My time at Oberlin has truly been an experience of a lifetime. It has brought in so many different surprises and blessings along the way. It is a great environment that has allowed for me to grow and flourish more than I could have ever imagined. It gave me an opportunity to genuinely embrace the title 'student-athlete'. In addition to 4 fantastic years playing football, I had 2 great years serving the student body on Student Senate. I also had the time to be a part of OUR's research fellowship and conduct research on behalf of the psychology department. One of the biggest highlights of my time at Oberlin was joining the dance department in my sophomore year! I will always be grateful for the times that I have built, the family that I developed and the memories that will never fade.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in the spring of my junior year in 2019. I spent 6 months in South America studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Santiago, Chile and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin space was Tappan Square! For some reason or another, it always kept me centered and relaxed in times of stress.
Athletics
Football
Clubs & Organizations
Christian Fellowship
Student Senate
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The most memorable Oberlin moment was the last game of my junior year season when Robbie Reinheimer caught a touchdown in the back end of the end zone, shook the ball, did the cold stone Steve Austin and proceeded to spike the ball and stroll off back to our bench. You just can't make that kind of thing up.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
A few months ago I interned for LRT Sports and have since been placed as a business development associate.
Oberlin has been the best four years of my life, and probably will be the best four years I will ever experience. I have been able to meet people from all over the world who have become my best friends, I have been able to play the sport that I love far longer than most people are able to play and I have been able to study material that I truly enjoy. I will always cherish the lasting memories that I have made in a little rural town in Ohio. They say that in college you are there for a good time, not a long time, I wish that I could stay at Oberlin for a long time.
Study Abroad
Yes, Sicily during Winter Term 2018
Favorite Class
Advanced Macroeconomics because the class had real applications to the problems faced by the U.S. economy in 2008.
I’m completing my dual-major in Creative Writing and Hispanic Studies after four great years at Oberlin. I’ve spent several winter terms abroad, watching theater in Russia and touring museums in Spain. I took over the Tolkien Exco, and taught the Silmarillion to students for the latter portion of my time on campus. I worked in Mudd, quietly organizing countless books in the basement. I got my first dog, my ESA, Bree. And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve begun my first novel. While I’m leaving Oberlin uncertain of my future, I know I will back on my undergrad years fondly.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
North Quad - the large oaks, the memories of snowy creations in winter, the walks I took there.
Favorite Class
Memory Battles of the Spanish Civil War - a truly fascinating class with a wonderful professor.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Seeing Infinity War and Endgame for the first time in the Apollo with a full theater of us rowdy college students.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Teaching a summer camp instructor position on Creative Writing in NJ.
During my time at Oberlin I loved sitting in the grass with friends, moving along the bike path, doing work on thee old wilder porch, 4th floor Terrell had a special place in my heart, eating in Keep/Hark/stevie, Sunday morning long runs followed by the long slog of Sunday Wilder meetings. I loved living with Jordan in Kahn 310 my 1st year, in Fairkid with Maddie as a 2nd year, back up north on goldsmith 3rd year, and finally in the lovely Swamp 4th year. 87 E Lorain and its inhabitants have my whole heart.
Study Abroad
Dakar, Senegal with CIEE in the Spring of 2019. It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Warner Dance Hall Monitor
Favorite Place
The cross-country and track locker rooms are far and away my favorite place on this campus. It is filled with the SILLIEST and KINDEST humans. I've walked into that room crying, I've walked in laughing and it never fails to make me feel loved and at home.
Favorite Class
Imperialism and Global War with Charmain Chua because she introduced me to new theorist/ways of seeing the world. She was kind, fiercely intelligent, and generally just super cool human.
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct (PRSM)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Maybe... dancing at splitchers until the lights came on and then running down Woodland in the pouring rain, barefoot, belting ABBA with best friends as we run to shower and continue the dance party.
My time at Oberlin has been just epic and fun mostly except a few stressful epochs wherein I felt massively overwhelmed by academics and my choice to involve myself in a lot on campus (a college cliche, don't I know). However, I would truly say my time here has been net positive. I adore the friends I've made, the academic work I have created, and appreciate the physical place of Oberlin more every day.
Study Abroad
Yep- I studied abroad my Spring semester of Junior year in Mexico with the Mexico Solidarity Network program.
Campus Jobs
PRSM Trainer
Favorite Place
The bike path! It is the best place to watch the change of seasons take place. It is the best feeling in the world to be biking or running along the path with pals on a beautiful (sunny or snowy) day!
Favorite Class
The Sociology of Sexuality with Greggor Mattson. The conversations always were tangential to the readings but always in productive, interesting ways. I wrote one of my favorite papers ever for that class.
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin in Solidarity with El Salvador
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
OSteel
Pitch Please!
Green EDGE Fund
Notable Quote
"Please can somebody continue teaching an 80's aerobics exco after we're gone!? We'll give you all our choreography notes" - Joy and Julia Denlinger, spring 2020 exco dance teachers extraordinares
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Coming back to campus for commencement after being abroad all spring and hugging and seeing all my friends for the first time in what felt like forever. It was so overwhelming but I realized just how much I loved it here and how amazing my friends are.
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I am doing a year long fellowship with a magazine called Sojourners in Washington DC starting in the fall, doing some editing and researching for them, but mostly working as an organizer on their racial justice campaign.
Hi, my name is Kathryn (Kat). I am an English and Creative writing double major. Why does the yearbook have to be PG? This is college, no one is PG– even the professors cursed. I was apart of Girls in Motion, Oberlin Student Theatre Association as the secretary, and Neurotic Fiction most recently. I mean, come one we are in hell right now, let us curse. Cursing is healing. I worked the Azariah's counter this past semester, making okay chatter and okay coffee drinks. I mean, this is all me– I feel so bitter that I would complain about anything. But this definitely brings back bad high school memories, where I'm not really popular or social enough to end up in the yearbook photos. In Fall 2017, I was apart of OSTA's production of Jacob Britton's The Odds, where I played boy-crazy best friend Veronica who I may or may not have interpreted as clinically insane. And why are you asking for a senior photo, you know I don't have a senior photo? I wasn't one of those folks spending their last Oberlin days taking pictures in front of the North-Quad tree, I was too busy being an unphotogenic mess. But thank you for this anyway--hope everyone is doing okay and staying safe!
Study Abroad
Bath, England in spring 2019.
Favorite Place
The Mudd womb chairs. If you didn't put your feet down on the carpet, they stop spinning. The whole second-floor would get a 360-view of my conked-out drooling face. Good times.
Favorite Class
Teaching Imaginative Fiction. I loved teaching poetry to sixth graders, a grade that for me I especially struggled in and would have loved to have a program like this. Professor Lynn Powell is amazing, and if I could do my Oberlin education over, I would take this class twice.
Clubs & Organizations
BalletOberlin
Girls in Motion
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Neurotic Fiction Improv Trope
Notable Quote
"Staying in every night and watching sitcom reruns, it's like every night is Prom Night." –Conan O'Brien, Twitter, April 5th, 2020.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My first snowfall freshman year in Barrows. Oregon doesn't get that much snow so I was shocked to see how much had suddenly fallen in the middle of the night. And I was in a freshman dorm, so it felt like Christmas morning in the lobby. Everyone ran outside at midnight. I had a snowball fight with friends at 1am and made snow angels underneath the stars. I watched as some people made a snow penis (Is that PG? Snowman Johnson? Snow Schlong? Just cut the sentence if it doesn't work). It was great.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Crap. I don't know. Immediate plans, who has those? I don't know how I'm going to have a plan when I can't leave my house, but if someone out there does have a plan then major kudos. I still want to be a Production Assistant in LA, but God help me with that.
Looking back on my four years, I realized my happiest moments at Oberlin were filled with dance, advocacy work, and my community. As a first generation Latina, it was not only important for me to take advantage of my education, but also find community and seek opportunities to give back to those I care deeply about. Underserved communities and those who have made sacrifices for my success are the ones I am always trying to reach back for and give back to.
As a person who loves problem solving and numbers, I became an economics major and eventually a business scholar, a program where I experienced personal and professional growth. Aside from academics, it’s been a pleasure and honor serving as co-chair of La Alianza Latinx and Movimiento for three years. In these spaces, I was able to give back and stay true to my values by co-creating a living-learning house for Latinx identifying individuals, supporting and mentoring younger students, and organizing events in collaboration with other cultural organizations.
After Oberlin, I will be working as a financial analyst at AON with the dream of later creating my own non-profit that supports underserved communities of color in Chicago.
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
SOAR Leader
PAL
Student Employment Office
Favorite Place
Wilder 208 was my favorite place at Oberlin because I met some of the most important people in my life there and because of all the memories made and unforgettable times spent there. It was the space I laughed and smiled in the most.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Oberlin Dance Company with Talise Campbell because it allowed me to rediscover my love for dance and create and showcase my own work. I was a part of a production that not only had deep meaning to me but broadcasted powerful and emotional messages about the history of African dance in Oberlin with an integration of culture, empowerment, struggle, and triumph.
Clubs & Organizations
And What!?
La Alianza Latinx
Movimiento
Posse Scholar
Kinetique
El Centro Volunteer Initiative
Notable Quote
"El haragán trabaja dos veces."
- Mi madre, toda mi vida
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Upon graduation, I’ll be joining the Finance Leadership Program as a Financial Analyst at Aon in Chicago.
I am an Economics major and Comparative American Studies minor. During my time at Oberlin, I was a Bonner Scholar, an Oberlin Business Scholar, and an officer for the Finance and Investment Club. These last four years at Oberlin College have changed my life. From my Bonner Service with Ninde and America Counts, to conference championship wins as an athlete, to weekend trips during my semester abroad in Berlin, and to the friends I've made along the way, I am incredibly grateful for my Oberlin experience.
Study Abroad
Yes, Berlin Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
America Counts, Ninde, Bonner Leadership Team, Gym staff
Ninde
Bonner Leadership Team
Gym staff
Favorite Place
The Bonner Center
Favorite Class
Urban Economics
Athletics
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
Bonner Scholar
Finance and Investment Club
Student Finance and Investment Club
Students Of Caribbean Ancestry
Women and Trans Economics Major Committee
Notable Quote
"You never know what bad luck has saved you from." - My Grandmother
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable moment at Oberlin was winning the NCAC Conference Track and Field Championships with my team freshman year!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I have been selected as a fellow for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals and will be spending the year in Germany, interning, and studying the German language.
I have been an OWL for two semesters(One and a half I guess because I really zoned out during quarantine), and a QS tutor for two semesters. I have been in Women and Trans Econ Committee, and it has been one of my best memories in Oberlin.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
The little garden and two benches beside Cox because it calms me down.
Favorite Class
So difficult but Linear Algebra because Prof Susan Jane Colley is the best
Clubs & Organizations
CLEAR
Notable Quote
My dog Carbon: woof(when he's chased by another dog who's even smaller than him in front of a bakery near my house). Footnote: it's the first time he barked.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My roommate and I buried a bottle of pickles in the Arbs. I miss her very much.
Oberlin is a wonderful place to study and be the better one. Alexa is one of the most patient, amazing Professors in the world. I learned a lot from her, and I appreciated she gave me such a wonderful studio family. School provided many performance chances to students. I found the confidence to play in front of people. I grew up in the orchestra. Maestro Jimez and Wiess taught me how to cooperate with people. I remember Maestro Jimez said, "playing without hesitation and everyone is the leader in the team." All high-quality recording equipment is provided for students. I always recorded in the concert hall, which helped me to improve as well. Professor Mcguire, Professor Leydon, Professor Alegant inspired me. Music history, music theory helped me understand music. One of the impressed part for me in this school were all the rehearsals for Chamber music. I learned how to cooperate with people, give them suggestions, and how to respect each other. I made a bunch of friends in Oberlin. School life in Oberlin is one of my impressed and important parts of my life. I am not regret anything I did in this school and I am proud of myself.
Study Abroad
undergraduate degree in US and master in Germany,
Campus Jobs
Student Union staff
ConPAL
Favorite Place
Kulas recital hall, a lot of performance and memory in there.
Favorite Class
Studio class, performance and getting comments from studiomate. so comfortable and relax.
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
Yoga Club
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Senior recital and orchestra concert(Mozart symphony no.39)
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I graduated earlier and applied to grad school in Germany.
I'm graduating with a biology major and a chemistry minor. I've taken a couple of French classes and lived in the French house for one year. I also took several secondary flute classes and performed in the A&S Chamber Music concert. I feel lucky that I got to work for The Synapse as chief layout editor and enjoyed every moment I spent with the board members. Finally, I completed my honors research in my fourth year with Professor. Cruz.
Study Abroad
Nope.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Quantitative Skill Tutor at CLEAR
Favorite Place
Azariah cafe. The amount of noise there is usually just about right!
Favorite Class
Enjoyed most higher level bio/chem class!
Clubs & Organizations
The Synapse
Oberlin Art & Science Chamber Music
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Running around catching escaping lab animal...
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Going to dental school in Philadelphia (UPenn Dental Medicine).
Hey Oberlin Class of 2020! Im Min Hye and Im a Psychology major and Rhetoric and Composition minor. I was born in Seoul and I moved to Vancouver, Canada when I was 8 and lived there until I finished high school. I worked at the writing center and also as a course writing associate for several semesters. Being a WA/CWA was such a valuable experience for me and it was so fulfilling to work together with fellow students and help them improve their writing. I also Iove to work out and eat good food. I remember I was so excited when the college added the Shanks wellness center, as well as the Yeofit program. I played a lot of tennis my last semester, and I am planning to keep on playing. Feve brunch is my favorite and Aladdins is a close runner up. I loved playing DND with my friends every Friday night. I felt so lucky to be able to get to know my friends and hang out with them. My favorite memories are when we went on trips to Crocker Park. I miss Oberlin already, and Im also looking forward to whats next. Congrats, Oberlin class of 2020!
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
Mudd and Science Center. I feel a sense of calmness when I go into these libraries.
Favorite Class
West African Dance. I loved sound of the drums and it was so interesting to learn about the music, dance, and culture of West Africa
Clubs & Organizations
OSHOTS
Notable Quote
Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present. Thomas Monson
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Too many! Taking research methods and staying up all night to finish the final project, Stevie dinner with friends, and my halloween costumes (sumo wrestler and catwoman)
I did it all here in Oberlin Ohio thanks to my gifted and hot BFFs, the Computer Science and Dance Departments, and OSCA. I'll see you on the dance floor when the world reopens and we are together again.
Study Abroad
Aquincum Institute of Technology in Budapest, Hungary in Fall 2018
Favorite Place
Warner Main, whose floors have seen so much history.
Favorite Class
Creative Interventions Online and IRL because of the gossip!
Clubs & Organizations
Big Parade
FABB: FQTPOC Artists Breaking Boundaries
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Samba School
Notable Quote
"Every part of a space contains knowledge of every other" Bill Viola, 1975
I major in violin and I am from a foreign country, and I feel growth each and every day during my time at Oberlin. I used to think that I knew so much, so much that I could look down to those who did not know. Oberlin taught me that there is always more to learn, and someone who does not know what I know would always know something that I do not know. Oberlin has given me the perfect space that has the perfect balance to enlarge my comfort zone without too much of pain. Taking over some important roles in the orchestra has especially showed me my potentials and shortness, and as much as I felt frustrated and heartbroken that I could not have my last and proper concert in Oberlin, I will always remember the very first time that I played on the stage in Finney Chapel. The rush and nerves were the most cherishable. Oberlin will always be a special place in my heart.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The grass outside of my house, always so refreshing and soothing
Oberlin has provided a healthy and welcoming environment for my personal growth. I have served as a teaching assistant and a personal tutor for several chemistry classes. I appreciated my summer times here when I worked full-time in a research lab at Oberlin Chemistry and Biochemistry department. I was also in the chemistry and biochemistry committee, a student organization that coordinates community-building events in the department. In addition, I have a deep connection with the Oberlin Workshop and Learning Session (OWLS) program where I learn how to communicate and coordinate.
