Q&A with Ana Richardson ’18

Ana Richardson ’18, admissions counselor, works in the College of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office and is part of the multicultural recruitment team. While at Oberlin, Richardson studied neuroscience and psychology and was on the track and field team. She began her role in admissions in July 2019.

Get to know more about Richardson in this Q&A.

Describe your role in six words.

I love Oberlin, so should you!

What’s the best advice someone gave you?

You can't please everyone. If you try to, you will always be working to please other people instead of yourself.

Most regrettable fashion choice?

I use to rock Peppermint Patty (from the Peanuts comic) bangs in middle school.

Do you have a favorite concert?

No Name Gypsy at the ‘Sco.

What was your favorite class in college? 

Professor Cal Biruk’s Medical Anthropology class was my favorite. In it, we considered how the history of medicine is deeply entangled with cultural bias, and we examined the way in which scientific language has the ability to be dangerous. We also thought about the importance and influence of people’s beliefs about diseases and how we attach social meaning to these diseases. As a science major, it was very eye-opening and important to think of how medicine is related to individuals and the impact that diagnosis has on people’s lives.

Who are the most important people in your life? 

My little brothers are the most important people in my life. I love seeing Jahi, Eric, Charlie, and Aidan become positive, hardworking, compassionate, and free-thinking individuals. When I am with my brothers, I am in my happy place!