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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![A group of friends, all smiling](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/chetan_poudel_14.jpg?itok=GdeyFc0N)
On being an international student at Oberlin
“The international student orientation days always come to mind as serving as the springboard that launched me headfirst into the charms of Oberlin’s diverse and global connections.”
Chetan Poudel ’14
![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
![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
![Group of students on the steps of a house](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/dagmawi_gebreselasse_14.jpg?itok=wfK0aiKK)
On embracing independence
“Since coming to Oberlin, I have been fully responsible for my life and making important life decisions...I have started listening to myself and following my own path.”
Dagmawi Gebreselasse ’14
![A mysterious man in sunglasses grabs a notebook held by another.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/aaron_mucciolo_02.jpg?itok=M2QMK7gR)
On ObieGame
“Five years ago two Obies created a game. Showing great wit, they named it ObieGame. Beyond this, facts are amorphous at best.”
Aaron Mucciolo ’02
![Students wait outside the museum, some in tents and sleeping bags.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/erik_inglis_89.jpg?itok=ApcZ9MKu)
On the art rental program
“All those students lined up for art rental aren’t just waiting patiently in a line; they’re also actively teaching each other and learning from each other, sharing their enthusiasms and gaining new...
Prof. Erik Inglis ’89
![A volleyball player jumps for a ball high above the net](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/elizabeth_wong_12.jpg?itok=TZzq403U)
On her first home volleyball game at Oberlin
“It had been my dream to play college volleyball since I can remember and as I stood star struck looking up at the flag, I could not help but smile and realize that I had done it. I was living the...
Elizabeth Wong ’12
![2 colelge students with 3 young children](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/katie_hart_11.jpg?itok=ceIUb90H)
On her Winter Term in a Belgian refugee center
“As cultural and linguistic barriers melted away, each one of us was able to make valuable friendships with the staff and residents of this center that had opened its arms to us and welcomed any new...
Katie Hart ’11
![Five women attending a conference](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/amanda_medress_09.jpg?itok=PWgZnK2H)
On the Oberlin College Dialogue Center
“We handle conflict through a social justice lens, which means acknowledging that differences in power and privilege inherently affect human interaction.”
Amanda Medress ’09
![Rob plays acoustic guitar at the Oberlin Farmers' Market.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rob_jamner_17.jpg?itok=JoQ9Rk0R)
On founding Oberlin Songwriters
“In just a few weeks I met a number of students and community members who shared my passion for songwriting.”
Rob Jamner ’17
![Arches of balloons in front of the Mudd building](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/george_saines_08.jpg?itok=DvBXuZVj)
On the genesis of a company
“[My roommate] had a crazy idea: working for yourself and starting a company is way more creative and fulfilling than working at a preexisting company, and here we are six months after graduation [...
George Saines ’08
![Lillie performs a role on stage](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/lillie_chilen_08.jpg?itok=fJDXGgyG)
On playing Poppea
“It’s still hard to believe that as a lowly undergrad, I got the chance to play Poppea - opera’s earliest gold digger - and find the music that truly fits my voice.”
Lillie Chilen ’08