Marina Wright was a double degree student at Oberlin College and Conservatory. She studied Theater in the College and Vocal Performance under Marlene Rosen in the Conservatory. She participated in a wide variety of clubs and organizations including OC SNATS, the Quidditch Team, OMTA and more. She performed in multiple Theater Department shows, but her favorite role was Hope in Urinetown. She also was able to write and perform an original one-woman show entitled But Never Doubt I Love for her senior capstone in Theater. She also took part in operas in the conservatory. Her favorite role was Lady Macbeth in the opera directing class's performance of Lady Macbeth. While performing and studying Marina also worked as a student manager at Oberlin's Central Ticketing Service, and as a host of the Official Conservatory Radio show with the Conservatory Communications Department.
Campus Jobs
Student Manager CTS
Radio Host Conservatory Communications
Favorite Place
The Arb. It's a great place to enjoy life for a little bit.
Athletics
Fencing
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Musical Theatre Association
National Association of Teachers of Singing
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Playing boardgames in Firelands apartments. 3 different apartments 3 different years-always a great time!
I am graduating from Oberlin Conservatory a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies with a Composition Concentration. At Oberlin, my knowledge of the theoretical and spiritual dimensions of music increased exponentially with the guidance of such mentors as Gary Bartz, Jay Ashby, Dan Wall, and Meeko Israel, just to name a few. I became thoroughly entrenched in the Oberlin community and served as Vice President of Oberlin Jazz Society, Music Director & Pianist at Oberlin House of the Lord Fellowship, and Arranger & Clarinetist for the Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble, which performed at the SFJazz Center in San Francisco and undertook service projects in the Bay Area in January 2020. I feel extraordinarily grateful to be a part of the Oberlin community. I know the friends and mentors I have met here will be lifelong sources of inspiration and support.
Study Abroad
I did not. I stayed in the corn patch.
Campus Jobs
Community Relations Intern at YBCD/Office of the Ombudsperson
Favorite Place
Wendell Logan Lounge, of course! The meeting place for every precious moment of jazz department procrastination and small talk.
Favorite Class
My favorite class would probably have to be Jazz Improvisation I & II with Jay Ashby. Each week, we had to transcribe a solo from the legendary jazz musicians of the past. I feel I improved most as a musician by learning their incredible musical contributions note for note.
Clubs & Organizations
Capoeira Angola
Christian Fellowship
Oberlin Jazz Society
YBCD (Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue)
Notable Quote
Give Thanks, always and for all things, the good and the bad, because it is either a lesson, a blessing, or both. This is a paraphrase from a very important Oberlin mentor of mine, Meeko Israel.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Performing Give Thanks (Dedicated to Meeko Israel) at the Hugh Kline/Griffin Woodard junior recital on April 20, 2019.
Oberlin has been a time. According to my friends, I am "the most ripped, smartest sleep researcher, circus/burlesque performer this institution has ever seen. I have a cute red hat. I also have nice bangs. So cute! Also I use she/hers." I do not regret coming to this school.
Study Abroad
Sevilla, Spain in Fall of 2018
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
RCT student intern
Tutor
Favorite Place
I love the J house garden because of the summer I got to work with the RCT with such great people. The whole summer was so pretty and we got to watch our plants thrive.
Favorite Class
Samba with Alysia Ramos - it was the first and only dance class I ever took and it was the most fun I have had in an academic setting. She was able to teach so much about the history and politics of samba while also teaching the dance itself. I also had the class right after organic chemistry so it was a high point in my day for sure.
Clubs & Organizations
Aerialists
Burlesque
Musical Theatre Association
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
OCircus!
Samba School
Swing&Blues
Notable Quote
"why do we have hands? there are many reasons.... 1. pat the moose. 2. slap the bongos. 3. shake stick at eternal abyss. 4. oof ouch the water is too hot" --unknown
Memorable Oberlin Moment
being a part of oberlin tinder.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be working as a postbac research fellow at NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) doing electrophysiology research on the cellular mechanisms of cannabinoid abuse with Dr. Carl Lupica
I'm grateful for all of the people who I was able to spend these years with: the theater department, the Oberlin BJJ club sports team, my dance partners, my classmates, and most of all -- my wonderful friends.
Study Abroad
Winter Term 2018: Theater in London
Campus Jobs
Theater and Dance Student Office Assistant
Warner Building Monitor
Athletics
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Tumbling
Notable Quote
Just a few words can change everything. - Terry Pratchett, "Monstrous Regiment"
Uriel (Urie) always thought he was too busy while in Oberlin, but whenever he thinks back on it, wishes he had kept busier. From Dance groups, to theater, to Drag Ball committee, to Third World Co-op, to each and every of his various jobs, each of his days were spent doing work he found valuable to not only himself, but also the community. When he thinks of the days that he did take a breath and relax, (watching silly media with friends, driving to Taco Bell at 2am, going out of Oberlin to the Cleveland Museum of Art) he should think of it as needed breaks, rather than thinking of various ways he could have been doing more things.
Study Abroad
Nope!
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
Oberlin Shansi Student Worker
Paint Shop Painter
Favorite Place
Anywhere outside when it snows!
Favorite Class
A toss up between "Afrofuturism and Black Speculative Fiction" with Meredith Gadsby and "Horror Film and Disability" with Jason Dorwart.
Athletics
Women & Trans' Rugby
Clubs & Organizations
Choreo
Community of Writers
Drag Ball Committee
Multi-
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Students Of Caribbean Ancestry
Zami
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Getting to share my passion and art during the "Staging the Real" Winter Term project this year!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm really looking forward to finding community back home in NYC!
The most meaningful parts of my time at Oberlin were spent with the Oberlin community; I was honored to serve as the College Advisor to the Oberlin High School Queers and Allies Club for my sophomore through senior years, and as a Sex Education Intern with the OWL program at the Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship my junior year. These were spaces where I was grateful to apply the concepts I was learning from my classes in the CAS and GSFS departments to support and hopefully grow the community that so generously welcomed me during my time here. Outside of classes, I spent time organizing with my peers and hanging out with friends. All that I learned from the student activists around me and the alumni who gave so much to this place was invaluable; they shaped how I operate in and out of Oberlin and I am forever indebted to them. The friends that I shared any part of my four years with helped me come to define myself, taught me how to love, and be loved like no one else. I could not be more appreciative of these people, of whom there are far too many to name.
Study Abroad
I studied in Chicago, IL in spring of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Any bench in Tappan, because Oberlin has some of the best people-watching.
Favorite Class
Visiting professor Chris Barcelos's "GSFS 316: Queering Sex Ed," taught spring of 2017. Chris's class challenged me to rethink everything I knew about what teaching and education can and should look like, which was an exciting start to my time at Oberlin.
Clubs & Organizations
HIV Peer Testing
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Student Labor Action Coalition
Notable Quote
A recent advertising letter from the college reads, Oberlin is the right place for you... if you think complacency is not an option. When it comes to the livelihoods of dining and custodial workers, we refuse to look the other way. Oberlin Class of 2024, in a May 2020 open letter to President Ambar expressing the class's support of the 108 United Auto Workers who continue to fight to maintain their employment at Oberlin College.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The first meeting of CAS 501: the Comparative American Studies honors seminar in September of 2019. We met in StudiOC. Rachel Marcus wrote "what is a ''''project?'''" on the whiteboard, as we all laughed at the absurdity of the workloads we had just signed ourselves up for and the seeming impossibility of the year we were about to embark on. Establishing the playful and light dynamic that would carry me through the end of my time at Oberlin was such a surprising and joyful moment. It is an even fonder memory when considered in hindsight, looking back at everything we were able to accomplish together.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Moving in with family until I can hopefully finding a job in Chicago, IL.
I started off Oberlin in Barrows, before moving into South, and then Noah in the following years. This year, I was able to get off campus housing with some of my best friends. I never made it into a co-op, so this year has been a blessing food wise. First year I joined the women's and trans ultimate frisbee team, the Preying Manti, where I met most of my close friends. I played for the B team the first three years, and then the A team this year. I majored in History, and have minors in anthropology, geology, and East Asian studies.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Ireland during winter term 2019 (junior year).
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The second floor of Peters, on the bench by the windows because in the afternoon its so bright and sunny and cheerful!
Athletics
Women & Trans' Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
Marching Band
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
Outings Club
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I have an internship at a National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula.
Double-degree in East Asian Studies and Cello Performance, I spent lots of time thinking about Buddhist temples, studying Japanese, practicing, and playing music with friends. I was a part of Pyle and Keep coops and worked in the con library, worked as a student board rep for EAS and as a facilitator for Barefoot dialogue. The constant tide of studies, socializing, and practice were broken up by doses of thoughtful moments in the arb or along the bike path or just sitting at the fountain on the south side of Finney Chapel or under the lilacs in front of Hall Auditorium in the springtime. The immense buzz of campus was contrasted always by this humble calm of living in a small town in Ohio.
Study Abroad
I studied in Japan over the summer of 2018 through a two month language intensive in Ishikawa followed by a month-long research trip on temples throughout Japan.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Azzies with a new book or magazine, overhearing idle chatter and smiling at the occasional person who I recognized pass by.
Favorite Class
Astronomy! Because it made me dream beyond Oberlin yet with so much Obie excitement. Ill remember fondly those treks up to the top of Peters huffing and puffing in the middle of the day to look at the night sky in the observatory.
Clubs & Organizations
Japanese Student Association
Meditators
Notable Quote
This is so much pressure. Life continues on after we graduate and we will still be picking up quotes, so just a reminder to keep listening to everyone and absorbing their words because all earnest people will give you something you can quote.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My first meal at Pyle (first time in OSCA) I remember being so absolutely amazed by the beautiful organism worked to create the meal in front of me. I can't believe that coop cooking has become so normalized for me. Now on a rotating cooking schedule with my housemates and getting a job just outta college in pandemic times thanks to my cooking in the coops. What a wonderful thing coops are looking back.
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
Grad school for cello? Or just...anything else given the circumstances.
When I came to Oberlin, I knew I would grow musically and develop as a singer, but I couldn't have imagined how many unique and profound opportunities I would have outside my major. Working closely with my studio professor, Marlene Rosen, I've gone from studying the elementary 24 Italian Arias songbook to tackling hard Britten lullabies for my senior recital. Thanks to the encouragement of my professors, I explored my passion for arts management and gained skills that will help me interpersonally and professionally. I've built lasting friendships with my Musical Union family and grown to appreciate early Saturday mornings on the Conservatory Communications radio show, Making CONnections (alongside some pretty great co-hosts). Oberlin prides itself on the "Learning and Labor" motto and I feel like I've embodied it through my OSCA experience. Throughout my four years in OSCA, I've taken on different roles within the organization, from a Board Representative to the Chair of the Board for two years and then this year as President. In these roles, I've helped to manage a multi-million dollar budget, advocated for OSCA's value to the Oberlin Board of Trustees, negotiated contracts with Oberlin College, and learned how to make some good pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I'm thankful for all the memories and the pals I made along the way!
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resident Assistant
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Music Ensemble Manager
Favorite Place
the OSCA office! Always has good company, good snacks, and a good couch for naps between classes!
Favorite Class
Pop Music and Media with Kathryn Metz! It was the first unrequired/ "not-101" class I took in the conservatory and it pushed me to consider how different forms of popular music are impacted by media and the world around us. Kathryn Metz is a star and everyone should take a class with her before they leave!
Notable Quote
Thanks for a good time! Try not to kill OSCA while I'm gone - Teagan Webb
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Hanging out in the Con Library with all my friends between classes and late-night bread making in Pyle.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Working on earning 5 stars for my island on Animal Crossing
I'm a biology major with a religion minor. Some of my favorite classes were with Yolanda Cruz and Cindy Chapman. After Oberlin, I'm really excited to pursue nursing and I hope to also find time to coach high school cross country and track. Some of my favorite memories are of moments with Alexis Dill, my freshman and sophomore year roommate and now a life-long best friend. I spent so much of my time at Oberlin with my team, who are some of the most amazing and talented people I have ever known. Truly no other group of people I would rather have spent my four years at Oberlin with.
Study Abroad
Sicily. Winter term junior year
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Gym Worker
Favorite Place
Dascomb fourth meal. Best way to end a stressful night of studying for chem
Favorite Class
Yolanda Cruz's epigenetics class. I was forced to think about genetics and biology in a new context. One where our environment has more of an impact on who we are than I realized. Also she brought coffee every day and cake on Fridays.
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Notable Quote
They are loved so they can be unafraid- Ray Appenheimer cross country coach
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Finding out we won the conference cross country meet after thinking we had come in second by one point.
This is Amy Wang! Also known as Namei or Namy <3. I grew up in Canton, China, which inspired me to teach a Cantonese ExCo last semester :p Oberlin was tremendously meaningful to me in so many ways. ?I made some life-long friends who will always inspire and support me. ?My professors and mentors taught me to look at the world with justice, open heart, creativity, and aspiration to give back. ?I became a more mature, responsible, and healthy person along the journey. ?I double-majored in Environmental Studies and Theater. ?I have been the co-chair for OSTA, a treasurer for 3 different student orgs, a TA for ENVS 101 (for 3 semesters ??), a student representative to the ENVS department, a Research Assistant, an actor in multiple theater productions... I am incredibly thankful for EVERYONE I met in Oberlin, thank you for all your kindness and weirdness, your laughs and tears, your passion and fearlessness, making my college experience one of a kind. P.S. Shout out to my parents and sister who supported me all the way through!
Study Abroad
I studied away at Yale-NUS in Singapore in Spring 2019! One of the best memories I had in College!
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Favorite Place
The tree outside of COX
Favorite Class
Too many! Sustainable Cities, Acting 100, TA for ENVS 101...
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
OSHOTS
Pottery Co-op
Taiko
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Made many important decisions on the swing at Tappen Sq.
I originally came into Oberlin wanting to study Biology and do Premed, but after I took CS150, I fell in love with computer science. I ended up with a computer science major with a math minor. What I appreciate most about Oberlin's academics was the ability to explore outside my major. I'll never forget learning about Medieval Books of Hours or using Math to create art. Outside of academics, I was the Fencing captain and taught the intro Fencing course for a semester. I've worked a bunch of jobs ranging from working in the South bakeshop, Conservatory Circulation, CS grader, CS lab helper, and CIT help desk. Oberlin wasn't the experience I expected, but I'm grateful for the opportunities it opened up and all the fantastic people I met. Go Yeo!
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Budapest, Hungary in spring 2019.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Computer Science Grader
Computer Science Lab Helper
Favorite Place
Asia House Library, it's really cozy and is a great place to study.
Favorite Class
CS 280: Algorithms, It was a challenging, but rewarding class. The lectures were engaging and I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of it.
Athletics
Fencing
Clubs & Organizations
3D Print Club
Computer Science and Hackathon Club
eSports Club
Experimental College
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Moving into Kahn freshman year and getting acquainted with Oberlin.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Working as a software engineer for Xandr in Boulder, Colorado.
My name is Miya and I am an East Asian Studies (Japan-focused) major in the college. I served as the concertmaster of the Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra for one year and a half and founded the first K-Pop A Cappella group--Kappella. I was also a co-chair of the Oberlin Korean Student Association and a co-host of a WOBC radio show--Seoulbeats.
Study Abroad
Yes. I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea for two summers with the support of the EAS department (through An Family Foundation).
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Con Audio Staff
Favorite Place
Slow Train Cafe! It has the best ice mocha and a very cozy environment to study at! I love to get Arnold Palmer in the summer and hot soy latte in the winter!
Favorite Class
Winter Term 2018-- London: Yesterday and Today
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
Experimental College
Korean Student Association
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Kappella
Notable Quote
Do one's level best and leave the rest to God's will. from by Li Ruzhen
Memorable Oberlin Moment
2018 Nov.19th. I played the solo violin part of Tchaikovsky with the Arts and Sciences Orchestra after working on this excerpt for a whole semester with my secondary instructor. I want to thank conductor Chang and my student instructor and friend Asher!
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I decided to pursue a career in music so I am studying at Berklee College of Music right now.
As a jazz voice major in the Con, I've had so many amazing opportunities to perform at Oberlin. Some of my favorites were outside of the Con, however, such as the bands I was able to form like FOGATA and OBO(OBBO) among others. Being at Oberlin has helped me mature and learn so much more about the world. I'm so happy to have met so many friends and grown with so many people I love.
Study Abroad
In the summer of 2018, I studied Peruvian folk music at La Escuela Nacional Superior de Folklore Jose Maria Arguedas in Lima, Peru.
