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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![A trio plays music in the children's section of the public library.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sophie_schacht_10.jpg?itok=N4VCAxEh)
On organizing Dr. Seuss Day at the local public library
“I am one of six people on the varsity softball team who tutors in the Oberlin public schools -- my first order of business was to recruit the entire team.”
Sophie Schacht ’10
![Jocie and a friend find a balloon by a wall of post office boxes](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jocie_sobieraj_15.jpg?itok=JJIhuogh)
On birthday celebrations
“Had my roommate known that I had secretly always wanted to do a scavenger hunt for my birthday ever since my older sister had one when I was 8? Probably not.”
Jocie Sobieraj ’15
![Five performers together on stage.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/molly_gorin_16.jpg?itok=3ODDnxFE)
On merging dance lives
“I never thought I would be able to put a rapper dance side by side with a contemporary duet, but here I am today.”
Molly Gorin ’16
![Three friends with silly grins](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/christopher_ayoub_15.jpg?itok=u4cUUqzN)
On making new friends
“Our relationship began with laughter and silliness, and Kelin has been my dorky big sister away from home ever since.”
Christopher Ayoub ’15
![Thomas's ID photo from the 1970s.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/thomas_kutzen_76.jpg?itok=LqaB-sfV)
On being successful in business
“It takes the same willingness to be involved that I discovered at Oberlin, the ability to examine the community and to be an individual therein with the right blend of independence, challenge,...
Thomas Kutzen ’76
![Noel playing lacrosse.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/noel_myers_14.jpg?itok=6yNEfxn1)
On the opportunity to study in Brazil
“This internship made me realize how alternative energy and clean water can improve the health of community members and that it is fundamental to their economic development.”
Noel Myers ’14
![Group of students](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/daniel_domaguin_06.jpg?itok=24-yk9pG)
On organizing a conference his senior year
“[it was] an event whose legacy affects others and permeates the thought processes, ideals and actions of students who continue to advocate for Ethnic Studies, equality and social justice on campus...
Daniel Domaguin ’06
![Abigail Lofchie](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/abigail_lofchie_12.jpg?itok=82Q6GZQ5)
On being a biology tutor
“I like... seeing students become comfortable with the material so that they can enjoy it instead of just seeing the class as a source of stress.”
Abigail Lofchie ’12
![Wendell Russell, Jr.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/wendell_russell_71.jpg?itok=1PVa4jcC)
On the ethos of Obies
“My Oberlin was very much a time and place of social ferment and activism, and while the issues may be different today, I know that Oberlin students will always be deeply involved in cutting edge...
Wendell Russell, Jr. ’71
![A cellist practices with the score laid out on the floor.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lewis_nielson.jpg?itok=u8ZC2rLx)
On Oberlin’s composition students
“It’s routine for me to be told by our guests that our students are the best they encounter anywhere in the world, not just for the quality of the works they display but also for the incisiveness of...
Prof. Lewis Nielson
![A group of friends at night, some of them sprawled on the grass](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/emily_brennan_15.jpg?itok=WWEnTEPg)
On making friends
“The benefits of the meaningful conversations I had with my new friends outside of the classroom were robust... My friends became my teachers — a true Oberlin education.”
Emily Brennan ’15
![Kelpler with Prof. Whelan outside The Local coffee shop](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/kepler_mears_17.jpg?itok=VZ0JPRYd)
On mouthing off in public
“If I hadn’t said it and it hadn’t been heard, I’m not sure I would have met Professor Whelan in the way I did or formed a friendship with her.”
Kepler Mears ’17