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.
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![Francesca hand out information while wearing a Day of Service 2008 tee shirt](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/francesca_minonne_08.jpg?itok=AYAV0hyH)
On her connection to the town of Oberlin
“I will take what I have learned with me: that academics and civic engagement can and should be combined, producing something far more enriching together than either alone.”
Francesca Minonne ’08
![Anna at a Chicago bus stop](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/anna_band_14.jpg?itok=t8N_ZZFM)
On supportive friendships
“Among the many things I’ve learned from my best friend is to be proactive about my life. You can’t just sit around and wait for opportunities to come to you - you have to take matters into your own...
Anna Band ’13
![Sam rides atop an improbably tall bicycle.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sam_quintal_06.jpg?itok=RUjFcwLJ)
Elizabeth Myers Houston on her housemate Sam
“...the picture of him in his fancy clothes on his cobbled-together bicycle struck me as a perfect summary of Oberlin: ingenuity, skillfully creative awesomeness, and musical excellence, all...
Sam Quintal ’06
![Rugby players run downfield. The one with the ball appears fearless.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/marne_litfin_07.jpg?itok=P-CWkRkC)
On her first day of practice with the women’s rugby team
“These were, I realized while I stood apart from them, the strongest and craziest women I had ever met. I had to be one of them. I didn’t know if I had it in me, but I couldn’t leave without trying.”
Marne Litfin ’07
![Holland holds a young boy in her arms](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/holland_hamilton_11.jpg?itok=VHYlpVrP)
On the “best kept secret in the Midwest”
“Before coming to Oberlin, I had sworn off theater completely. In fact, I was done with performing in general. But looking back, I have no clue how I thought I could have gotten away with choosing...
Holland Hamilton ’11
![Ben reading at a library table](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/ben_klebanoff_09.jpg?itok=ukh3K-DN)
On Oberlin’s Student Senate
“Students take active roles in all levels of the Oberlin administration, help determine the courses that are available for students to take, and help make hiring decisions.”
Ben Klebanoff ’09
![Two swimmers in the pool.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/shira_korn_11.jpg?itok=UeckxMUG)
On Oberlin being a Division III school
“This means that athletes are not allowed assistance in the admissions process or monetary incentives to come to a school, [which] meant that everyone on our team was participating purely for love of...
Shira Korn ’11
![Miata and 2 others work in the tall grass next to a brick building.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/miata_rogers_14.jpg?itok=UnM-bT8-)
On the larger Oberlin Community
“I was looking for a college with a town...I wanted to be able to engage in a community outside of the college itself. I found that when I visited Oberlin.”
Miata Rogers ’14
![Young woman seated by an organ keyboard](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jenny_bower_13.jpg?itok=Iyg93kr1)
On learning to cook in a co-op
“But in a co-op, plan incorrectly and you could be swimming in pinto beans, have enough lasagna to cover a mummy, pop enough popcorn to fill a bathtub - or not prepare enough vegetables to feed a...
Jenny Bower ’13
![Charles performs with a computer and bright lights](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/charles_abbott_14.jpg?itok=rd0C7hNs)
On Oberlin’s inclusive music scene
“Collaboration plays a fundamental role in the community’s constant appetite for great art. This inclusivity is indicative of the communal Oberlin personality that makes it such an incredible place.”
Charles Abbott ’14
![Six people walk across a road in single file.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sylvia_woodmansee_15.jpg?itok=WCK5EnAA)
On coordinating alternative spring break trips
“I appreciate the drive of everyone in the IYS leader group and their willingness to continue reflecting and moving forward with our ideas and work. ”
Sylvia Woodmansee ’15
![Two people hold up the flag of Chile](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/nico_lara_18.jpg?itok=6B5gmAR5)
On finding community
“For me, La Casa has been an important touchstone with which to keep in contact with my Latino heritage and language--all too easy to lose sight of in the hustle and bustle of pursuing academics and...
Nico Lara ’18