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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![Soccer players on the sidelines. One wears a short with number 86 and the name Der Soul Stealer.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/max_hovey_13.jpg?itok=H3yOba4t)
On the universal language on soccer
“Intramural soccer has given me a new knowledge base... I’d be lying if I said that my current appreciation for soccer hadn’t solidified my choice of pursuing Hispanic studies at Oberlin.”
Max Hovey ’13
![Group of people posing on steps](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jane_clark_16.jpg?itok=RwTjNlf2)
On opportunities and the people who help you grab them
“The people I have met at Oberlin have recognized potential in me that I did not know existed and held me together when I felt that I might crack.”
Jane Clark ’16
![1970s era running team](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/carla_white_freyvogel_79.jpg?itok=GByr7sVa)
On being one of the first female runners
“Running became a political statement for me... while other women made statements in class, delivering heart-pounding lectures, papers, and demonstrations, I put on my shoes and ran with the men.”
Carla White Freyvogel ’79
![People looking through a rack of clothes.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/stacia_thompson_11.jpg?itok=L0Wq8syS)
On the Big Swap
“We are sustainability royalty for the week. Who else would skate home wrapped in a down comforter and carrying green alligator pillows under their arms all in the name of re-use and resource...
Stacia Thompson ’11
![An outdoor stand with many cards of earrings on a board.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/monica_greene_07.jpg?itok=4_GyNoXz)
On starting a non-profit while still at Oberlin
“The Heart Project was intended to be a small jewelry sale, but developed into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”
Monica Greene ’07
![Group of jubilant students, some wearing aprons](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/josh_shuman_86.jpg?itok=ViB6dwrM)
On Kosher Co-op
“There I learned to cook--my first meal of macaroni and cheese lathered with rum extract was not a hit, but later my Thanksgiving turkeys basted with beer and oranges were!”
Josh Shuman ’86
![A couple enjoys a restaurant meal by candlelight](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/clinton_doggett_43.jpg?itok=rHGzZKJ6)
On memories of Oberlin
“It gets so you know almost everybody. I recall especially the first day after we all got back from summer vacation at the start of sophomore year, greeting people as we all streamed back and forth...
Clinton Doggett ’43
![Wearing scrubs, gloves, and a mask, Tom performs surgery.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/tom_carroll_96.jpg?itok=vw2t7wOV)
On finding his “voice” again after so many years of medical training
“I am blessed that I remained firmly committed to my seemingly disparate passions for voice and medicine. Professor Miller must have been able to see something then that I never could have...
Tom Carroll ’96
![Nora points out a sign in German: Herzlich Willkommen in St. Wolfgang.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/nora_frederickson_10.jpg?itok=ReasaKQH)
On her semester abroad
“What does dancing on the bar of a rural Austrian disco have to do with an Oberlin education? (Answer inside!)”
Nora Frederickson ’10
![Two people play beach volleyball.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/derrick_bean_09.jpg?itok=hHxzpmOH)
On the work-play balance at Oberlin
“I can study archeology, work out to pass the next fitness test, and rehearse my scene for Shakespeare class, all the while hanging out with people from all social circles with diverse interests.”
Derrick Bean ’09
![Fencing practice in full gear](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/alex_edwards_12.jpg?itok=bb6v6rGa)
On teaching the fencing ExCo
“I learned that teaching an ExCo is about more than just talking at the students and expecting them to learn - it’s about listening and attempting to modify each aspect of the class to fit the...
Alex Edwards ’12
![Qian extends her palms as if she's holding the sun.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/qian_cheng_13.jpg?itok=z5IZZKP9)
On finding her path
“Oberlin opens up so many opportunities and challenges for students to explore life choices that even if you have absolutely no idea what you are heading for... you will always somehow find your...
Qian Cheng ’13