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 group of people seated in a boat on a mountain lake.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/peter_nguyen_16.jpg?itok=s7YIM6qM)
On studying away
“I’m very passionate about exploring the world because I believe experiencing many different cultures is integral to developing a wider understanding, as well as a deeper connection to one’s self.”
Peter Nguyen ’16
![SciFi residents gather around a hoard of toy laser guns and light sabers spread out on a pool table](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/julie_lopresto_12.jpg?itok=dlt2fEMT)
On living on SciFi Hall
“...when I step out my door, there will be a friendly face around the corner. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had there, and have found what I’m proud to call my home at Oberlin.”
Julie Lopresto ’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
![Eliot and a friend](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/eliot_hart-nelson_15.jpg?itok=DW1SnjuD)
On clarity and falling down
“...In this moment I became aware of how much more comfortable with being alone I had become during my time at Oberlin.”
Eliot Hart-Nelson ’15
![Exterior of the Allen museum](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/ally_sterman_09.jpg?itok=5yZM0drA)
On being a docent in Oberlin’s world-class art museum
“I have been leading tours of the museum’s broad and overwhelmingly impressive collection for almost four years now, and the joy of engaging visitors in discussions concerning art has only...
Ally Sterman ’09
![Rachel at a French canal.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rachel_ippolito_13.jpg?itok=dcF-MU4c)
On studying abroad in France
“I was lost. But rather than moping around in disappointment, I decided to embrace the novelty of all that was around me.”
Rachel Ippolito ’13
![A college student reads to agroup of attentive preschoolers](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/leah_awkward-rich_17.jpg?itok=jOd70HxH)
On tutoring at Head Start
“I witnessed the kids I spent several hours a week with mature emotionally and personally, and I was given the opportunity to participate as they learned brand new concepts.”
Leah Awkward-Rich ’17
![Two students wearing 'SITES' shirts sit in a circle with young children in a school classroom](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/leah_goldman_13.jpg?itok=UpQcFKje)
On teaching Spanish
“Teaching in SITES taught me to be patient, creative, and willing to make mistakes. But I became more confident as a teacher every day I saw my students become more confident in their learning.”
Leah Goldman ’13
![An Oberlin soccer player in action](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/galen_brennan_17.jpg?itok=0w92XBEd)
On teammates becoming family
“In our most important game of the year, I stepped on the field for only the second time that year, a moment that made me realize how important the team had become for me. ”
Galen Brennan ’17
![Street musicians in India playing flute](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/anne_richmond_83.jpg?itok=wyjpEmGb)
On moving to India after graduation
“There is nothing like being immersed in another culture -- no longer being the majority -- to force one to recognize what profoundly cultural beings we really are.”
Anne Richmond ’83
![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