Favorite Place
The rooftop on the Kohl building - it's the most important building and holds some of the most special memories from my time at Oberlin. The rooftop is a place where I could go to find peace, clarity, and comfort. It's a place I have been able to use to write songs, poems, and letters. A place to ponder, create, and cry - either alone or with people I love. It has such a beautiful view of other places I love in Oberlin, including my house. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Favorite Class
Latina/o Comparative Perspectives with Professor Gina Perez. She is one of the most amazing professors I have ever taken a class with and she truly cares about both the material and students. Professor Perez really pushed me and helped me feel connected to the material and I was able to take the class with some of my best friends.
Clubs & Organizations
La Alianza Latinx
Latinx Music Union
Oberlin Jazz Society
OSLAM
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Performing at my junior recital, Merengue Madness, and Oslam's Grand Slam.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be starting my masters degree in music at New Jersey City University in the fall, focusing on Afro-Peruvian jazz as well as the fusion of other Latin American genres with jazz.
I like to think of myself as a kind, empathic, outgoing and generous person who likes adventure and fun! I am passionate about using art as a means of social justice activism.
Study Abroad
Yes, I studied abroad in Senegal, fall of my junior year.
Favorite Place
Slow Train - I have been working at slow train for the past two years. I think that it's a beautiful open space where people can come together to socialize, study and meet!
Favorite Class
Repairing the Past - HIST 493 with Professor Renee Romano. This was one of the only courses I ever took at Oberlin that connected so heavily with the current times of today. I felt like I was challenged and pushed to think of concept and issues out of my personal sphere of knowledge and thought.
Notable Quote
hahahaha ha ha
Memorable Oberlin Moment
doing drugs with my friends in harkness coop, sneaking into the hales pool and the carnegie library, dancing at the sco when nobody is there, going on late night walks with friends and seeing my friends perform beautiful music!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan to work in the mental health sector using art as a way to process, heal and engage in social justice issues!
At Oberlin, I have received a BM/BA in Violin Performance and Economics with a minor in French. I studied with Marilyn McDonald, whose presence and studio taught me the power of support, community, hard work, and a really good sassy comment. Oberlin gave me opportunities to explore many musical interests, from founding a string quartet to finding a love for Baroque, contemporary classical music, and improvised music. I have also been involved with folk music and dance throughout my five years here, organizing and playing for Oberlin's Contra Club and Dandelion Romp. Beyond musical activities, I was the student liaison for the Oberlin Student Quaker Group for four years. Believing in the power of community and food, I spent many good years in Keep, as FSC, New Member Trainer, and head cook, and found the space always felt like home to me no matter where I lived. I am grateful for the friends, colleagues, and professors who guided me, helped me find what was most meaningful to me, and have sent me off into the great unknown a little weary from late nights studying in the con library, but excited for what is next.
Study Abroad
Paris, France in Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Secondary Student Teacher
Conservatory Admissions
Favorite Place
the bike path, for always giving me space to breathe and find calm amidst the racing pace of school
Favorite Class
Approaches and Philosophies of Free Music with Dana Jessen, where I grew more than I thought possible in a semester and met a beautiful community of improvisers
Clubs & Organizations
Contra Dance Club
Dandelion Romp
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Round Midnight
Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue
Notable Quote
"Create an atmosphere of opening for all to be heard, with the understanding that listening is healing." - Pauline Oliveros, 1999, "Prayers for a Thousand Years"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
late night improvising sessions in the dark my first year, growing in musical and personal vulnerability
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending Boston University for an MM in Violin Performance
Zoie Shuk Yi Tse was born in Hong Kong, and began her studies at the age of 6 with Ling Hui and Gabriel Kwok at the prestigious Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. After graduating in 2016, she came to the United States to study with Alvin Chow at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she has been awarded a Deans Scholarship Award. She has been the winner of a number of important prizes in national and international competitions. In addition to winning the First Prize at the 2019 Lima Symphony Young Artist Competition, Miss Tse was the 2? Prize Winner at the 2018 New York International Piano Competition (which also awarded her a debut NY recital), the First Prize Winner in the Hong Kong (Asia Pacific) Mozart Piano Competition, and awarded top prizes at the 73? Steinway and Sons International Youth Piano Competition and the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. As guest soloist, she has appeared with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Oratorio Society, as well as in solo and chamber recitals throughout Asia and in the US. In 2020, Miss Tse was elected to membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society, recognizing her dual accomplishment of excellent academic work and outstanding musicianship.
Study Abroad
NO
Campus Jobs
Secondary piano teacher
Favorite Place
Practice room- because its my comfort place!
Favorite Class
Piano- Because it's my major!!!
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Having the honor to perform in the Danenberg Honors Recital.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be pursuing my Master of Music degree at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
When not hanging out with his friends (who he plans to have for the rest of his life), you could find Brian at the Office of Admission, teaching Bio 100 OWLS, or dancing with Choreo. Unfortunately for him, he did not hit a growth spurt during college and remains the same height.
Study Abroad
Sevilla, Spain
Campus Jobs
OWLS Leader
Office of Admissions
Favorite Class
Bio 100 With Yolanda Cruz. I've taken it 4 times (once every single year) and I still am not tired of it
I am a History Major and Politics minor. During my time at Oberlin College, I worked as a TA and a tutor for the Hispanic Studies department. A few of my highlights at Oberlin would be getting to know professors, co-hosting a radio show for WOBC, joining TWC and, most of all, the friendships I made.
Campus Jobs
TA/Tutor
Favorite Place
Wilder Bowl, especially during TGIF when it's warm out.
"I'm a raw meat eater boioioioing I'm a nerd" - Sarah Stopak
Study Abroad
I did not.
Favorite Place
The co-existence space in the Kosher Halal Co-op. Also the dining hall in the Kosher Halal Co-op. Also the kitchen of the Kosher Halal Co-op. Also the bathroom on the basement level of Talcott which is right next door to the Kosher Halal Co-op (they say I have to keep these answers PG but let's just say I took the browns to the super bowl in that bathroom many a time if you know what I mean ;)))
Favorite Class
I loved Odyssies and Identites, my first year seminar taught by Kirk Ormand, because of the amazing community that developed out of that class and because I am now convinced that every story is the story of the Odyssey. I also loved Ellen Wurtzel's Women in Medieval and Early Modern Europe class, because Ellen is the best and becuase the Early Modern Period is also the best.
Clubs & Organizations
Chabad at Oberlin
Challah Cappella
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Piscapo's Arm
Oberlin's only arm-based sketch comedy group
and Kosher Halal Co-op (no relation to sketch comedy or arms)
Notable Quote
"'All men must die' - A Song of Ice and Fire" - My actual yearbook quote from when I was in middle school what was wrong with me.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The beauty of Oberlin is that no one memory stands out as "most memorable." My entire four year experience is one beautiful collage of amazing moments spent with close friends, incredible classes, and in one of the most special places and communities I've ever had the privilege to be a part of. But, if I had to pick just one memory, I'd say it would be taking the browns to the super bowl in the Talcott basement bathroom if you know what I mean ;)))))))
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Either attending Yeshiva and studying Judaics or taking an hour-long shower sitting down (if you've never sat in the shower before, try it you coward)
Through all of the blood, sweat, and tears I've experienced over the past 4 years at Oberlin, it is the incredible people I met along the way that made it all worth while.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Athletic Training Room Aide
OWL for Organic Chemistry
Peer tutor for Intro Chem and Psych
Favorite Place
Tie between Bailey Field and the Science Center. I spent more time in these places than anywhere else on campus.
Favorite Class
First-year Seminar: History of the Vermilion River Watershed. It was one of my first courses at Oberlin, I learned a TON about college life and the resources Oberlin has to offer.
Athletics
Football
Clubs & Organizations
American Medical Student Association
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Notable Quote
"You're never too small for big things, and you're never too big for small things." (my mom)
It is crazy to think that my four beautiful years at Oberlin has finished. Since my first year I have lived in Barrows, Keep, and off campus, and have eaten/cooked in Stevie (for a hot sec), Pyle, Keep and BBC. I am an Anthropology and French Major, and was abroad in Senegal and then France all of my third year here. Over the past four years, I have found love, community, so much joy, and so many deep friendships from being a part of the Preying Manti (women and trans ultimate frisbee team). This team is a huge part of what makes me so happy and loved at Oberlin. As I am preparing to leave, I am holding onto so many memories filled with dancing anywhere, everywhere, and anytime, picnics, tossing frisbees, cooking and baking, rock climbing, eating coop meals, talking, walking, laughing, slack lining, exploring, glitter, studying outside, classes, walking through campus as the seasons change... - all spent with so many wonderful people.
Study Abroad
Yes, I spent my third year studying and living in Dakar, Senegal during the fall semester and in Grenoble, France during the spring semester.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
CDS catering
Favorite Place
- Tappan -North Fields
Favorite Class
Contact Improv with Ann Cooper Albright
Athletics
Women & Trans' Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Pottery Co-op
Notable Quote
The Parable of the Trapeze Danaan Parry Sometimes, I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. Im either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments, Im hurdling across space between the trapeze bars. Mostly, I spend my time hanging on for dear life to the trapeze bar of the moment. It carries me along a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that Im in control. I know most of the right questions, and even some of the right answers. But once in a while, as Im merrily, or not so merrily, swinging along, I look ahead of me into the distance, and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar looking at me. Its empty. And I know, in that place in me that knows, that this new bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness coming to get me. In my heart of hearts, I know that for me to grow, I must release my grip on the present well-known bar to move to the new one. Each time it happens, I hopeno, I praythat I wont have to grab the new one. But in my knowing place, I know that I must totally release my grasp on my old bar, and for some moments in time I must hurtle across space before I can grab the new bar. Each time I do this I am filled with terror. It doesnt matter that in all my previous hurdles I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on unseen rocks in the bottomless basin between the bars. But I do it anyway. I must. Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call faith. No guarantees, no net, no insurance, but we do it anyway because hanging on to that old bar is no longer an option. And so, for what seems to be an eternity but actually lasts a microsecond. I soar across the dark void called "the past is over; the future is not yet here." Its called a transition. I have come to believe that it is the only place that real change occurs. I have a sneaking suspicion that the transition zone is the only real thing, and the bars are the illusions we dream up to not notice the void. Yes, with all the fear that can accompany transitions, they are still the most vibrant, growth-filled, passionate moments in our lives. And so transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to "hang out" in the transition zone between the trapeze bars allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening. Hurdling through the void, we just may learn to fly.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
-Seeing a new view of Oberlin from Wilder roof at night -Ultimate Frisbee weekend tournaments, adventures, and practices with the Manti -Hours spent slack lining on Tappan
I wouldn't be the person I am without Oberlin and its places, and what are places but the people in them and what those people make of them! TWC gave me life and sustenance, purpose, responsibility, and drive; HIV Peer Testers and OSCA taught me active sympathy and sustainable compassion; my friends and communities, in Third World House, Third World Co-op, Third World Social Justice, the MRC and AAA offered light and love that carried me through the gauntlet. And Oberlin is exactly that; an institution often unforgiving and hostile to growth and healing. Oberlin College is hardship, is austerity, is uncompassionate, is failure to its students, workers, and community. But that community is exactly what holds us together and carries us forward. UAW Strong, Free Palestine, and F*ck Meredith.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Chemistry Lab Stockroom Assistant
HLEC
Chair of the Board of OSCA
Favorite Place
Third World Coop! Forever and always in my heart and mind. TWC is people sharing space, friends sharing food, and co-opers sharing community; TWC forever inspires me and pushes me to be more than I am on my own; TWC gave to me what I want to give back to TWC and beyond!
Clubs & Organizations
As I Am
Asian American Alliance
HIV Peer Testing
Jewish Voice for Peace
The Oberlin Grape
Zami
OSCA
Notable Quote
"Environmentalism without class struggle is just gardening." - Chico Mendes
During my time at Oberlin I played on the Mens Basketball team for four years. It was an amazing experience playing collegiate basketball for such a great school, and spending time with the team, usually left me laughing hysterically. If you saw me around campus, chances are it was in the gym or doing homework upstairs in the Mac Lab of the Science Center. As a biology major, I spent lots of my time in the elegant science center, taking classes and conducting research with Dr. Jordan Price. I lived on North Campus and spent all four years living with my freshman roommate, fellow teammate, and now best friend, Joshua Friedkin. When I wasnt playing basketball or studying, I was playing fantasy football, eating food, and simply just having fun with friends. I will be forever grateful for my time at Oberlin, and for the intellectual and person it transformed me into.
Study Abroad
N/A
Favorite Place
I have two. The gym, because I was able to go shoot on the shooting gun and listen to music and it was just my happy place. The second would be the science center upstairs mac lab, because thats where I did all my homework, because it was always quiet, and I loved the large computers and being able to spread out my stuff all over the desks.
Favorite Class
Bio337 - Immunity and Pathogenesis with Jordan Price. I loved learning about the material and the passion Prof. Price brought to the class was amazing. The class was so close, and we all learned from each other! I also got to continue working with Prof. Price in his lab doing research!
Athletics
Men's Basketball
Clubs & Organizations
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Notable Quote
When you become lazy it's disrespectful to those who believed in you (LeBron James
My time at Oberlin was largely shaped by playing on our women & trans ultimate frisbee team and getting the honor of captaining those beautiful people in 2019-2020. Additionally, I really loved and learned a lot from my work volunteering at Oberlin Community Services throughout my first three years, being a part of Oberlin Climate Education, Advocacy, and Lobbying (OCEAL), and Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA). To me, Oberlin is all about the people; and I am so grateful to all of the ones who have inspired me, taught me, challenged me, affirmed me, played with me, cooked with me, sang with me, cried with me, laughed with me, laughed at me, loved me and were loved by me.
Study Abroad
I went on the Oberlin in London program in Spring 2018 (with TS McMillin and Janet Fiskio!).
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Admission's Ambassador
Favorite Place
Pyle. Eating at Pyle for most of my time at Oberlin gave me confidence in the kitchen and brought some of the most important people in the world to me into my life. I'm not sure I'll get used to cooking for less than 100 people anytime soon, but I am still so so grateful for every meal made, crew finished, and middle-of-the-night tasty thing consumed.
Favorite Class
Either Meaning and Being in Nature with TS McMillin (English) or Great Lakes Limnology with the amazing Rachel Eveleth (Geology). I found Meaning and Being to be an incredibly thought provoking class, and loved the selection of books we read. I never in a million years would have thought Moby Dick could have been one of my favorite novels but reading it with that class was very impactful for me. Taking Great Lakes Limnology was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in college -- Rachel is an amazing professor and, by the end of the course, I felt a lot more confident in my own abilities when it came to tackling scientific topics.
Athletics
Women & Trans' Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
Oberlin Climate Education
Advocacy
and Lobbying (OCEAL)
Oberlin Citizen's Climate Lobby (OCCL)
Notable Quote
"We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings." - Ursula Le Guin (2014)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning the D3 Women's College Ultimate Frisbee Championships in 2019 with my team. Love my Manti.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Planning to work at Edgewater Farm in New Hampshire for a little while! This fall will also involve applying to grad schools to hopefully start fall 2021.
In my time at Oberlin the bands I played in were the Milos, Hell No/Ex-Ben, Goy Division, and Weed Vacuum and I attended many sparsely and beer soaked shows. I loved every second of it. I panicked about my majors three times. My residences were 36 N. Pleasant, Barrows, Fairchild, and South. Sometimes, in times of desperation I would go to the middle of Tappan Square to listen for parties with my friends. The first night of my time at Oberlin, Ian English and I walked around and talked about movies and Jim O'Rourke. WOBC was my home. Working for Rachel Smith was the best job I had though the bake shop was a close second despite being late very day. My favorite morning activity before class Sophomore Year was to walk to The Local, get an everything bagel with scallion spread and a latte all while listening to Miki Dora by Amen Dunes. When I saw Frankie Cosmos at 123 S Professor I stood outside watching the band through the window. The best shows I saw were White Fence, L'Rain, Nots Iceage, Kero Kero Bonito, Jonathan Richman, Palm, Spirit of the Beehive, Tonstartssbandht, Japanese Breakfast, Hoops, Ovlov, Current Joys, Xiu Xiu, Mannequin Pussy (the Milos opened twice!), Boy Harsher, Escape-ism, and Protomartyr at the Sco. My favorite Cat show was Moses Sumney. I told him I didn't know how to read music and he said I didn't need to. My favorite show that I played was as the B-52's during the cover band showcase.
Study Abroad
Noope!
