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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![Field hockey team photo](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/aditi_banerjee_17.jpg?itok=VEnYrJaL)
On finding friends on the field hockey team
“A camaraderie developed—probably born out of undergoing the rigors of preseason together—which blossomed into close friendships over the course of the season.”
Aditi Banerjee ’17
![Karen seated at a harpsichord](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/karen_flint_64.jpg?itok=UyyQq1XH)
In summarizing her many Oberlin memories
“There is so much to do and learn at Oberlin... if you are admitted, choose Oberlin; when there, take as many different courses as you can, meet as many people as possible.”
Karen Gebhart Flint ’64
![Zoe strikes an acrobatic pose on the trapeze.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/zoe_beach_17.jpg?itok=cgyG3xbH)
On keeping a dream alive
“While I chose Oberlin for the strength and opportunities of its science programs, I was overjoyed to find that Oberlin not only had a circus, but it had the facilities and equipment for aerial work.”
Zoe Beach ’17
![Emma takes a selfie with two calves on a winter day](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/emma_marshall_18.jpg?itok=YWAQ5BYn)
On the freedom of a month of independent study
“Winter term at Oberlin has taught me to follow my instinct. Winter term isn’t about finding a perfect project that will make your life story more exciting; it’s about finding yourself in a project.”
Emma Marshall ’18
![Rebecca with a group of people in a city setting.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rebecca_klein_18.jpg?itok=c6EgZAso)
On reawakening an interest in accessibility
“As a Student Accessibility Advocate, my world at Oberlin expanded. I met new people just as interested in conversations about disability as I was, people whom I now consider some of my closest...
Rebecca Klein ’18
![American students with a Japanese family](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/amy_hourcade_15.jpg?itok=_voBu6Fz)
On her winter term in Tokyo
“I was thrust out of my comfort zone, thanks to Oberlin, and have never been happier.”
Amy Hourcade ’15
![Lena stands under a rainbow](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lena_glickman_15.jpg?itok=yVpcz7I4)
On finding the lull in the storm
“I have learned the value of quiet... that taking a break from thinking so hard to just feel for a moment is what makes me happiest at Oberlin.”
Lena Glickman ’15
![Kayakers on a lake](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/hannah_fuson_11.jpg?itok=AE33eWKJ)
On exploring new things
“I saw an outing club poster on a bulletin board. Though skeptical, I signed up for the trip, and spent a day hiking around the Appalachian foothills... [and] I never looked back.”
Hannah Fuson ’11
![Sam swings a racquet.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sam_towne_12.jpg?itok=7zfkdFHm)
On being a member of the men’s tennis team
“When I look to the court next to me and see a teammate fighting hard, I am motivated to give it that extra ounce of effort. We are all striving to reach the same goal.”
Sam Towne ’12
![Asishana intently studies an open textbook](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/asishana_osho_10.jpg?itok=WFAI8O7o)
On being pre-med
“Oberlin has a great reputation among graduate schools. According to one of my [medical school] interviewers, we are known for producing some of the ‘most talented, most versatile and most driven...
Asishana Osho ’10
![A mangled jeep and other debris by a beach.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/martha_tenney_83.jpg?itok=0CQYsQLX)
On the lasting effects of her time at Oberlin
“Years later I have a career in public health and the things I love are the things I loved that helped create the squiggly route to NOW. ”
Martha J. Tenney ’83
![People gather around an information table at an outdoor event](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jake_holtzman_16.jpg?itok=NSELCky8)
On exploration
“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...
Jake Holtzman ’16