Olivia Polash

Biography

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, I have always loved working with students of all ages, from littles to retirees and every age in between. When I was in undergrad at BW, I was a tour guide and student assistant in the admissions office there. I enjoyed getting to meet new prospective students and their families every day, participate in big visit days, and talk about my experiences and love for my school. When I graduated and got my teacher certification, I worked as a general music and orchestra teacher at the elementary and middle levels. 

After teaching music for a few years, I felt the pull to come back to higher education. I started my graduate program full time, but when the opportunity to work at Oberlin presented itself, I had to jump on it! Oberlin is the kind of place where artists, scientists, musicians, and thinkers can come together to share their knowledge and passions, and I feel so humbled to be a part of that. I’m thrilled to be launching into this stage of my career at Oberlin.

Outside of higher ed, I’m still a very active contract musician, playing for weddings and pit orchestras all over the Northeast Ohio and Columbus areas. As a cellist, I’m excited to get involved in some of the musical opportunities Oberlin offers to their staff! I also love curating new outfits, changing my hair color, reading murder mysteries, trying new restaurants, and recharging outdoors. I can’t wait to meet all the prospective (and future) Obies!