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
WOBC with Honorable Mention for the Dionysus Discotheque because those were the places I met with my friends, did my radio shows (which are the source of my greatest pride about my time at Oberlin), and that's where I met most of my closest friends.
Favorite Class
European Socialisms with Annemarie Sammartino because not only is she the most genuine and funny professor but all I want to do after I finish her class is to read more! Being in class with Matt Grimm is always the best.
Clubs & Organizations
Gear Co-op
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Wilder Voice Magazine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Booking White Fence at the Sco was the achievement of an absolute life dream that met every expectation. The show was wonderful and it was such a privilege to do it through WOBC, my favorite campus organization.
I majored in Math, Comp Sci, and Musical Studies at Oberlin. I also played in the Marching Band and was involved in Solarity and the Math Majors Committee. Having originally auditioned as a jazz guitar major, I am glad that I had the opportunity to play in a few ensembles around campus, both for credit and for fun, and to have the musical education that I have had here. I also found out during my time here that math was a lot more interesting than I thought, and I owe a lot to my wonderful professors in math and computer science as well. I will miss the friends that I have made both in the school and the town.
Study Abroad
Yes. In Copenhagen during Spring 2019.
Favorite Place
2nd or 3rd floor of Mudd. Like most Obies, I spent a lot of time in the library my junior and senior year and was glad to have a lot of comfy places to study.
Favorite Class
I'm gonna have to go with TECH 202. I got an opportunity to make some cool music/software in that class.
Clubs & Organizations
Chabad at Oberlin
Marching Band
Solarity
Math Majors Committee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Probably my first field show with the Oberlin College Marching Band.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Troy Stephenson will be graduating from Oberlin College and Conservatory with a degree in Viola Performance. In his time at Oberlin, Troy has taken part in organizations such as the Oberlin Christian Fellowship, held numerous positions since his first year throughout Campus Dining Services, and has been a part of the recently created ConPAL program. If anything, Troy deeply values the experience of being a part of the Oberlin community for its warmth. It's vibrant, yet so diverse at the same time. It will be missed greatly.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Peer Advising Leader
ConPAL
Favorite Place
Conservatory Student Lounge- My favorite space to relax between practice sessions and rehearsals.
Favorite Class
Introduction to
Clubs & Organizations
Black Musicians' Guild
Christian Fellowship
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Honestly, there was nothing that impacted me like my junior
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
McGill University- Schulich School of Music (Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Oberlin was not a safety school for me and I was definetly challenged and intellectually stimulated the whole time I was there. It was painful, but I learned so much about the subjects I studied and about myself. I love OSCA, no life experience has shaped my values more than living in a co op. Even when I wasnt in class, I found myself constantly learning from my friends and acquaintances. The campus is constantly engaged in discourse and at it's best moments, activism. When I was down on myself, I often found the determination of my peers to be inspiring.
Study Abroad
Paris, Spring 2019
Favorite Place
The courtyard of Asia House is really pretty
Favorite Class
My first year seminar Beyond Disbelief, it was nice to start college immersed in poetry
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Young Democratic Socialists of America
Notable Quote
"After awhile you could get used to anything" -Albert Camus, The Stranger
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Cross dressing for the first time with the support of my new friends
I am a writer and filmmaker from Chicago, Illinois. I received a scholarship for outstanding leadership from the Posse Foundation in 2016 to attend Oberlin College. In my first semester, I declared Cinema Studies and Africana Studies as my majors and a minor in Theater. In 2018 I was selected as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. I designed an independent, original research project titled "Transforming Hollywood: The Deconstruction of Race and Gender Hierarchies in the U.S. Film Industry through Social Movements." Over the course of two years I have studied the effects of #BlackLivesMatter and the #MeToo movements in cinema and the American film industry. I have always been invested in exalting the experiences of under- and misrepresented groups, especially in film and media. Beyond my academic and creative life, I have performed in plays, dance performances, and stand-up comedy. My favorite social activities at Oberlin include: dancing, going to Soul Sessions in A-House, and happy hour.
Study Abroad
In the fall of 2018 I was in the Czech Republic at the Prague Film School. It was my first time out of the U.S. It was a defining moment in my life.
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
Intern at Student Employment Office
Mellon Mays Research Fellow
student performer
Multicultural Resource Center student assistant
Office of Undergraduate Research student assistant.
Favorite Place
The Africana Studies lounge because whenever I had a million things to do and hordes of people looking for me that is the one place I could go to breathe, be in good company, and not be found.
Favorite Class
"Resistance and Voice: Caribbean Literature" taught by professor Meredith Gadsby. This course introduced me to radical and compelling literature that changed my life.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Drag Ball Committee
Experimental College
Improv Coalition
La Alianza Latinx
Movimiento
Posse Scholar
Notable Quote
"I have a right to show my colors, darling. I am beautiful and I know I'm beautiful." Quote by: Crystal LaBeija from the documentary "The Queen" (1968).
Memorable Oberlin Moment
There have been many but I must say the night I opened for Jaboukie Young-White with my first ever stand-up comedy set was spectacular. I was away at the annual Posse Plus Retreat which was about an hour and half away. I drove back from the retreat location to Oberlin with my best friends Eder Aguilar and Alex Eisenthal to make it to soundcheck on time. I got to stand in front of 800 people and make them laugh, and met a wonderful comedian.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be attending the University of Southern California - School of Cinematic Arts to pursue a Master's Degree in Cinema and Media Studies. My long term goal is to become a writer in director in the film industry to create cinematic works that transform people's thinking and being.
I'm a GSFS major and Creative Writing minor who shockingly spent a lot of time at Oberlin talking about feminism and writing stories. I played on the Quidditch team for the first couple of years, tried to start a club volleyball team in the last couple of months, and in the middle, played Gabble in the OSTA production, Marzipan and Bunko Go to New Jerk City! I also got some fun teaching experience as an instructor of ExCo Patronum for 3 semesters and a creative writing resident teacher in Langston Middle School! In my free time, I loved hanging out in Tappan Square, having a classic Feve brunch on the weekends, getting cozy by the fake fireplace in Peters, attending various performances, and spending more hours than I'd like to admit with my friends in Stevie collectively avoiding our responsibilities.
Study Abroad
Yes, I studied in Florence, Italy in the spring of 2019!
Favorite Place
Peters! It looks like Hogwarts and I had some awesome classes there!
Favorite Class
Probably Sexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome because Kirk Ormand.
Athletics
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Writers in the Schools (WITS)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
It's hard to pick one, but on the first day of classes this semester, my friend and I were preparing for our other friend's birthday party and we forgot about the only class we had that day. When someone in the class texted us asking where we were like 10 minutes into class, we were in IGA buying ice cream. We frantically paid and drove home in what felt like an action movie sequence, showing up 20 minutes late to a class that was only supposed to meet for 30 minutes that day. Basically, it was my last first day of school and I forgot about the school part because ice cream and friendship. Also! Waking up at 4am for art rental was pretty crazy!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I technically have a job for this fall as a full-time tutor for The Literacy Lab in Washington, DC.
Oberlin provided me the exact kind of education one should hope to obtain from a college experience. In addition to providing an environment of academic rigor and allowing me to find a love for historical research, it also provided a space for me to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, and allowed for a challenge to many of my philosophical beliefs. Oberlin is a place where my love for history went from a hobby to a career path, a place where I cultivated my passions for psychology and political philosophy, a place where I met people who pushed me to be my best, and a place where I have developed immensely as a person.
Campus Jobs
Computer Science lab grader
Favorite Place
Mudd Library, an amazing resource and space to do work in.
Favorite Class
HIST 343 Research Seminar: War, Military, and the American Nation. This was the class that revealed to me my love for historical research and was the class I created some of my proudest work in.
Notable Quote
"No pledge, whether written or oral, ought to be taken unless one fully realizes its implications and is resolved to keep it at any cost" - 7th Oberlin College President Ernest Hatch Wilkins in his November 6th, 1935 address to the Oberlin College student body, titled "Students Against War".
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Meeting all my friends for the first time as a first-year.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
To find a job in the field of history and to and volunteer for social work organizations.
I spent most of my time at Oberlin painting and printmaking in the art building, climbing trees in Tappan Square, running through the Arb, reading Shakespeare, and laughing with my family of beautiful friends in dorm rooms and campus houses. I've absolutely loved being a Studio Art and English major, and am so grateful for the communities that both my majors have given me. I've loved making art about wild womanhood and the connection between all creatures and the natural world, and writing essays about the power of art and stories and why we should all run away and live in the woods. When I think of my time at Oberlin, I think of friends gathered on our porch lined with string lights, of kitchens full of food and music, screaming along to pop punk at the sco, and dancing in our house full of friends and feeling endless, endless love. I'm endlessly grateful for this place and the people it has brought into my life.
Study Abroad
Yes! Florence, Italy in Spring of my Junior Year and Bath, England that summer
Favorite Place
Wilder Bowl on a Friday Afternoon when the sun is shining and everyone's playing frisbee and dancing and sitting and laughing with friends, and everything feels bright and beautiful
Favorite Class
1. Senior Studio! The most beautiful, talented, and supportive group of artists, and the opportunity to spend nearly all of my time making art all year. 2. Ovid and Metamorphoses, taught in Bath England, by Professor Wendy Hyman, one of my favorite professors and people on this earth. A small community of Obies across the pond pouring our hearts and souls into Shakespeare and Ovid, and coming out changed as writers, artists, and humans.
Athletics
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Pottery Co-op
Memorable Oberlin Moment
When Professor Hyman was late to class one day, and we greeted her with a full performance of the final act of Twelfth Night
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Hopefully move to Brooklyn with some of my best friends and keep making art!
I grew up on Long Island in New York, surfing, writing, playing sports, and making art. Being from New York, with beaches one way and a large city the other, I used to wonder why I chose to go to school in Ohio. I didn't wonder for long, though; Oberlin is one of the best choices I've ever made. It introduced so many wonderful people, friends, professors, and mentors that made me want to push myself in ways I never imagined possible before. I found new interests and passions, grew out of old ones, and obtained more knowledge than I may ever know what to do with. It also gave me a place to feel like I belonged, and one where I was able to become the most liberated version of myself.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Tutor
Favorite Place
North quad. It's more quiet and less crowded than Wilder Bowl, but is still a great place to soak in the sun and the beauty of the campus with friends!
Favorite Class
Problems of Philosophy with Todd Ganson. It was one of the first classes I ever took at Oberlin, and made me fall in love with philosophy!
Athletics
Softball
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Intramural softball was one of my most fun and memorable experiences at Oberlin
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be attending Columbia University in the fall for a master's degree in social work and a minor in law.
I studied abroad in Copenhagen Denmark through the DIS program my Junior spring. I worked in a molecular biology lab, studied psychopharmacology, and stayed in a wonderful homestay.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
Kims!
Favorite Class
Sensory Neuroscience
Athletics
Men's Soccer
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment was my Senior-Day home soccer game versus Wabash. It was the first time both of my parents had seen me play for the Oberlin Men's Soccer Team live and in person. It was also my last home game. We ended up winning the game in overtime, which qualified us for the playoffs.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am working at the NIH for the next two years in a Neurobiology lab conducting research. Beyond that I plan to apply for PhD programs in Cellular Neuroscience.
Im Rosemary Shin (she/hers), and I am a Psychology major & Dance minor. The creative and compassionate community at Oberlin allowed me to find my strengths as a leader, artist, and scientist. I challenged myself to do things that I never thought I would; I directed tap dance for the student organization ViBE Dance Company, conducted my own psychological research, and stage managed a dance production. One of my most memorable experiences was being a part of a StudiOC cluster-course called "The Art of Conflict Resolution," consisting of both a dance and a mixed media course. In sum, 13 other students and I collaborated artistically while also learning about and incorporating somatic approaches to conflict resolution. The end result was an entirely collaborative production consisting of music, dance, circus, acting, and creative writing. It was a stellar combination of psychology, dance, and community!
Campus Jobs
Dance Department Publicity Manager
Sports Medicine Student Aide
Neos Center for Dance Instructor
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin space is the dance building, Warner Center. It was built in 1900 and is a cozy, yet beautiful and grand building that provided me a place to freely dance and make lifelong friendships.
Favorite Class
Some of my favorites classes focused on the therapeutic and healing aspects of dance. Courses such as Body Re-education by Jennifer Shults and Somatic Experience of Dance by Nusha Martynuk changed the way I experience the world around me, and led me to an interest in the field of medicine.
Clubs & Organizations
American Medical Student Association
Asian American Alliance
BalletOberlin
Burlesque
Experimental College
ViBE Dance Company
Notable Quote
"I will have extra office hours today, from 3-5, at the Slow Train. Feel free to come by with questions. Feel free to email questions, as well." -Tim Hall, Professor of Philosophy, Rest In Peace, July 23, 2017
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Being a part of an improvisational performance in Warner Main Space with 4 other dancers and 5 jazz musicians under direction of the dear Nusha Martynuk! I became best friends with Kierra from this class.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan to get my Masters in Public Health and my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.The healing aspects of my dance practice over the course of my life led me to become passionate about psychology and medicine, a beautifully complicated duo.
I have grown so much as a person and a scholar while at Oberlin, and it is undoubtedly due to the incredible communities I have found here. My friends, professors, and co-workers have all pushed me to find my passions and the confidence to pursue them. I am so thankful for my fellow students and all the college and UAW staff that have helped me become the person I am today. Without their tireless efforts, Oberlin would not be the institution it claims to be. Graduating with double majors in Africana Studies and Biology, I hope that I'll be able to synthesize what I've learned from these fields and make a positive impact on the communities I find myself in after Oberlin.
Study Abroad
With Oberlin Grants went to Senegal, Tanzania, and Latvia over various Winter Terms and summers.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
SHIL; Student Health Services Liaison; SASP Peer Tutor; Reading Tutor at Eastwood Elementary
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
HIV Peer Testing
Jewish Voice for Peace
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Sexual Information Center
Students for A Free Palestine
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Hopefully to go into immunological research or public health.
The Bike Co-op of course. I will never forget my bike co-op baddies and dancing after meetings. Ride Together, Die Together.
Favorite Class
Screen printing with Kristina Paabus. Introduction into the Oberlin Print Cult . Best all nighters of my life with naps on the print lab tables.
Athletics
Intramural Softball Every Year Baby
Bike Derby
Clubs & Organizations
Big Parade
Bike Coop
Girls in Motion
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
Pottery Co-op
The Oberlin Grape
ViBE Dance Company
Wilder Voice Magazine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Twas commencement 2019, the clouds were looming, yet the day hot on our skin. Bike derby day was upon us. A drop of blood dripped down from the cut on my forehead and my shoulders sticky from the warm milk I had brought to pour on friends and fo. I did not win any derby competition but when an alumni came up and said "thank you for upholding tradition", life felt good.
I worked my entire time at the George Jones Memorial Farm. This job was the highlight of time at Oberlin, as it synthesized with my Environmental Studies major. I learned so many agricultural and life skills. I was also an avid PokmonGo player, which fostered many great friendships.
Study Abroad
I did not study abroad
Campus Jobs
Farmhand at George Jones Farm
Favorite Place
The George Jones Memorial Farm. As a home away from home, it was a place to work and get fresh air away from the stress of the classroom.
Favorite Class
Environmental Psychology because the readings were interesting, and Professor Mayer created an interactive and informative seminar environment.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment would most likely be the hootenanny held by the George Jones Farm in 2016. This was my first experience to OSteel, and it was fun to see the community come together.
Hayley majored in Religion with a focus in South Asian Studies; she was awarded High Honors for her capstone, "1984 and Film: Trauma and the Evolution of the Punjabi Sikh Identity." In addition to her major, she also has a double minor in Politics and in Rhetoric & Composition. While at Oberlin, Hayley has been a Writing and Speaking Associate for the Rhetoric & Composition department; she also participated in and facilitated for the Barefoot Dialogue program during the entirety of her four years. Hayley has been a member of the Oberlin College Field Hockey Team since her freshman spring and has cherished her time with her OCFH family.
Study Abroad
I studied in Athens, Greece in spring of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Satellite Speaking Associate
Favorite Place
Oddly enough, one of my favorite Oberlin spaces is my team's locker room. It was the place where I knew I could always be myself; we laughed, danced, cried, studied, and sometimes even took naps. In both in-season and off-season the locker room served as a smelly home-away-from-home.
