Returning to Oberlin Early

This year, I came back to Oberlin early. It was my first time returning early, except for when I was a freshman. After my summer job, I spent a week at home in Wisconsin with my family. On Sunday morning, at 5:00 a.m., I left Chicago, where I had stayed overnight, to make the long drive back to Oberlin.

I decided to be an RA this year in Johnson House, also known as J-House. It hosts many Jewish students, but also non-Jewish students as well. It's a large mansion on the south side of campus, with beautiful rooms, huge windows, and even three turreted rooms. However, many students are dissuaded from choosing it as their primary dorm hall because of how far south it is. But that’s exactly why I wanted this dorm—because I thought it would be nice to be away from the hustle and bustle, and instead be in the middle of the Oberlin Arboretum, among the trees, nature, and gardens.

This year, I returned and unpacked on Sunday afternoon. I was pleased to find that my room was on the third floor, giving me a gorgeous view of the trees and access to a cool fire escape, in addition to having a walk-in closet and a sunlit room. On Sunday, I had three hours of RA training, and throughout the week, I had seven to nine hours of work per day. RA training wasn’t super boring because we had a lot of campus offices come in and talk to us, and they tried to make the material engaging. Additionally, now that I’m a third-year, I have a lot of friends on campus, so it wasn’t too hard to sit by people I know and talk to them.

My co-op (a cooperative is where people dine, cook, and clean for each other) also opened back up again. It’s at Tank, a big mansion past Slow Train Cafe that used to be an orphanage, so it’s also very beautiful. The food there was excellent, and we received peaches from a local farm this week, so I’ve been enjoying peach cobbler and different peach desserts.

One thing I love about coming back to Oberlin early is how quiet it is. Don't get me wrong—I love walking through Tappan Square and hearing three different jazz ensembles playing, or walking down Professor Street and passing hordes of students. But there's something special about being able to enjoy all of Oberlin's beauty by yourself: taking long walks, enjoying a bike ride to the gym in the morning, or simply sipping a mocha from Slow Train while walking around and calling my mom. There aren't many people back right now, but that just means I get to enjoy Oberlin all the more.

The weather is perfect—neither too hot nor too cool—and the campus really comes alive during my first week. In fact, a little creature decided that they would enjoy summer more in my room. I have no screen in my window, but it got pretty hot, so I decided to open my windows anyway. Initially, no mosquitoes, moths, or insects came in, which was fantastic because I’m terrified of bugs. But one day, as I was watering my plants, I noticed a small green frog sitting next to one of them. As I studied it further, I realized it was a tree frog, camouflaging next to my succulents. My friend Branden came over and helped me bring it outside. As cute as it was, Moonlight (my pet tree frog, now back outside) would not make for a friendly pet.

It’s amazing to see nature around J-House, especially deer, birds of prey, and other interesting creatures like the fairy longhorn moths and even the occasional groundhog. While back in Oberlin early, I had the opportunity to attend the Lorain County Fair, which was super fun. I got to try elephant ears for the first time—a flat piece of dough fried and covered in cinnamon sugar. I also saw an albino squirrel, which at Oberlin is a sign of good luck, as it’s our mascot.

I finally purchased my tenth drink at Slow Train, which earned me one free drink. Unfortunately, I realized I’d probably spent about $50 to earn that one free drink. But it’s all worth it for the free mocha I’ll be able to get.

I love being back at Oberlin before school starts, before the stress of trying to get your work done on time, managing campus jobs and student organizations, applying for internships, and other such business.

This time has also given me the opportunity to work on my passions. For example, almost every single night, I sit on my fire escape, watch the sunset, and write in my book. It’s peaceful, especially when the wasps don’t bother me. 

One of the most fun parts of being here has been watching freshmen move in. There are no freshmen in J-House this year, which has freed up my schedule a bit more, allowing me to watch so many new students come in with their families, meet new people, and just discover what has been one of the best experiences of my life.

I love seeing people find Oberlin—it’s like watching someone else receive a gift that you’ve loved so much. So, this is my life now that I’m back in Oberlin early, and I cannot wait for all my friends to get back as well.