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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![Amanda proudly shows a sapling she has planted.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/amanda-salmons_560x420.jpg?itok=Wk87zdY_)
On Tending the Learning Garden
I learned what grew where and when each species bloomed...I learned that actively engaging in nature, every day, is the best teacher of these things—better than any book or classroom could ever do...
Amanda Salmons ’23
![Harriet stands by a waterfall.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/harriet_mcsurdy_23.jpg?itok=uMBV-DMd)
On Promoting Youth Climate Action
‘‘Prior to attending Oberlin, I was unaware of the extent and impact of climate change. In the fall as a first-year, I was introduced to research in the environmental studies department and was...
Harriet McSurdy ’23
![A group poses with papier-mache dragon's head, vintage 1970s](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/asia-house-dragon.jpg?itok=XgbJesUq)
On the Asia House dragon
“It would have been tedious work except that it was ambitious, self-directed, and had nothing to do with classes or credits. What made it something to look forward to was the enjoyment of working...
Bill Heinrich ’81
![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
![Victoria González-Rivera](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/victoria_gonzalez_rivera_90.jpg?itok=E6BJG5Ah)
On writing Nicaraguan women’s history
“I became a feminist and started to focus on an overarching question that would absorb much of my time over the next two decades: why assume that only white women fought back against sexism before...
Victoria González-Rivera ’90
![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 group of people seated in a boat on a mountain lake.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/peter_nguyen_16.jpg?itok=s7YIM6qM)
On studying away
“I’m very passionate about exploring the world because I believe experiencing many different cultures is integral to developing a wider understanding, as well as a deeper connection to one’s self.”
Peter Nguyen ’16
![SciFi residents gather around a hoard of toy laser guns and light sabers spread out on a pool table](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/julie_lopresto_12.jpg?itok=dlt2fEMT)
On living on SciFi Hall
“...when I step out my door, there will be a friendly face around the corner. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had there, and have found what I’m proud to call my home at Oberlin.”
Julie Lopresto ’12
![A group of friends at night, some of them sprawled on the grass](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/emily_brennan_15.jpg?itok=WWEnTEPg)
On making friends
“The benefits of the meaningful conversations I had with my new friends outside of the classroom were robust... My friends became my teachers — a true Oberlin education.”
Emily Brennan ’15
![At a table with sign Christ Cares for Cancer stands a group of people wearing tee shirts that say Relay for Life: Hope](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/amanda_turley_10.jpg?itok=F6g2Sgix)
On fighting back
“My freshman year, I joined the planning committee for Oberlin’s first ever Relay for Life. For the event, I started my own team: the Pirates Dueling Cancer, decked out in black and red pirate attire...
Amanda Turley ’10
![Rachel at a French canal.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/rachel_ippolito_13.jpg?itok=dcF-MU4c)
On studying abroad in France
“I was lost. But rather than moping around in disappointment, I decided to embrace the novelty of all that was around me.”
Rachel Ippolito ’13
![A college student reads to agroup of attentive preschoolers](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_350/public/content/story/image/leah_awkward-rich_17.jpg?itok=jOd70HxH)
On tutoring at Head Start
“I witnessed the kids I spent several hours a week with mature emotionally and personally, and I was given the opportunity to participate as they learned brand new concepts.”
Leah Awkward-Rich ’17