Favorite Class
One of my favorite classes was Professor Sarah Pierce Taylor's "Introduction to Hindu Traditions". It was my first real class in South Asian traditions and inspired the trajectory of my studies. Professor Taylor pushed us to understand and challenge our positionalities in ways I had never been encouraged to do before. I think that class really embodied the most most positive aspects of the Oberlin experience.
Athletics
Field Hockey
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin College Barefoot Dialogue Program
Memorable Oberlin Moment
There are too many memorable moments to choose from, but one of my best memories was road tripping with two of my closest friends, Ruby and Grace, to Nashville during winter term 2018. Ruby and Grace were my first friends at Oberlin and ended up being my roommates and housemates for the majority of our college experience. We didn't realize how expensive everything in Nashville would be so we ended up site-seeing the outside of sites and museums by lurking around the buildings and taking pictures next to random things we found; instead we spent our money on riding fake motorized animals around a Nashville mall. It was one of my favorite trips and just served as proof that if you have the right company, you can make great memories out of any scenario.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
In the fall, I will be attending the University of Chicago Divinity School to get my Masters in Divinity! I'm hoping to use my degree to pursue a career in interfaith dialogue and diplomacy with a focus in South Asian traditions.
During my time at Oberlin, I was a member of Nothing But Treble and OSteel. I served as the director for Nothing But Treble my junior and senior years, and served as a director for OSteel during my senior year. Three of my four years at Oberlin I worked as the Reserve and Media Assistant in the Main Library, and also as a Preparations Assistant in the Conservatory Library. My first year at Oberlin I worked as a line server/smoothie and sandwich maker in Dascomb and Decaf(back when there were still tables in Decaf! I also taught the Steel Pan, Beginning Swing, and Beginning Blues ExCos for a few semesters. I found amazing communities and wonderful friendships within these organizations, met new people teaching the ExCos, and had an incredible network of support among the library staff!
Study Abroad
Fall 2018 I spent the semester doing research at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
First floor Mudd! I spent a lot of time there over the years and I always loved running into my friends and feeling the sense of community in that space.
Favorite Class
Wendy Hyman's "Literature and the Scientific Revolution." It was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, classes I ever took at Oberlin!
Clubs & Organizations
Nothing But Treble
OSteel
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The party on Woodland when the floor broke!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm hoping to work for non-profit performing arts organizations!
Nick Schrantz began studying the viola da gamba and baroque cello at age 16 at Oberlins Baroque Performance Institute. Since then, he has studied at many institutions for historical performance, having the chance to work with and learn from performers such as Skip Semp Paolo Pandolfo, Josh Lee, and Jeanne Lamon. Nick has appeared as a soloist and an ensemble member with the Tallahassee Bach Parley, members of the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, the Tallahassee Community Chorus, and in viol consorts with Alison Crum. Most recently, Nick has been named a Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Fellow, and will perform alongside members of the celebrated Smithsonian Chamber Music Society in February, 2020. Nick performs in various venues around the nation on both the viola da gamba and the cello. Nick rigorously studies viola da gamba and cello with Catharina Meints at Oberlin Conservatory.
Study Abroad
No
Favorite Place
The Music Library is the best place to relax and find new repertoire!
Favorite Class
Cathy Meints Consort class! Its so much fun to read new music and learn to communicate with other musicians in a chamber music context.
Athletics
Ice Hockey
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning my first hockey game at Oberlin with the schools club ice hockey team!
I am a Creative Writing major and Theater/English minor, and spent a semester abroad studying English and Environmental Studies in London. During my time at Oberlin, I held multiple positions in the Oberlin Student Theater Association, and got to see so many brilliant shows come to life! I also worked at the Mudd circulation desk and The Oberlin Review. I loved working in the library, and took serious advantage of OhioLINK to read for pleasure. Some of my best memories at Oberlin happened in the Kahn third-floor lounge, Harkness lounge, the Creative Writing House, the Oberlin Review office in the Burton basement, the Mandarin, the first floor of Mudd, and the Oberlin Public Library. I will miss walking through Tappan Square and seeing plays in the new Wurtzel Theater!
Study Abroad
I went to London the second semester of my sophomore year as part of the Oberlin in London program.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
The first floor of Mudd, because I spent so much time there in the cozy chairs with my friends and overheard so many interesting conversations. Also the Oberlin Review office in the Burton basement because I met so many amazing people there!
Favorite Class
Tie between Fiction Workshop with Abbey Chung, because she is one of the most brilliant writers I've been lucky enough to work with at Oberlin, and Ovid in the Middle Ages with Jen Bryan and Kirk Ormand, because the professors took some daunting readings and material and made them accessible, interesting, and exciting!
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Plum Creek Review
The Oberlin Review
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The time my friends threw me a 22nd birthday party complete with a homemade cake. I had never felt so loved before!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be moving to Washington D.C. and working as a development apprentice at Studio Theatre! I hope to work as a fundraiser/grant writer for arts organizations.
Violinist Hannah Schoepe, is graduating with a B.M in violin performance from David Bowlins studio. For four consecutive years Hannah was on the managing personnel of David Bowlins Party Planning Committee, where she spearheaded projects like the studios Star Trek childrens book titled "The 24," birthday beer crust pizza baking, and the creation of numerous birthday cakes. As of 2018, Hannah became the adopted aunt to Professor Bowlins wonderful puppy Morrie. At Oberlin, Hannah was an Oberlin blogger, a writer for the Oberlin News, and a regular contributor to ClevelandClassdical.com. With a fervent interest in community outreach, she was an organizing member of Oberlin Orchestras 2017 Swan Lake Childrens Concert, an enthusiastic participant of every CCSs childrens Holiday concert, and served as a faculty member of Sa Oaxaca String Festival for online Zoom teaching during the pandemic. She was awarded the prize for "best rhetorical questions" in music journalism, and her writings can easily be accessed online. Beginning in fall 2020, Hannah will be pursuing a masters degree in violin performanc at the Lucerne School of Music in Switzerland.
Study Abroad
no
Campus Jobs
Oberlin Blogger
Student Writer
Favorite Place
The arb. It's where I go to contemplate
Favorite Class
Private violin study with David Bowlin. Because David is amazing, and I love playing violin. Chamber music, is a close second.
Notable Quote
At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Bob the snowman: read all about it https://www.oberlin.edu/blogs/favorite-oberlin-memories-blog-no-2
Evan will be graduating with a degree in clarinet performance, and has taught private lessons through the conservatory for the past 2 years. Outside of the con, one could find him behind the counter at the Local on most weekends, or at one of the gyms on a much less frequent basis. Evan has enjoyed getting to know the wonderful and talented Oberlin community through the years, and can't wait to see everyone thrive in the future!
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Secondary lessons teacher
Favorite Place
Kim's - simply couldn't have survived without it.
Favorite Class
Clarinet studio, because it's become a second family and is always a highlight of my week.
Notable Quote
"Well, the secret is finding that one thing that motivates you more than anything else. And for me that thing is fear of failure." - Nathan Fielder, Nathan for You
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My first, and sadly only, Drag Ball junior year.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Getting my masters in performance at University of Texas at Austin!
I am graduating this May with a degree in Anthropology, focusing on Political Anthropology and Critical Data Studies. Over my time at Oberlin, Ive been most involved in the OWLS Program, as an OWL for Multivariable Calculus and an OWLS Coordinator (OWL for OWLs), as well as serving as a Peer Facilitator for Introduction to Peer Helping Skills, an active member of OSCA and KHC and spending lots and lots of time working all around CDS--from 4th meal at Dascomb to the new smoothie bar to cooking up omelettes at Sunday Stevie Brunch. When I wasnt busy with any of those, I could be found scheming and dreaming with friends about labor solidarity action in the Student Labor Action Coalition (SLAC) and Oberlin Beyond Austerity. Im immensely grateful to all of the members of the Oberlin Community--students, faculty and support staff--who have made my college adventure as amazing and special as it has been. Its been a pleasure to support and be supported by you all and to learn from and with everyone.
Study Abroad
Madison, WI (Summer '19) studying Elementary Hindi
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Peer Facilitator for Introduction to Peer Helping Skills
OWLS Leader
OWLS Coordinator
Favorite Place
Dascomb Dining Hall during 4th Meal, RIP
Favorite Class
FYSP 088: Radical Reading and Writing in the World. Thank you to Professor Claire Solomon and to my peers in the course for showing me the kind of scholar-activist that I want to be in this world.
Athletics
Women & Trans' Rugby
Clubs & Organizations
BalletOberlin
Contra Dance Club
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Peace and Conflicts Student Connections Group
Queer and Formal Reasonings
Student Labor Action Coalition
Students for A Free Palestine
Students for Energy Justice
Memorable Oberlin Moment
All of the fundamentally absurd catering events I staffed, especially serving "deconstructed ceviche" to Ed Helms at a Board of Trustees function.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Moving to Cleveland to continue labor organizing work and take Masters coursework in Medical Anthropology at Case Western University (here's hoping).
Although I came to Oberlin expecting to major in politics, I have ended up falling in love with the study of history and speaking Spanish. My majors have led me to quite a few excellent opportunities, including interning with the Irish Archaeology Field School during the summer of 2019 and participating in the History at the Museum winter term just this past January. Eventually, I plan on getting some sort of masters degree in library sciences or museum studies in order to continue discussing really old objects and how to present history to the public. When not outlining long essays about Spanish literature, I could be found running around on the quidditch pitch in North Fields or typesetting in Printing Services. I have made lifelong friends at Oberlin, and Ill miss the constant adventures weve had together from Agave picnics in Tappan to exploring castles in Edinburgh to sporadic midnight haircuts.
Study Abroad
Cdoba, Spain - Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Printing Services student staff
Favorite Place
First floor of Peters because I love the architecture and how relaxing the fireplace is.
Favorite Class
Historical Research Methods! That class taught me to think like a historian.
Athletics
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm moving to Boston, MA at the beginning of June to start my new job!
I believe Ive changed over the course of college, I think at Oberlin I was able to both be myself in a way that I couldnt in high school but also change that core person inside me to become better over time. If I had to leave a message for my class I just want to say thank you for teaching me countless lessons, whether they were intentional or unintentional. Ive made mistakes, Im sure we all have, and I have done things I am not proud of. But without this community I dont know if I would have learned from my mistakes as much as I have. It is a community that is full of both kindness and accountability, both of which are extremely important qualities, and it has taught me so much. My experience at Oberlin was far from perfect, but if it was perfect then I wouldnt have grown, so I wouldnt trade this experience for anything.
Study Abroad
I studies abroad in Hangzhou, China during my Junior Spring
Campus Jobs
Chinese Tutor
Favorite Place
Williams Field House. As a member of club soccer for all four years and a lifelong soccer lover, this is where I could forget about whatever stress or frustrations were plaguing me at any moment and I could just play the game I loved.
Favorite Class
Samba. I had many classes where I learned a lot and I'm very grateful for all the classes I took but the sense of community this class fostered was unlike any other I took at Oberlin
Athletics
Coed Soccer
Notable Quote
"Find the good. Its all around you. Find it, showcase it and youll start believing in it." - Jesse Owens
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My final trip to the Arb
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm moving to Hong Kong to work with an English immersion program
During my time at Oberlin, I worked at the Living Machine for three years and conducted water testing at Plum Creek as a part of that. I also worked at the ESIC, which was one of my favorite places on campus.
Study Abroad
Fall 2018 in the Amazon Rainforest, Peru
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
The Living Machine
the ESIC
Favorite Place
The Oberlin bike path is my favorite spot because it is so peaceful and a great place to de-stress!
Favorite Class
Karla Hubbard's Paleobiology Seminar was my favorite, because she's an amazing professor and it made me fall in love with invertebrate paleontology.
Clubs & Organizations
Meditators
Students for Energy Justice
Notable Quote
"Were we supposed to have a quote?" - Ann Paul Veal
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My best friend and I were on campus for Winter Term 2019 and there was a HUGE blizzard and we played in the snow and went to a practice room in the Con and made up songs on the piano <3
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am continuing research with Roger Laushman, looking at the species and distribution of beetles around Oberlin.
Hello, my name is Rachel H Sanders. I am an autistic, Jewish woman trying to live her best life. I am from Port Washington, a place in Long Island, NY. I co-created Obility, the current disability-justice organization on campus, and the first liberal arts disability theme hall, Disability Solidarity Hall. Formally a History major with deep interests in Disability Studies, I am looking towards a freezing cold law school. Don't let the depression or anxiety confuse you, I am a pretty open pan, demisexual woman. Ask me about my interests in Disability Justice, or what happens at Bee Bench.
Study Abroad
I went to Hydrabad, India for one of my Winter Terms
Campus Jobs
Admisson Ambassador
Favorite Place
Sci Fi Hall, they put all the gays there to play Smash Bros and board games.
Favorite Class
Horror Film and Disabilities. Awakened my perspective on disability studies and also the study of popular media culture
Clubs & Organizations
BalletOberlin
Cat in the Cream
Chabad at Oberlin
Contra Dance Club
Film Co-op
Gear Co-op
Girls in Motion
Hillel
Mental Health Alliance
Obility
Outings Club
Plum Creek Review
Pottery Co-op
Swing&Blues
The Oberlin Grape
Notable Quote
And now for something completely different - Monty Python
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Cooking boxed dinners during my first winter term with my future best friend Nina
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Syracuse Law school for their Joint Program in Disability Law and Disability Studies
As an Oberlin student I was privileged to work at the Peer Support Center, conduct research on face perception and emotion regulation, teach yoga, and play varsity volleyball. I am so grateful to have gotten to know so many wonderful people and be a part of such impactful communities.
Thank you Third World Co-op, I dont know what my Oberlin would be without you. Thank you the Cat in the Cream, all my fellow Cats, Tom, Sean, and every person who knows how special the Cat because the Cat is the people who love it. Thank you OSLAM, my writing cohort- the future is in our mouths. Thank you Jewish Voice for Peace, my Judaism is my activism is my love. Thank you Asian American Alliance and As I Am, for all the windows and doors you opened, and all the roots that grew from them. Thank you American Agricultures class at Grafton and all the seeds that we planted. Thank you Biology department and the Hazelnuts by the AJLC and all the ferns in Chance Creek. Thank you Ohio, we dont deserve you. I carry you all with me and all my possibilities.
Study Abroad
Hangzhou, China in Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
Third World Co-op! That fed me and feeds me and who I hope I fed well, too/ that taught me and teaches me/ that pushed me/ that opened me to worlds worth fighting for/ that gave me my first home away from home/ I hope you never stop cooking each other small feasts of liberation, of love, of care.
Clubs & Organizations
As I Am
Asian American Alliance
Cat in the Cream
Jewish Voice for Peace
OSLAM
Notable Quote
The most beautiful part of your body is where its headed. & remember, loneliness is still time spent with the world. - Ocean Vuong, "Someday Ill Love Ocean Vuong"
When it comes down to it, I applied to Oberlin College on a hunch. After visiting campus as a junior in highschool, I had a vague sense of belonging and the intangible notion that I would be happy there. I did not know then what I know now: Oberlin would give me a chance to renew myself. Soon after arriving at Oberlin, I became heavily involved with two clubs: Oberlin Club Tennis and Challah Cappella. These two groups supported and reinvigorated my love of musical, cultural, and athletic expression. I, in return, have worked hard to maintain these two organizations over the past four years by taking on various leadership positions: co-chair, musical director, liaison, and captain. Within academics, I was lucky enough to have many mentors at Oberlin guide me as a multifaceted young scientist toward meaningful research projects and rigorous coursework. Their mentorship helped me secure undergraduate research positions at Oberlin and at Weill Cornell Medicine, find a match for my diverse interests in the field of computational biology, and reach my full potential as an independent learner.
Study Abroad
I spent my 2019 Winter Term in Ulm, Germany studying molecular diagnostics at the University Hospital of Ulm. During my time there, I had the chance to explore Munich, Stuggart, and FrankfurtI even attended a cancer research conference hosted in the German Alps! It was truly an amazing experience, that Winter Term inspired me to learn German!
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Tutor
Lab TA
Favorite Place
Stull Recital Hall will always hold a special place in my heart. The hall was the concert venue of choice for my a cappella group and it was tradition to have our final concert there to celebrate our graduating members. Stull Recital Hall reminds me of old friends, beautiful music, and the gorgeous light that streams through its many windows.
