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 pair of hands places the top on a jack-o-lantern](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jane_sandberg_10.jpg?itok=W1VQRd6M)
On facing fears
“Sometimes the best way to get over an issue is to throw yourself into the middle of it and figure out how to make it work for you. This was the story of my first year at Oberlin... Oberlin is a...
Jane Sandberg ’10
![Two swimmers in the pool.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/shira_korn_11.jpg?itok=UeckxMUG)
On Oberlin being a Division III school
“This means that athletes are not allowed assistance in the admissions process or monetary incentives to come to a school, [which] meant that everyone on our team was participating purely for love of...
Shira Korn ’11
![A cockatiel is perched on Cassandra's finder](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/cassandra_dean_17.jpg?itok=aVUw-Zhi)
On becoming a good researcher
“I am now able to conduct research at a higher level than most people expect of an undergraduate student, and my ability to network and schedule have improved dramatically.”
Cassandra Dean ’17
![Miata and 2 others work in the tall grass next to a brick building.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/miata_rogers_14.jpg?itok=UnM-bT8-)
On the larger Oberlin Community
“I was looking for a college with a town...I wanted to be able to engage in a community outside of the college itself. I found that when I visited Oberlin.”
Miata Rogers ’14
![Three people in formal menswear](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/josh_sobel_09.jpg?itok=f8T4XBNi)
On theater during Winter Term
“Friendships are strengthened, working relationships are fostered, and creativity blossoms as everyone comes together to spend a month making art. ”
Josh Sobel ’09
![Six people walk across a road in single file.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sylvia_woodmansee_15.jpg?itok=WCK5EnAA)
On coordinating alternative spring break trips
“I appreciate the drive of everyone in the IYS leader group and their willingness to continue reflecting and moving forward with our ideas and work. ”
Sylvia Woodmansee ’15
![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
![Two people hold up the flag of Chile](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/nico_lara_18.jpg?itok=6B5gmAR5)
On finding community
“For me, La Casa has been an important touchstone with which to keep in contact with my Latino heritage and language--all too easy to lose sight of in the hustle and bustle of pursuing academics and...
Nico Lara ’18
![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
![Phoebe shows off a broken piñata.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/phoebe_hammer_14.jpg?itok=tAqzBhZO)
On unexpected birthday surprises
“In that chord, I felt the warmth of belonging—my voice lost in the blend of others around me.”
Phoebe Hammer ’14
![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
![Two students with YB](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/kantara_souffrant_08.jpg?itok=uAf_61Xp)
On the Oberlin College Dialogue Center
“[we work] with the hopes of building an inclusive campus-climate and global community where individuals can interact with each other earnestly ... and live amongst each other with a sense of...
Kantara Souffrant ’08