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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![Orchestra on stage at Carnegie Hall](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/hannah_levinson_09.jpg?itok=uNAKsBuG)
On playing Carnegie Hall
“I never truly understood the relationship between a conductor and an orchestra until I played under Robert Spano ’83.”
Hannah Levinson ’09
![Sammy and friends play a boardgame.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/sammy_moores_17.jpg?itok=GAkNsTar)
On finding a home on SciFi Hall
“Like many incoming first-years, the thought of having a roommate and finding a solid group of friends was extremely daunting.”
Sammy Moores ’17
![A violinist plays at the center of a tightly positioned ensemble](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/avery_waite_10.jpg?itok=cWErWktE)
On Oberlin’s Contemporary Music Ensemble
“In this new music, I heard nothing, only an ugly idiom that my ear could not, would not grasp... Then something happened that I’ll never forget.”
Avery Waite ’10
![Matt works at a food slicing machine.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/matt_oconnell_09.jpg?itok=xT5T6ElT)
On a special meal at his co-op
“For me, this meal was exactly what Oberlin’s co-ops are all about: making food with your friends, and knowing exactly where your meal came from.”
Matt O'Connell ’09
![Group of people posing on steps](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/jane_clark_16.jpg?itok=RwTjNlf2)
On opportunities and the people who help you grab them
“The people I have met at Oberlin have recognized potential in me that I did not know existed and held me together when I felt that I might crack.”
Jane Clark ’16
![Informal team photo.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/simone_christen_15.jpg?itok=2ofeI1gt)
On being a part of the Oberlin swimming and diving team
“[It] means becoming absorbed into a large family of people who are committed to exploring their lives athletically and academically in various ways.”
Simone Christen ’15
![1970s era running team](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/carla_white_freyvogel_79.jpg?itok=GByr7sVa)
On being one of the first female runners
“Running became a political statement for me... while other women made statements in class, delivering heart-pounding lectures, papers, and demonstrations, I put on my shoes and ran with the men.”
Carla White Freyvogel ’79
![With a waterfall in the background, Miranda stands by an informational sign headlined Healthy Habitat.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/miranda_fisher_12.jpg?itok=dcR3uB_V)
On an interdisciplinary education
“Learning isn’t just about memorizing static content for a specific class; it’s about shattering the boundaries of a subject and seeing how you can apply its content in different contexts.”
Miranda Fisher ’12
![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
![Teresa Heinz Housel](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/teresa_heinz_housel_94.jpg?itok=jjFyiVTX)
On being at Oberlin
“I could safely question the cultural values that had been drilled into me as the truth, and with that security, I could intellectually and emotionally reach my full potential. ”
Teresa Heinz Housel ’94
![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
![Nina works on a omputer. There's a rubber ducky on top of the monitor. A sticker reads 'Trees are bad for pollution.'](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/nina_paroff_12.jpg?itok=6_dpwDZP)
On becoming an editor in chief
“I’m focusing on what The Grape could be in the future. I love The Grape for what it’s worth. I love the stinky office, the stinky staff, and the paper itself, typos and all.”
Nina Paroff ’12