Favorite Class
My favorite class I have taken was Biochemistry (taught by Professor Ryno). It was the perfect culmination of my studies at Oberlin. The course covered a broad and interesting set of topics. Not only did we explore the basic principles of biochemistry but also the ethics of pesticide use, a variety of analyses for biological samples, and drug mechanisms.The class gave me the opportunity to apply all that I had learned at Oberlin; a chance to advance my science writing, laboratory, and critical thinking skills to a high level. Most importantly, the class affirmed my passion for biochemistry and love of science.
Athletics
Club Tennis
Clubs & Organizations
Challah Cappella
Club Sports Council
OSHOTS
The Synapse
Notable Quote
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." -Lewis Carroll
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I will not forget the energy of the first study break concert I attended and performed at. As is tradition, we were singing to an audience tightly packed under the ramp of Mudd Library. It was a cold October night but I was warm with nervousness and excitement. We got out front and sang our hearts out while the crowd cheered and nodded to the beat.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am in the process of searching for a job in the biotech industry as a software engineer or bioinformatics analyst.
Im a Creative Writing major, and Ive loved dancing with Choreo for the past three years! I performed with Oberlins Samba School prior to that. Ive been so lucky to form communities around my interests, including teaching a Cryptozoology exco with my best friend, and DJing pop punk splitchers three times! Ive enjoyed welcoming new students to Oberlin as an employee in the Office of Admissions and as a PAL since the programs start. Im a huge lover of the beach and all things ocean-related, and during my time at Oberlin Ive come to love the sound of the wind in fall leaves, and the coziness of snow days too. My favorite things include strawberries, my dog Pinky, and extrapolating wildly about the existence of Bigfoot.
Study Abroad
I spent the spring of my junior year studying in Rome, Italy!
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Tour Guide
Senior Admissions Fellow
Favorite Place
If youd asked me a year ago, I probably wouldve said the koi pond. But this past year my village house became my favorite place. Long live Halloween House <3
Favorite Class
Ive got a soft spot for my first year seminar. Im so grateful to Professor Kirk Ormand and my classmates for making that space my first home on campus. But my favorite class ever was the Writers in the Schools Practicum with Lynn Powell, in which I got to design lesson plans and implement them in the classroom at Langston Middle School. Working with the kids and hearing them read their work in the Cat at the end of the semester was just so much fun!
Athletics
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Big Parade
Burlesque
Choreo
Community of Writers
Contra Dance Club
Experimental College
Samba School
Student Union Programming Committee
Wilder Voice Magazine
Writers in Residence
Notable Quote
"[I]t doesnt matter how specialist or whimsy-esque your dream is. If it works for you, if it fills your heart with joy, do it."-Steve Feltham, real life Nessie Hunter
Memorable Oberlin Moment
DJing pop punk splitchers with my best friend and housemate Lucy! We attended the first Panic! at the Sco our freshman year and loved it so much we had to carry the tradition on. Weve done it for three years now, and absolutely loved it every time.
Ive always considered myself very lucky to have attended Oberlin. Ill be forever grateful for my experience there, and for the life lessons I learned. By the end of my four years, I had finally grown to understood what our motto, "Learning and Labor," meant and felt that I had indeed fulfilled both parts of that credo.
Study Abroad
I did the Oberlin in Italy program the summer before my freshman year. Arezzo, 2016.
Campus Jobs
WOBCs "Making CONnections" Co-host
Favorite Place
The Local/Slow Train. We love a good caffeine break before practicing.
Favorite Class
Music Theory IV with Andrew Pau. He taught me how to really think about music. And, perhaps more importantly as a singer, how to think about the text.
Clubs & Organizations
Swing&Blues
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Oberlin Arts & Sciences Orchestra
Notable Quote
"To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." -Beethoven
Memorable Oberlin Moment
When all the seniors sang the "Va, pensiero" chorus during the last studio class before quarantine.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will attend Academy of Vocal Arts in the fall to continue my work with Bill Schuman, one of the truly great voice teachers of our time, whom I met at Music Academy of the West while a student at Oberlin.
I am an ENVS major with a pathway in Justice and minors in Hispanic Studies and Studio Art. I have worked for the Resource Conservation Team since sophomore year, love spending time in the Free Store, the J-House garden, the arb and snacking in OSCA. I never expected to enjoy living in rural Ohio quite so much.
Study Abroad
Valparao, Chile. Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Resource Conservation Team Member
Favorite Place
Bead Paradise RIP
Favorite Class
I loved "Saints, Sinners and Other Cursed Women" with Ana Mar Diaz Burgos. She is such an engaging professor, I found the material really interesting and felt that I greatly improved my Spanish skills. The fact that Ana Mar was pregnant while we discussed themes of motherhood only added to the course.
Athletics
Women's Soccer
Clubs & Organizations
Outings Club
Partner Acrobatics Club
Notable Quote
How high can a bird count anyway?
Memorable Oberlin Moment
How to possibly chose one. Laying and laughing in sunny grass, going on walks with people I love.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Learning to garden and farm in the mountains of Northern California and eventually live in an intentional community somewhere warm.
I started at Oberlin in 2016, and am a voice major in the Conservatory. I have been in OSCA, more specifically Pyle, for three years, and have been a breadmaker for all three years. I have found some of my closest friends from the Conservatory and OSCA. I've grown so much as a person because of this. I cooked for 120 people every week, and have taken so many leadership roles because of Pyle. I am so thankful for all the Conservatory and Pyle has done for me.
Study Abroad
No!
Favorite Place
The Con Library! I never got much work done in there if I am being honest, but I always saw my friends there and it led to lots of laughter and spontaneous coffee dates.
Favorite Class
Interpretation of Art Song with Thomas Bandy. There was so much one-on-one learning, and I learned so much from Professor Bandy. He taught so well and really made his office a safe and inclusive environment. I have taken so many other classes with him, including Lied, German Diction, and Italian Diction. He is my favorite Professor and I am so honored to have worked with him!
Notable Quote
"After all, one can't complain. I have my friends" - Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh
Memorable Oberlin Moment
During the final week of classes, I performed a song from my senior recital (It was called Goodnight Moon) with one of my good friends accompanying me on it. We performed it for most of our close friends, and it was a really special moment to share that music with everyone around us. We were all really grateful for each other in that moment. It made me think about how much I've grown during my time at Oberlin, and how lucky I was to be surrounded by such wonderful and beautiful people and so much love.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am taking a gap year, and plan on applying to grad school for a voice/opera degree during that gap year.
I am a Biology major and Art History minor. I love animals and children, therefore I hope to intersect both of these passions in my future career. My favorite activities include being at the beach, reading, having Sunday dinner at A-House, and being a hype-woman for my friends. And of course, I am a Gemini woman.
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
America Reads (Tutor); America Counts (Tutor) - both through the Bonner Center
Favorite Place
Afrikan Heritage House; I found the biggest and best support throughout my time at Oberlin in this space from peers (all of years), professors, and community members here. A-house is the space I felt I could be my authentic self, and the overwhelming energy that radiates in this space is unmatched anywhere else. Even though I was never a resident, this place provided me a home away from home.
Clubs & Organizations
Black Scientists Guild
Notable Quote
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou (2011)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
On February 23-24, 2019, during Black History Month as the sole Chair of the Black Scientists Guild, I successfully created and facilitated STEM in Color; a two day career summit for students in STEM to interact with and learn from Black Professionals in various careers. The panel consisted of alumni and other outside professionals who have either become good friends of mine or mentors/advisors for my career goals.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
The summer of 2020 I will completing a fellowship with The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR), computer modeling Lake Michigan ecosystems and energy flows. This summer I will also be creating and providing online courses and workshops for educators (at all levels) to enhance their cultural competency, behavior management protocol, and social/emotional literacy to better serve and teach Black students.
My name is Charlie Rinehart-Jones and I am originally from New York City, NY. I'm so fortunate to have explored so many different things at this school. Some of my favorite things were working through my majors Politics and Cinema Studies, working on student journalism with The Grape, and helping other Oberlin students through class council, student senate, PAL, and SOAR. I spent so much time wondering what college was going to be like in high school, and I am so thankful for my time here. I had the opportunity to produce multiple films, scripts, and creative projects as well as complete honors. Oberlin has opened so many doors for me and truly helped me unlock my potential. I'm going to miss hanging out on wilder bowl, waiting for smoothies in decafe, having dinner in town with my friends, and learning new things in the classroom. I'll never forget softball in the springtime, commencement fun, big parade, and the rest of the amazing and crazy traditions that we have here.
Study Abroad
Nope
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Videographer for Disability Services
Tour Guide
PAL
SOAR Leader
Senior Admissions Fellow
Favorite Place
Wilder Bowl
Favorite Class
Tie between Writing for Film & Television and Experimental Film
Athletics
Intramural Softball
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Student Senate
The Oberlin Grape
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Class Council
Notable Quote
"A cows milk is never as clear as water" - Georgia Panitch
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Guilty Pleasures Splitchers & Miley Cyrus Coverband
My name is He Ren, and I am a biochemistry and chemistry major. I worked as a lab TA for CHEM 101 (Fall 2017) and 205 (Fall 2018), and an OWLS leader for CHEM 101 (Fall 2019). I also worked in the Parsons Lab from 01/2018 to 05/2018 and in the Elrod Lab from 06/2019 to 04/2020. I enjoyed my time at Oberlin for both the intellectual stimulation and support I received.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Lab TA
OWLS leader
Favorite Place
Science center N285. It's not a perfect space since eating was not allowed inside the room due to safety reasons, and there was constant background noise from the venting system. I had a lot of fun from socializing with several lovely people and got a lot of work done in N285.
Favorite Class
I have several classes that I enjoyed, including CHEM 325, 339, EAST 324, and MATH 327. All of these classes covered some interesting materials by a charismatic and enthusiastic instructor.
Notable Quote
"Expecting everything to be fun is not reasonable." - Professor Matthew Elrod. March 25, 2020. Via Zoom.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
On November 11th, 2019, around 8 am, I heard people singing the happy birthday song to me during the CHEM 101 session.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will start to pursue a PhD in physical chemistry at UC Berkeley this Fall.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Max Reese is currently a senior at the Oberlin Conservatory studying under the tutelage of Richard Hawkins. He previously studied with Charles Salinger. He has held chairs at all of Oberlin Conservatorys large ensembles and has attended the Brevard Music Center. He has performed under the baton of Joann Falletta, Keith Lockhart, Tim Weiss, Marcelo Lehninger, and Matthias Bamert. As a chamber musician, Reese has additionally been heard with his wind quintet, The Guintet, on WCLV 104.9. The Guintet has also been the winner of the Danenberg Honors Recital at Oberlin Conservatory. Reese was also selected as a musician for the Oberlin Orchestras performance at Carnegie Hall in 2019.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Notable Quote
If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there. -George Harrison
I entered Oberlin as a dual-degree student in voice performance and biology, and I feel very fortunate to be exiting with both degrees and a minor in chemistry. During my time at Oberlin, I felt limited in my ability to participate in extracurriculars because of my schedule, but I was able to be a part of various ensembles and seven operas, and join a few fun excos along the way! Most of my time outside of classes and studying was spent hanging out with various friend groups and exploring the town. I worked as a biology tutor and a research assistant under Taylor Allen during my fifth year.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Tutor
Favorite Place
The Con Lounge is always bustling with energy and excitement. I would spend time there between classes, before studio, doing work, etc., knowing that I would always see friendly faces pass by. I loved coloring the posters on the walls, spending time celebrating beautiful recitals at receptions, and watching the koi pond turtle bask in the sun. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Favorite Class
I enjoyed Disease Ecology because it allowed me and my group to design our own experiment, run it, and report our results. It took a lot of blood, sweat, muddy shoes, and mosquito bites, but the payoff was well worth it. It felt less academic and more like an example of how individual research and scientific writing would feel after Oberlin. Also, who knew how relevant the class would become within the next few years! I feel very fortunate to understand the basics of disease ecology and apply my knowledge critically while reading about current events.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The final performance of the opera Cosfan tutte was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Emotions ran high, as we knew it was the last performance of the 2019-2020 school year and our final moments together. In a weird way, it forced me to appreciate everything so much more than I would have if things were normal. Those moments shared with my friends and mentors will stick with me forever.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan to go to McGill University's Schulich School of Music, where I intend to pursue a master's degree in Opera and Voice.
I have learned so much from my time at Oberlin. I have gained an appreciation for how to think critically, discuss, and wonder. I have found a sense of passion for the environment and working with children through working at Oberlin Community Services, America Reads, and with the ENVS department as a Teaching Assistant. I have learned so much from the people I have interacted with, from the wonderful music and art all around me, and from the community I have found, especially at Harkness. I am inspired and motivated by my fellow classmates, and I cannot wait to see what we bring to this world.
Study Abroad
I studies abroad my Junior year in Byron Bay, Australia with SIT.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
ENVS Teaching Assistant
America Reads
Oberlin Community Services
George Jones Farm
Athletic Training Room Assistant
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin place is definitely the Arb, I have had so many wonderful memories there and it was such a stable friend to me throughout the years.
Favorite Class
American Agricultures with Janet Fiskio was my favorite class because we had such a valuable learning community with challenging, enriching discussions and difficult, important topics.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Head cooking with my friend Eitan at Harkness for two years! And general Harkness shenanigans.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am pursuing jobs and experiences in Environmental Education, namely Forest Schools, a nature based and play based form of Early Childhood Education.
DaQuan Williams 20 double majored in Anthropology and Musical Studies, primarily focusing his studies in the fields of choral conducting, music education, and ethnomusicology. DaQuan sang in and conducted several choral and vocal ensembles inside and outside of the conservatory. In his first year at Oberlin, he founded the annual Moses Hogan Sing-Along, served as the Assistant Conductor at the Grafton Correctional Facility through the Oberlin Music at Grafton Program, and in his fourth year, performed a senior conducting and voice recital entitled I Am Because We Are. His primary research centered around the black choral tradition at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, though for his capstone, he wrote an ethnography about virtual choirs due to Covid-19 and social distancing orders. He worked with the Oberlin Admissions Office, served as the Co-Chair of ABUSUA 17-18 (BSU), and was RA for Lord Side in A-house for two years alongside Darian Gray 20 and Dr. Candice Raynor. In his final months at Oberlin, DaQuan worked on a documentary with several other Black students centered around Black students transition to remote learning called Boxes Will Be Provided.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Peer Advising Leader
Resident Assistant
Campus Visit Assistant
Oberlin College Choir Ensemble Manager
Assistant Conductor for OMAG
Director of the Birmingham United Methodist Church Choir.
Favorite Place
African Heritage House because it will always be my second home and because I kind of got it tattooed on my wrist!
Favorite Class
Historic and Contemporary Debates of African American Education I & II because Professor Raynor is amazing and because of the familial classroom environment. That class consisted of mostly black students.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Black Musicians' Guild
Posse Scholar
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My favorite Oberlin memory has to be that moment at one of the A-house cookouts where a bunch of us (black students) swagg surfed in the middle of south bowl, because who was to tell us we couldn't!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
DaQuan intends to go back to school within the next year to obtain his teaching certification in Music Education. He then plans to pursue a career as a Choral Conductor and Educator.
I'm Marissa Ramirez. I'm a first-generation college student representing San Antonio, Texas. I'm a Leo rising, Pisces sun, and Libra moon. I spent the majority of my time at Oberlin hanging out with friends who would become my source of support and my Oberlin familia. I also took courses that enriched my perspective on the world and lead me to realize my passions. On the other hand, I was exhausted from being around white people all the time but my mom ain't raise me weak. So I not only made it through but thrived. I had a great time involved with the MRC, La Alianza Latinx, and Drag Ball Committee through planning events and inviting speakers. I'll miss the place where I grew into myself, but I'm ready to see what my future holds. Thank you to everyone who supported me during my time at Oberlin, te amo!
Study Abroad
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mico
Favorite Place
Azzie's. Ms. Christine was so nice and would make the best drinks.
Favorite Class
American Agricultures with Janet Fiskio!
Clubs & Organizations
Drag Ball Committee
La Alianza Latinx
Movimiento
Obies for Undocumented Inclusion
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
"La P*ta Ama"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moments were spent at the Hotel at Oberlin happy hour sipping on some prosecco.
