilling, and Sherry is grateful for her time at Oberlin and how it prepared her.

“I feel more grounded because of the foundation Oberlin gave me,” she says. “Oberlin instilled in me a genuine curiosity and persistence in learning. That mindset has been essential in navigating grad school.”

Her time at Oberlin was special for a number of reasons. A meaningful experience that she had involved taking voice lessons with Teacher of Vocal Studies Lisa Stidham.

“I wasn’t doing it for credit—just for joy,” Sherry reflects. “Those classes helped me reconnect with my body and soul, and introduced me to some incredible people. They also taught me confidence, self-compassion, and how to uplift others. That experience, while outside of my major, played a huge role in shaping who I am today.”

For Sherry—and many others—it is often the people at Oberlin that truly set it apart. 

“I was surrounded by some of the most brilliant, kind, and creative individuals I’ve ever met. I found a true sense of home.” 

As an economics major, Sherry notes the kindness and support she received from both faculty and students in that department specifically. She describes it as a “place of true humanity, where people genuinely care about each other.” 

Because of this major, as well as a minor in studio art, public policy felt like a natural progression for Sherry.

“I’ve always been passionate about using both artistic expression and data-driven analysis to address social issues like gender inequality,” she explains.

Thanks to the high-level economics and statistics courses that she took at Oberlin, she was able to waive some of the core requirements for her current program, leaving more space to engage with classes that align with her interests. However, what Sherry says matters more than the credits she received are the values that Oberlin fostered. 

“When I learned that the Harvard Kennedy School’s motto is ‘Ask what you can do,’ it immediately resonated with Oberlin’s ethos of ‘Think one person can change the world.’” 

Both statements—intrinsic to both Oberlin as an institution and Sherry as an individual—are reflected in her career goals. She hopes to pursue a career in research and advocacy, focusing on social justice, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

If you want to see where economics at Oberlin can lead you, visit the department page here.