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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![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
![Students with President Krislov show off creates full of lightbullbs](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/kristin_braziunas_08.jpg?itok=VmfFqcDS)
On coordinating the Light Bulb Brigade
“Ten months, 10,000 light bulbs, and one bachelor’s degree later... this is something that for me has come to define Oberlin.”
Kristin Braziunas ’08
![A group of friends with a shopping cart full of books](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/evan_cameron_15.jpg?itok=7AIl4mZK)
On being part of establishing SWAP, a book cooperative
“Several members of the class and I thought, “Wait a second. We’re doing all of this work to describe this co-op. Why don’t we make this idea a reality?””
Evan Cameron ’15
![With a snowy mountaintop in the background, Andy stands at a wood post marked with Japanese writing](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/andy_bartholomew_07.jpg?itok=B6gILAhn)
On biking across Japan
“From March 15th to June 10th, I cycled from Kyushu to Nagano. Nearly every day I flash back to some moment of my trip to Japan. I’ll hop on my bike, or see a train, and I’ll remember my first day...
Andy Bartholomew ’07
![Rose and a friend have fun carving a pumpkin.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rose_guardino_17.jpg?itok=yELY7Wmd)
On the real breakfast club
“Our crew is composed of varsity athletes, artists, intramural people, scholars, and scientists...We recognize that everyone has something to offer and deserves to be heard.”
Rose Guardino ’17
![Luke strikes a pose](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/luke_herrine_10.jpg?itok=3fwX9TOZ)
On being part of a team
“I heard a knock on my door. I opened it to find every single Horsecow who had come out to practice that day staring back at me. The Flying Horsecows [make] everybody love to play Ultimate, even when...
Luke Herrine ’10
![Hannah seated at an outdoor café](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/hannah_varadi_15.jpg?itok=YBa73xrA)
On a (failed) attempt at an individual major
“I now have a better grasp of how all my language-based interests—translation, journalism, and, yes, fiction writing—tie into comparative literature.”
Hannah Varadi ’15
![Avital by a sunny window](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/avital_isaacs_10.jpg?itok=Q-PcYWQ0)
On the spirit of Oberlin
“Oberlin draws the creative, the overstimulated, the passionate, and puts them together for four years to marinate.”
Avital Isaacs ’10
![Sarah prepares a lesson plan.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sarah_fries_12.jpg?itok=Pqv44149)
On teaching the Planet Earth ExCo
“Most students at Oberlin are conscious of environmental pollution and the rapid depletion of resources. I wanted to tap into that awareness and help it manifest.”
Sarah Fries ’12