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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![Sitting on the Freedom House porch, which rests on cinder blocks, Matthew holds a rifle. Black and white photo circa late 1960's.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/matthew_rinaldi_69.jpg?itok=hi9SYFP-)
On working with the Oberlin Action for Civil Rights
“Oberlin played a major role in the student civil rights movement... Not just one person, but many people, linked arm and arm together, ended the reign of white supremacy in the Deep South.”
Matthew Rinaldi ’69
![Group of people line dancing](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jackie_mostow_12.jpg?itok=bnd2sPUo)
On starting the One Song Dance Parties in Mudd
“It answered the rarely asked question: why shouldn’t stress reduction and (albeit short) physical activity be fun, promoted, and in an academic space?”
Jackie Mostow ’12
![Brendab holding a bat](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/brendan_veeneman_07.jpg?itok=d6hLuaUV)
On learning beyond one’s major
“I think it is a uniquely Oberlin phenomenon that introductory courses are every bit as interesting and rigorous as upper level courses, and it was this strength that encouraged me to diversify my...
Brendan Veeneman ’07
![Members of the co-op pose holding bike parts.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sophie_newman_17.jpg?itok=SzH9UFaV)
On practicing problem solving
“It wasn’t until I joined the Oberlin Bike Co-op that I realized just how satisfying finding an answer can be.”
Sophie Newman ’17
![Five performers together on stage.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/molly_gorin_16.jpg?itok=3ODDnxFE)
On merging dance lives
“I never thought I would be able to put a rapper dance side by side with a contemporary duet, but here I am today.”
Molly Gorin ’16
![Jocie and a friend find a balloon by a wall of post office boxes](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jocie_sobieraj_15.jpg?itok=JJIhuogh)
On birthday celebrations
“Had my roommate known that I had secretly always wanted to do a scavenger hunt for my birthday ever since my older sister had one when I was 8? Probably not.”
Jocie Sobieraj ’15
![Three friends with silly grins](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/christopher_ayoub_15.jpg?itok=u4cUUqzN)
On making new friends
“Our relationship began with laughter and silliness, and Kelin has been my dorky big sister away from home ever since.”
Christopher Ayoub ’15
![Thomas's ID photo from the 1970s.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/thomas_kutzen_76.jpg?itok=LqaB-sfV)
On being successful in business
“It takes the same willingness to be involved that I discovered at Oberlin, the ability to examine the community and to be an individual therein with the right blend of independence, challenge,...
Thomas Kutzen ’76
![Noel playing lacrosse.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/noel_myers_14.jpg?itok=6yNEfxn1)
On the opportunity to study in Brazil
“This internship made me realize how alternative energy and clean water can improve the health of community members and that it is fundamental to their economic development.”
Noel Myers ’14
![Group of students](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/daniel_domaguin_06.jpg?itok=24-yk9pG)
On organizing a conference his senior year
“[it was] an event whose legacy affects others and permeates the thought processes, ideals and actions of students who continue to advocate for Ethnic Studies, equality and social justice on campus...
Daniel Domaguin ’06
![Abigail Lofchie](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/abigail_lofchie_12.jpg?itok=82Q6GZQ5)
On being a biology tutor
“I like... seeing students become comfortable with the material so that they can enjoy it instead of just seeing the class as a source of stress.”
Abigail Lofchie ’12
![A cellist practices with the score laid out on the floor.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lewis_nielson.jpg?itok=u8ZC2rLx)
On Oberlin’s composition students
“It’s routine for me to be told by our guests that our students are the best they encounter anywhere in the world, not just for the quality of the works they display but also for the incisiveness of...
Prof. Lewis Nielson