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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![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
![Christopher with 2 men, all wearing suits](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/christopher_sanders_08.jpg?itok=4KP5kV-b)
On the lifelong connection to Oberlin’s values
“Oberlin instills in each student a dedication to improving the lives of others... I continue to incorporate my four years of experiences into my everyday life while working in the U.S. House of...
Christopher Sanders ’08
![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
![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
![Six friends with arms around each other](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/david_fegley_13.jpg?itok=1Bd7dr5o)
On friendship
“Rather than watch Melanie’s cold slowly progress, we, her loyal third-floor Barrows friends, decided to take action. We needed a holiday, a new holiday, to celebrate all things Melanie.”
David Fegley ’13
![2 people at a campsite picnic table](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/adina_langer_06.jpg?itok=Btt2kQfz)
On a fateful spring break
“In the spring of 2004, I embarked on my first ever camping trip with two of my best friends from Oberlin ... I didn’t know yet, but on that trip, I’d caught a permanent case of the research bug. I...
Adina Langer ’06
![P.J. Carter](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/pj_carter_09.jpg?itok=V3kZdEV1)
On organizing a mentoring program in Lorain, OH
“The culture of Oberlin encourages students to get deeply involved in what they are passionate about and to make a difference.”
PJ Carter ’09
![Emma takes a selfie with two calves on a winter day](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/emma_marshall_18.jpg?itok=YWAQ5BYn)
On the freedom of a month of independent study
“Winter term at Oberlin has taught me to follow my instinct. Winter term isn’t about finding a perfect project that will make your life story more exciting; it’s about finding yourself in a project.”
Emma Marshall ’18
![Karen seated at a harpsichord](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/karen_flint_64.jpg?itok=UyyQq1XH)
In summarizing her many Oberlin memories
“There is so much to do and learn at Oberlin... if you are admitted, choose Oberlin; when there, take as many different courses as you can, meet as many people as possible.”
Karen Gebhart Flint ’64
![American students with a Japanese family](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/amy_hourcade_15.jpg?itok=_voBu6Fz)
On her winter term in Tokyo
“I was thrust out of my comfort zone, thanks to Oberlin, and have never been happier.”
Amy Hourcade ’15
![Zoe strikes an acrobatic pose on the trapeze.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/zoe_beach_17.jpg?itok=cgyG3xbH)
On keeping a dream alive
“While I chose Oberlin for the strength and opportunities of its science programs, I was overjoyed to find that Oberlin not only had a circus, but it had the facilities and equipment for aerial work.”
Zoe Beach ’17
![Rebecca with a group of people in a city setting.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rebecca_klein_18.jpg?itok=c6EgZAso)
On reawakening an interest in accessibility
“As a Student Accessibility Advocate, my world at Oberlin expanded. I met new people just as interested in conversations about disability as I was, people whom I now consider some of my closest...
Rebecca Klein ’18