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.
Add your story
![Stewart's Oberlin College ID card, expiration date June 1974. Stewart has very long hair.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/stewart_kohl_77.jpg?itok=MTxF-32n)
On the ethos of Oberlin
“What made Oberlin outstanding then is still its magic - the students who want to learn, the faculty who want to teach, and the intense tradition of intellectual curiosity.”
Stewart Kohl ’77
![Nathan Heidelberger and Helmut Lachenmann](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/nathan_heidelberger_10.jpg?itok=1eODHj9x)
On working with composer Helmut Lachenmann
“Working with him was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I don’t think it could have happened anywhere else, at least not for a non-pianist like me.”
Nathan Heidelberger ’10
![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
![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
![A woman shows the front cover of The Synapse magazine.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/veronica_burnham_14.jpg?itok=-q139Rza)
On the creation of Synapse
“With these two “I want to do!” and “I can do!” revelations, I was set on it - I would create a magazine for science.”
Veronica Burnham ’14
![Woman wearing headphones and microphone on a production set.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/paula_gordon_68.jpg?itok=rsegP_AE)
On her first job in television
“Was I qualified? Well … if a passion for democracy, a work ethic honed by four wonderfully challenging years at Oberlin, and a hunger to succeed counted - and we could skip the part about what he...
Paula Gordon ’68
![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
![People with plates of food in a small wooden structure.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rachel_bouer_12.jpg?itok=nh3tttS7)
On building a community
“The lights of the Sukkah exceeded my expectations. A full belly and a fall scarf kept me warm as the lights around me glowed, showing off the work the co-op had done together the day before. Oberlin...
Rachel Bouer ’12
![Lauren is seated at a folding table covered with papers and books](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lauren_crawford_16.jpg?itok=-vwmk45m)
On teaching an ExCo on Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment
“I realized I needed to create a space where I could discuss many issues present in contemporary Christian theology with only my peers.”
Lauren Crawford ’16
![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