At Oberlin I majored in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Theater. I like reading plays, 20th-century literature, and work with religious themes. I like writing essays, plays, and short fiction. At Oberlin, I was involved in student and department theater, the comedy scene and a capella. Some of my favorite things to do at Oberlin were eating meals outside, playing music with my friends, and performing sketch comedy. Oberlin taught me to always try new things, like the steel pan exco and eggs, and helped me find myself, my passions, and my forever friends.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland in the fall of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Co-head of Social Media for the Theater Department
Tour Guide
Favorite Place
My favorite place at Oberlin is Wilder Bowl on a 75-degrees and sunny day. I have happy memories of sitting in the sun, getting grass stains on my clothes and spending hours outside with friends.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Lynn Powell's Nonfiction workshop. I loved the readings , found the assignments compelling and fun to write, and enjoyed working with the invested and strong community of writers in the class.
Clubs & Organizations
Acapelicans
Two Groves
Doobie Ingenuity
Notable Quote
"A place belongs forever to whoever claims it hardest, remembers it most obsessively, wrenches it from itself, shapes it, renders it, loves it so radically that he remakes it in his own image." - Joan Didion
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable moment was performing in my last sketch comedy show right before we all left campus. I loved all the sketches we performed and thought that everyone in my group did a fantastic job. It was a house show, which made the show seem cozy and I felt like our rushed preparations and last-minute blocking changes leading up to the show captured the essence of what I love about the group.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan to move to New York City and pursue editorial and arts education positions while continuing to perform stand-up and sketch comedy and write for magazines.
I am Charlotte (she her), here I have grown into my love of books+ learning. I have learned about my love for radio, and cooking. I have fixed many things and broken other things. THIS has been a complicated place for me and for many people as well. I will say that it has certainly been transformative, and that I have met many people that I love. They have taught me about myself, and about how to be in community with others.
Study Abroad
Border Studies program fall 2018
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Writing Associate
Student Union staff
WILDER DESK (rip) Reinstate Tom Reid
Favorite Place
Carnagie because lots of gay awakenings there and beautiful rocks + fossils <3(library + roof especially)
Favorite Class
GIS cause MAPS haha
Clubs & Organizations
As I Am
Capoeira Angola
Experimental College
Solidarity with Guatemala
Taiko
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
ECVI!
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Floor breaking during Sick dance party at 17 North main to I follow rivers, all the other dance parties that have ensued here both planned and random. Too many other memories, none of which I can remember.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
become a cartographer, learn about law, fall in love
Eli Presberg (they/them) is a politics major with minors in CAST, GSFS, and Professor Fiskio's environmental justice classes. During their time at Oberlin they learned how to play frisbee, construct a data set (thanks professor Garcia!), and changed their pronouns. In addition, they devoted a lot of time to environmental and sexual justice work through the Oberlin-Africatown partnership and PRSM. They will dearly miss feve brunch, scamming free hotel coffee, and tappan's trees.
Study Abroad
Oberlin Dannenberg-in-London program Spring 2018
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Village Assistant
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
North Fields, the biggest fields on earth!
Favorite Class
ENVS 230, ti introduced me to environmental justice work, Prof. Fiskio, and our Africatown partners. The most significant experience of my undergrad years.
I am a Biology major who loves learning about how cells function and what they can do to adapt to their environment when it changes. I also love snow and days that are below 60 but sunny too. I vaguely know how to knit and longboard, but am very good at playing super smash bros (Lucario and Charizard only). I believe the friendships I have made here will extend years past college and am grateful to have met so many wonderful people. Disregarding college stereotypes, I do not make ramen at college (it is not a main staple), but I do make rice. I started my Biology major "late", but cant imagine having changed classes as the teachers I had were inspiring, incredible, and passionate about learning. Oberlin is a place, where I have learned to grow confident in who I am and what I can do. It is a place where I will hold many fond memories and I am beyond grateful and happy that I chose Oberlin.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Chemistry TA
Favorite Place
Love Lounge! Perched above the science atrium, it is truly great as it still maintains the wonderful natural lighting from the atrium windows, but also has a quieter atmosphere conducive for work. Additionally, if you ever need a break from work, a quick trip to decafe with friends for snacks or conversation with peers is possible as many students pass through.
Favorite Class
Too many to choose from! I especially loved all my upper-level biology courses as they challenged me to think more holistically. Favorite non-biology course though was definitely CS 151 with Bob Geitz. At the start of this class, coding was something I perceived myself to not be great at, but I took the class because I wanted to improve my coding skills. I am very proud to say that by the end of this class, I became a better coder and learned I had the skills all along, but only needed a bit more time to develop them. This class was my favorite for two reasons. First this class was a reminder to me that we should not give up on things that seem hard and that just because you dont understand something now doesnt mean you wont understand it later. The second reason I loved this class was because of the teacher. Without professor Geitzs constant support and encouragement, I would not have realized my full potential in coding and would have forgotten how much fun it is.
Clubs & Organizations
Biology Majors Commitee
Notable Quote
"If a bagel is beating you, it's probably me" - Julia Pindaro during chem 102 OWLS when playing Cahoots and everyone was talking about their username
"Sexualituy in Ancient Greece and Rome" with Kirk Ormand. This class was so fun, weird, and interesitng way to look at sexuaility. When I took it, the class was full of wonderful people.
Athletics
Fencing
Clubs & Organizations
OSteel
The Synapse
Art Students Committee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
First Year Drag Ball! The most fun and free I've ever I have felt on this campus. Not to mention Latrice Royale and all the iconic performers from that year.
I joined more activities than I should have, and not even half as many as I wanted to. I didn't go to enough concerts, but I performed in at least one every semester (choir, collegium, small group concerts of my friend's compositions, a cappella). I held leadership roles in Challah Cappella (co-music director), Quidditch (co-social coordinator and co-match secretary), the Kosher Halal Co-op (co-cleanliness coordinator), Contra Dance (calling coordinator), and Morris and Sword (student liaison and treasurer, Morris exco teacher). I danced swing and blues, performed in Oburlesque with Challah Cappella, taught and took excos, and baked cookies as fast as I could share them!
My name is Gillian Pasley! I grew up in Concord, MA, and am very sad to now be graduating and leaving Oberlin College. I majored in Sociology and Creative Writing, and developed passions for poetry, nonfiction writing, teaching, and education reform. I completed an honors thesis in sociology investigating normative whiteness in social justice-oriented teacher training programs, and am finishing up a capstone that experiments with transitional prose forms to explore fatherhood, death, and aftershocks. Outside of the classroom, I served as station manager this past year at WOBC, and was a DJ and/or staff member at the radio station for all four years at Oberlin. Ive also enjoyed making my dreams come true as a concert booker for the Sco since 2017. Additionally: been an unreliable tasty things maker in Harkness; a visiting poet at Langston Middle School; a singer for illusive campus band "The Milos"; a sporadic employee of the admissions office; loyal customer of Feve, Blue Rooster, etc. I will miss my lovely friends and this community so much!
Study Abroad
Galway, Ireland during the spring of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Student Union staff
Office of Admissions
America Reads
Favorite Place
WOBC! I was station manager this year, on staff for two years prior, and have been a DJ for four. The basis of some of my best memories with community (cover band showcase, times with friends in the studio), but also the site of much self-discovery and growing passion for community-minded media.
Favorite Class
Teaching Imaginative Writing with poetry professor Lynn Powell!! Lynn is such an inspiring professor, and completing my first poetry residency at Langston Middle School ignited a passion for teaching.
Clubs & Organizations
Gear Co-op
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Student Union Programming Committee
Wilder Voice Magazine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Writers in Residence
Memorable Oberlin Moment
As a booker for the 'Sco, I got to book my favorite musician of all time (Jonathan Richman, of the Modern Lovers) for a show in fall 2017. They say never to meet you heroes, but it actually worked out--this artist who I'd listened to and was inspired by all throughout high school was lovely to talk to, as weird as his music would suggest, and put on a phenomenal show. After the 'Sco was all cleaned up, I prepared to say goodbye -- when he realized he had parked his van across a driveway on Woodland Street and it had been towed during the evening. If you had told 15-year-old me that I'd be driving my hero to a junkyard in Elyria in my beat-up Toyota Camry, I never would have believed you. When I got back to Wilder, he gave me a hug and got into the van--"the adventure continues!!" he called, and drove off into the night.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
As of right now, undecided. I am hoping to work in education, public media, non-profit development, journalism, or some combination of all of those...
My time at Oberlin provided me with new knowledge, skills, and amazing moments I will never forget. Being in Osteel, Osca, on the Cross Country team, and joining the pottery coop were some of my favorite experiences. I have loved learning about other people's passions and interests, and have treasured what a welcoming and encouraging community Oberlin is.
Study Abroad
Chiang Mai, Thailand. Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Admissions Tour Guide
Favorite Place
The AJLC!
Favorite Class
A seminar on coal communities and culture with Prof Christie Parris
Athletics
Cross Country
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
OSteel
Pottery Co-op
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The secret Osteel show on March 13th, as school was shutting down we played our last and best show in the Panyard! I will never forget how many people came and danced and the love that filled that room.
I came to Oberlin initially to major in creative writing before I found the theater department and focused on becoming an actor. Since then, I've been immersed in the tradition of the Blues and Black theater during my time in Oberlin. I've performed in The Bluest Eye, directed by Justin Emeka and The Brothers Size, directed by Ti Ames, to name a few. I've also hosted the weekly radio show Fly in the Buttermilk with Miyah Byers, in my spare time. My final major college experience was performing in, editing, and designing the costumes for the one-man show In the Eleventh Hour, directed and written by Miyah Byers, for my theater capstone project.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
One of my Oberlin spaces is Hall Auditorium, mainly due to the fact that I have experienced it inside and out, from backstage, to the paintshop, to watching from the audience, it is probably one of my most frequented spaces!
Favorite Class
One of my favorite classes was Blues Aesthetic, taught by Professor Johnny Coleman. From John Biggers to Toni Morrison, this class was where I was immersed in the vast tradition of Black artists in America operating within the Blues tradition, which I bring to everything I do.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Capoeira Angola
Christian Fellowship
Meditators
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue
Notable Quote
"Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word "love" here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace - not in the infantile American sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth." -James Baldwin
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
One of my goals it to become a working actor in the Cleveland area and eventually teach acting to kids and/or adults!
I immigrated from Peru to Miami, Florida at the age of 3. In the fifth grade I took up French Horn lessons and later decided that would be my career. I attended New World School of the Arts, and eventually made my way to Oberlin, where I have studied under Roland Pandolfi for the last four years.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resident Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Annual Fund calling center student supervisor
conference services assistant
secondary lessons teacher
Favorite Place
Koi pond, great place to practice or to look at fish
Favorite Class
Oberlin Sinfonietta, rehearsing was one of my favorite parts of attending Oberlin. Sinfonietta, allowed me to rehearse newer music which is something I am greatly passionate about.
Athletics
Fencing
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Playing at Carnegie Hall with the Oberlin Orchestra
A San Francisco native, Libra sun & Libra rising, an avid supporter of women of color sci-fi authors, and total homebody somehow found herself enrolling at Oberlin College fall 2016. Even with all the stumbling blocks, these past four years have thrown at me, I'd still choose Oberlin. Being at Oberlin contributed so much to my growth as an ally, an activist, and an individual. Ill be graduating with an individual major in Global Health Studies, with an unplanned but completely loved minor in Environmental Studies. Ill miss classes in the AJLC and third floor King (not the hike up those stairs though). Ill miss running into friends at DeCafe or shouting "Hey!!!" / "You look good!!!" across Wilder Bowl. Ill miss the community I found here that is made up of some of my most favorite people and friendships. We danced our a$$es off every time we went to the Sco, kept each other accountable, checked in, and lifted each other up when one of us felt low. My Oberlin experience has been defined so deeply by the people and connections Ive made on this campus, both the long-lasting and fleeting ones. So to my people, thank you!
Study Abroad
Fall 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
MRC Student Programming Associate
Notetaker
Favorite Place
A House, but more specifically the A-House residents/Black student table during Sunday dinners because tea was always spilled, impromptu karaoke sessions, and the people <3
Favorite Class
Damn, this is tough. I've had so many favorite classes! But if I had to pick just one, it would be International Security with Professor Chua. First, what an iconic professor I never left class without my mind having been blown by something she said. Second, I learned so much about the military-industrial complex, the rhetoric used to justify war, and how the state uses and stokes fear of "next time" to warrant more surveillance.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Black Scientists Guild
La Alianza Latinx
Notable Quote
"All that you touch, You Change. All that you Change, Changes You. The only lasting truth is Change." - Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower (1993)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Most memorable Oberlin moment has to be singing happy birthday to Nae in Dascomb in our second year and the fact that people joined in. Also, her complete and utter embarrassment, priceless! But honestly speaking, any time spent in Dascomb or with friends was memorable. We definitely kept things interesting.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Ideal case scenario I find a job in the public health sector, but if not, then Trader Joe's is looking mighty good until August.
Abby Orr is a soprano graduating in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory where she has studied under the tutelage of Daune Mahy and Kendra Colton. During her time here at Oberlin, Abby has had the opportunity to grow as an operatic performer in many productions. Some highlights include, The Telephone, Dialougues of the Carmelites, soloing in Elijah, and The Wild Beast of the Bungalow. Additionally, she has loved being involved in many student composer works, her favorite being "A Britney Spears Tribute." Abby is truly grateful to have been able to grow as a performer and person during her time at Oberlin and is excited to see what the future holds at New England Conservatory!
Study Abroad
N/a
Campus Jobs
Conservatory Deans student Assistant
Favorite Place
The arb! Or getting bagels at the local??
Favorite Class
The Bob Ross Exco! Or maybe Katherine Jollys movement for singers class!
Clubs & Organizations
Cat in the Cream
Christian Fellowship
Oberlin Meditators
Swing &Blues
Tanwir : Middle Eastern Student Association
ViBE Dance Company
Yoga Club
Bob Ross Exco
Silmarillion Exco
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The Nordic send off for breadcrab??
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Enrolling to New England Conservatory in the fall to get a Masters in Vocal Performance!
Kierra spent her time at Oberlin picnicking on the jazz roof, biking on the bike path, brunching at the Feve, studying in Slow Train, splitching at the 'Sco, making art in the print and photo labs, and dancing everywhere she could!
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Dance Department Student Representative
Favorite Place
Warner Main - the largest, most beautiful studio space I have ever danced in. I will miss it!
Favorite Class
Intro to B&W Photo, Spring 2018 - This class had the most fun, supportive community. Spending hours upon hours a week with them was a highlight of the semester.
My name is Amari. I spent a lot of my time at Oberlin trying out things I was interested in and hanging out with people that I thought were cool and/or different. I feel like I did a lot of things these past 4 years thanks to Oberlin. But the biggest "highlights" I can think of are all the great moments I spent in my quad/house with my roommates, close friends and anyone that ever came through.
Study Abroad
I did not
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
Barrows 203, South 174, North 106 and 74 Elmwood because that is where I lived and spent a significant time there with people that I hold dear to my heart.
Favorite Class
Intro to African Studies, Government and Politics in Africa, and Politics and Society in Africa since the 1980s. All of these were with Professor Opoku. He is the best teacher at Oberlin and has taught me so much about Africa, its history, and its current state. These classes have heavily shaped my worldview and sense of self.
Athletics
Baseball
I was only on the baseball team but stopped after my junior fall season
Clubs & Organizations
Hip Hop Collective
Solarity
Student Union Programming Committee
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Dont really have one. But the Zack Fox show was a good memory because it was probably the all around best show I organized in terms of the turnout and prioritization of Black people.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
To appreciate and enjoy my family and close friends. And to find a way to make money without destroying my soul.
While at Oberlin, I majored in Psychology and was probably best known for befriending the town dogs, making bagels at the Local, or being the short poet on OSLAM. I joined OSCA in my last year here and ate so much good tofu and served as AccessCo. I'll always be a Lil' Obie at heart.
Study Abroad
Spring 2019 in a city in the Netherlands called Maastricht
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Peer Listener
Favorite Place
Kendal became a second home to me from the moment I started volunteering there freshman year. The people I've gotten to know and the moments I've shared with them have profoundly shaped me.
