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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![David sits in a recycling bin on the steps of the Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/david_fisher_12.jpg?itok=mHDAD6od)
On his work at the Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research
“Working for eco-social transformation in Oberlin is endowing me with a far deeper understanding of many things, including how to write a grant proposal, build a project vision, and seek to change...
David Fisher ’12
![Field hockey team photo](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/aditi_banerjee_17.jpg?itok=VEnYrJaL)
On finding friends on the field hockey team
“A camaraderie developed—probably born out of undergoing the rigors of preseason together—which blossomed into close friendships over the course of the season.”
Aditi Banerjee ’17
![College student volunteers and elementary-age students all wear matching SITES tee-shirts.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/kim_faber.jpg?itok=RB2DnfER)
On Oberlin’s SITES program
“What began as one mom’s hope to have a language program for her 5-year old son is now providing the opportunity for every elementary-school child in Oberlin to experience another language.”
Prof. Kim Faber
![A woman asks a question at a fruits & vegetables stand.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/young_kim_85.jpg?itok=izGRqB3q)
On starting an agency to help inner city Milwaukee residents eat fresh, local food
“Oberlin gave me the balanced education and multi-disciplinary vision that makes this work possible...I learned to be confident, curious, tenacious, generous, and inclusive.”
Young Kim ’85
![Kelsey aims a ballpoint pen at an off-screen target](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/kelsey_atkinson_12.jpg?itok=_ALYjZaH)
On the Slam Poetry ExCo
“I was thrilled that I found an ExCo that so closely suited my interests and motivated me to keep writing, revising, and sharing my poems.”
Kelsey Atkinson ’12
![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
![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
![Robert and his spouse Steven pose with a fluffy poodle.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/robert_frascino_74.jpg?itok=w94Orov2)
On things gained from his time here
“Oberlin taught me many things ... It allowed me to evolve, survive and thrive in ways I never could have imagined on that sunny afternoon thirty-five years ago flinging a Frisbee with Cousin Itt and...
Robert Frascino ’74
![House with many windows](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lisa_amor_petrov_85.jpg?itok=vqqnfYT8)
On living in the Women’s Collective
“I was blessed by the intimacy that can come from searching, together with other women, for an understanding of what it means to be a feminist.”
Lisa Amor Petrov ’85
![Kayakers on a lake](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/hannah_fuson_11.jpg?itok=AE33eWKJ)
On exploring new things
“I saw an outing club poster on a bulletin board. Though skeptical, I signed up for the trip, and spent a day hiking around the Appalachian foothills... [and] I never looked back.”
Hannah Fuson ’11
![Asishana intently studies an open textbook](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/asishana_osho_10.jpg?itok=WFAI8O7o)
On being pre-med
“Oberlin has a great reputation among graduate schools. According to one of my [medical school] interviewers, we are known for producing some of the ‘most talented, most versatile and most driven...
Asishana Osho ’10
![Sandy Waters](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sandy_waters_71.jpg?itok=YLaJVQB4)
On the Oberlin student body
“My Oberlin friends came from... all over the place. All races and all faiths, they had attended both public and private high schools... they were independent, intellectually curious, intelligent,...
Sandy Waters ’71