Favorite Class
My First Year Seminar, Death and the Art of Dying. It was taught by my former advisor and favorite person, the late Jed Deppman. Learning from him was one of the greatest privileges I ever had and will ever have.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
OSLAM
Notable Quote
"We can always rethink the limits of who and where we are." - Jed Deppman
Winter Term 2019 - Manila, Philippines on the Shansi In-Asia Grant
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Sophomore Opportunities and Academic Resources Leader
PAL Coordinator
Favorite Place
Third World Co-op
Clubs & Organizations
As I Am
Asian American Alliance
Filipinx American Student Association
Girls in Motion
HIV Peer Testing
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Pan-Asian Committee
Notable Quote
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Supporting my friends and family through this global pandemic. Shansi Fellow to Universitas Gadja Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Contributing writer for Dance Adventures Anthology.
I am an Archaeological Studies and History double major, and have focused significantly on oral history and material culture studies in those departments. I've loved the opportunity to work with the Betty Glenn Oral History Project and the Oberlin Coalition for History. Outside of classes I worked as the producer for The Weekly - the Review's podcast, and as web editor of The Grape. Reflecting on my time at Oberlin feels daunting, there have been so many special people and places and stories in my life over the last four years. My friends, professors, advisors have been at the core of it all, helping me grow up and try to learn who I am and what I love. But I dont know how to actually acknowledge all the other people - students with the same king class schedule as me, friendly S&S workers, Stevie, Dascomb, UAW workers who keep the school running, friendly faces who Ive only talked to while walking between buildings or at the Feve, musicians whose music I want to dance to. Getting to grow up alongside all those people has made Oberlin what it is for me.
Study Abroad
University College of London Institute of Archaeology during the Fall 2019 semester.
Campus Jobs
Student Carpenter
Technical Director
Web Editor at The Grape
Podcast Producer at The Weekly
Favorite Place
I love Wilder Bowl! The joy of knowing there would always be someone new to talk to, and if not it would be just a beautiful walk through the grass. I love watching it change with the weather: seeing the first group of frisbee players in the spring is always exciting. I love that I've gotten to know it in so many different ways - from the windows of Mudd, running between classes, the long friday afternoons, and even at night in the cold running with friends to the sco.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Borderlands with Pablo Mitchell! It was a tiny seminar where we all got to know one another and really appreciate the work. He gave us outstanding books to read and respected our ideas in a way I have never experienced before. Pablo is an outstanding professor and a tremendously kind supervisor.
Clubs & Organizations
Good Talk
Pottery Co-op
The Oberlin Grape
The Oberlin Review
Oberlin Coalition for History
History Design Lab
Memorable Oberlin Moment
An early Fall shabbat dinner at a friends house, we all gathered to talk and sing and laugh and eat. The type of night that could have lasted forever.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Unsure of plans! Planning on spending some lovely time with family and friends.
I am graduating with a degree in psychology, however, that does not well encompass everything I got up to academically: from the stats and philosophy concentrations to the multiple semesters of classwork in most of the science departments, I never settled for an easy or underfilled semester. My projects have been centered around using statistics and programming to aid the environmental studies and psychology laboratories, and I am thrilled to be leaving behind a legacy of strong data reports and policy changes that will change the colleges energy impact and quality of life. When I wasnt in the lab or crunching excel sheets, I could be found commanding a team of cooks in Pyle, leading the assorted Dungeons & Dragons excos, and chatting with anyone I ran into on my early morning walks through the greater Oberlin area.
Favorite Place
The Arb- a beautiful, peaceful, and perfect space to walk, nap, or watch wildlife.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Notable Quote
"In the beginning there was nothing, which exploded." Terry Pratchett, in Lords and Ladies
I'm a double-major in Politics and Russian & East European Studies, although I do regret taking Geology so late! I visited Oberlin because my mom said I should, and I ended up going because I wanted an adventure. One of the reasons I ended up loving Oberlin was because it pushed me to work harder and do things to help myself succeed. I am known in Fairkid Co-op for my love of vegenaise, my ability to eat an ungodly amount of food, and yelling at people about standing water and keeping the food organized. Besides Fairkid, I was also in Nothing But Treble for all four years, where I spent a lot of time making up awkward dances and lying on the floor. And singing! My proudest academic moment was probably when I wrote an entire final, start to finish, between 9pm and 11am while I had a cold and while watching the Royal Wedding.
Study Abroad
Bard-Smolny Spring 2018 in St. Petersburg, Russia
Campus Jobs
America Reads Tutor
Favorite Place
The Fairkid Dry Foods Room, because I got to color code, and separate allergens and make reminders to clip open food bags, and any time I was stressed I could go and throw 50-pound rice bags around. I got way too into being Food Unpacker...
Favorite Class
GEOL 120: Earth's Environments! I took this fall semester senior year, and it was really fun to get my hands dirty and explore something brand new. Professor Eveleth keeps the class fun and engaging, and I ran with a whole bunch of upperclassmen who didn't know what they were doing (like me!). Also, field trips!!
Clubs & Organizations
Nothing But Treble
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Getting a "graduation ceremony" from the Fairkid underclassmen! They got us crowns, made a pie and a cake, and rewrote Pomp and Circumstance with Fairkid-specific lyrics. It was also one senior's birthday, so we all helped blow out the candles and sang. And during the Pomp and Circumstance we all cried like babies.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm going to be working at Oberlin Community Services as the ShareCorps VISTA Media and Development Associate!
I am graduating with a BA in Africana Studies and a double minor in Sociology and Philosophy. The past four years have flown by and I am proud to look back all that I have accomplished. During my time at Oberlin, I was a four year resident at the Afrikan Heritage House, Board member of ABUSUA, traveled to three different countries (Ghana, Antigua and Barbuda, and Italy), held a position in the Office of the Student Treasurer, co-created and taught an ExCo #ClimbingYourFamilyTree, worked at The Oberlin Heritage Center, had a summer internship at an art museum in D.C., and co-hosted a WOBC radio show - Oberlin Through Brown Eyes.
Study Abroad
Spring Semester 2020 Siena, Italy
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Office of Disability Resources Student Staff
Head Controller in Office of the Student Treasurer
I came to Oberlin Conservatory to study violin with Gregory Fulkerson. In true Fulkerson fashion, he told me one month after I committed that he would be retiring after my first year. Thankfully, the Conservatory hired Sibbi Bernhardsson to replace him, and Sibbi has quickly turned into a fixture in the con. I had a great time in all my Computer Science classes in the College along the way, which were a perfect distraction from round-the-clock practicing. Sadly five years of double-degree was just a bit too much for me, even though I would be able to graduate in person that way! One of Oberlins greatest strengths is its all-undergraduate setup, which gave us great opportunities that would have been given to MM students at a different institution. We could aspire to leadership positions in orchestra, chamber music Honors Recital performances, guest master classes, and so much more. The student community at the Conservatory was incredibly supportive and I will miss it dearly. I had a stellar time at Oberlin and I am excited for the future!
Favorite Place
Finney Chapel. So many great performances were seen and played there.
Favorite Class
Andrew Pau's French Music Theory class. Basically just "Why Music Theory Is Wrong" with a side of Debussy.
Notable Quote
"I'd like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves, and I hope we passed the audition." John Lennon, London, 1969
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Playing concertmaster on Don Juan.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am beginning my MM in violin at Juilliard whenever Cuomo decides I can, at least.
During his time at Oberlin, Daniel studied Viola performance under Peter Slowik. He has participated in the hurricane disaster relief chamber program for victims in Texas back in 2018. One of his favorite memories was working rideline, with his partners in crime Joanna Quinn and Rachel Clark. He was also an avid marg night and Long Island night fan, as many of you knew. Daniel enjoyed the friends and connections he made at Oberlin and will truly miss them.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Rideline
Favorite Place
The sky bar, it felt like we were in the jetsons
Favorite Class
Studio class, because I got to hangout and listen to some of my favorite musicians.
Clubs & Organizations
Black Musicians' Guild
Notable Quote
Honestly, some people thought I was a bitch. And they're right, because I'm that bitch. -Me, in my bedroom just now
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Rideline, forever and always
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Going to defer grad school til fall 2021 and then begin studying for my masters degree.
I came to Oberlin because I heard it was a place for avant-garde music, radical politics, and the utopian vision of what society could be that is OSCA. My time as a student here has been a passionate, occasionally ludicrous, campaign to be the Oberlin I want to see in the world ("the world here refers to, of course, Oberlin).
Study Abroad
Yes, in the Danenberg Oberlin-In-London Program spring of 2020.
Campus Jobs
Office of Development and Alumni Affairs Student Office Assistant
Favorite Place
Harkness co. Few places have embraced a beautiful weirdness as wholly as Harkness has. It's the most Oberlin part of Oberlin!
Favorite Class
Marxian Theory
Athletics
Bowling
Clubs & Organizations
Advocates for Reproductive Justice
Gear Co-op
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Student Labor Action Coalition
Students for A Free Palestine
Students for Energy Justice
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Young Democratic Socialists of America
Notable Quote
The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." - Karl Marx, in "Theses on Feuerbach," 1845
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Hosting a death metal themed special meal in Pyle co
Munire Mierxiati, an Uyghur violinist. Munire began violin studies at the age of 4. In 2009, Munire was accepted to the most competitive conservatory in China, Central Conservatory of Music Middle School. She was a member of the China Youth Symphony Orchestra during 2009-2016, collaborate with many worldwide musicians, such as Joshua Bell, LangLang. In 2016, Munire started to study in Oberlin Conservatory, with professor Milan Vitek. Throughout the academic years, Munire is honored with Oberlin Dean's Talent Award. Munire has served as the concertmaster of the Oberlin Orchestra and Miami Music Festival Orchestra in 2018. She won the First Prize of Elite International Competition and performed in the Honor Recital in Carnegie Hall in March 2018, New York. In 2020, she is selected to perform on the Danenberg Honors Recital. Munire also devoted herself to the teaching career. She worked as the counselor of the 2019 Oberlin Community School Stradivarius Music Festival.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Notable Quote
"Nothing is impossible, it's just challenging. "--Milan Vitek "Go for it." --Milan Vitek
I am a Psychology and Economics major with concentrations in Mathematical Economics and Statistical Modeling. I was a four-year member of the Varsity Women's Basketball team at Oberlin, and a member of the team when we won the NCAC Conference Tournament Championship in 2018. I was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for four years, serving as Community Service and Special Olympics Officer, Treasurer, and Co-Chair my senior year. I also served as the Vice President of the NCAC SAAC. I worked in the Oberlin Concert Production Office as an usher in the Conservatory for four years, and my final year I was the Usher Supervisor.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Oberlin Concert Production Usher/Usher Supervisor
Favorite Place
My senior year house, Goldsmith 276B. I have a lot of great memories spending time with my housemates, friends and teammates there.
Favorite Class
Human Capital Through the Life Course
Athletics
Women's Basketball
Clubs & Organizations
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning our senior day game against Wittenberg and having my career high
A Creative Writing and History double major, I enjoyed my time learning and growing at Oberlin. A found a vibrant community of friends and an environment I felt I could do my best in.
Study Abroad
The 2019 Oberlin-in-London Program
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
Under one of the flowering trees in Tappan during Spring
Favorite Class
Spirit Posession in the Religion Department, , because it was really eye-opening to me.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Plum Creek Review
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Driving four hours with my friends to go to a White Castle after the one in Cleveland closed.
Black River Cafe! Kristy, Val, and Grace always greet you with a smile and know exactly what to say to brighten your morning.
Favorite Class
The questions posed in Professor Chua's course Imperialism and Global War have helped me bridge the gap between my degrees, and refocus my political organizing.
Clubs & Organizations
Hip Hop Collective
The Oberlin Grape
Notable Quote
"When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab bag candy game. -Toni Morrison, 2003
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Tour de Franzia, Pretty Fest, and legendary Sco performances from Bas, Kamaiyah, and Maxo Kream are some of my favorite memories from Oberlin.
Jack grew up in Oberlin, and attended Oberlin High School.
Study Abroad
No.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Fabrication Lab Assistant
Favorite Place
Lupita's. A home away from home.
Favorite Class
Something from Something with Johnny Coleman and Non-Fiction Workshop with Lynn Powell. I cannot thank these professors enough for their wisdom and care.
Athletics
Men's Soccer
Notable Quote
"Sometimes dreams just are true." Grayson Brower, context unknown.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Too difficult to say. Most grateful for the moments spent with family, friends, and teammates.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Would like to some day pursue an MFA in sculpture or Non-Fiction, but am also considering a long-term position as the friendly Haunt of Oberlin.
I first came to oberlin to be a part of the downhill skiing team. when i learned in my first year that Oberlin didn't have a downhill skiing team, I got pretty upset, and thought a lot about why i had decided to come here: was all I was in it for *really* the downhill skiing team? later I figured out that what I had thought of as "downhill skiing" was actually baseball; and that was good enough for me. i tried out for the team my freshman spring and they said "fuck no!"
Study Abroad
No.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
Phillips because of the eye candy
Favorite Class
Lunch ;-)
Athletics
Dressage
Clubs & Organizations
Improv Coalition
The Oberlin Grape
Notable Quote
"Cause I don't want no robocop You movin' like a robocop When did you become a robocop No, I don't need a robocop" - Kanye West, "Robocop"
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Move into the new Venice apartement i got with the Damn Daniel kids and start making youtubes
I am a Sociology major and Africana studies minor who loves playing spades as much as I love sleeping. In my four years at Oberlin, I was on the track team, a member of OST, worked as a RA and VA, served as Junior Class President, and more. Yet, my greatest accomplishment was choosing some of the best people at Oberlin to become best friends/family with.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resident Assistant
Village Assistant
SOAR
Conference Services
RideLine
Favorite Place
Definitely A-House. I never lived in A-House but I was definitely there all the time. In A-House I felt comfortable and it was a space where I could really be myself with all my friends.
Favorite Class
Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X which I took my first year. It was the first class where I remember feeling enraged at the lies and misconceptions that I had been taught growing up regarding Black activist and activism. It was the first class where we focused in on Black scholars and intellectuals and where I learned about Black people and our struggles that went beyond slavery. It was an amazing class and really grew my passion to learn.
Athletics
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Bonner Scholar
Multi-
Office of the Student Treasurer
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Black Student-Athlete Group
Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow
Heisman Club Board
President Ambar's Inauguration Planning Committee
Senior Activity Week Committee
Notable Quote
I would like to remix a famous quote by W.E.B. Du Bois for my senior quote: The honor, I assure you, was Oberlin's
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Honestly, the first Black History Month Fashion Show that happened my junior year was ICONIC! I loved watching my friends tear the runway up while sitting with other people that I loved!! It was amazing. I also loved every soul session, spade game night, etc as long as all of my homies were there.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I have accepted a Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, so I will be moving to Pittsburgh next year while taking that year to apply to PhD programs for the fall of 2021.
I was a Double Degree Student, and a majority of my time at Oberlin was spent writing code for my computer science classes, or practicing saxophone trying desperately to keep up with the musicians who were better than me. Improv classes, Private Lessons, Masterclasses, Arranging and Theory classes, Ensemble Coachings, Forums all improved me as a musician. I enjoyed going to many visiting artist and student concerts, these concerts were not only enjoyable but inspirational. Whether I was in Philips Gym, Firelands, Splash Zone, or a random gym in Wellington, my favorite outlet was playing pickup basketball with students, faculty, and people who lived in Oberlin. I even organized the entire 2017 Intramural season (still waiting on my paycheck). I will miss playing random jazz gigs throughout Ohio, Cleveland Cavalier basketball games, late nights in Kohl practicing and jamming with musicians, and drinking at the Feve. Shout out Newman Group for the Sunday night dinners.
Study Abroad
Sydney Australia in Spring of 2018
Favorite Place
This is an odd one but I started growing fond of the Birenbaum towards the end of my time at Oberlin. I had both of my recitals there, Griffin Woodard started organizing jam sessions there my last semester, and it's a great bar.
Favorite Class
Private Lessons with saxophonist Gary Bartz. I learned something new every time we met.
Clubs & Organizations
Newman Catholic Community
Oberlin Jazz Society
Notable Quote
"You must be doing something right if old people like you" -Dave Chappelle
Hi! I'm Ruby and I am a double major in Anthropology and Biochemistry. I was a member of And What!?, a hip-hop dance group for femmes that centers Black identity, for three years and served as Co-chair for two. I will always cherish this group as it allowed me to truly be myself and connect with so many of my closest friends through our shared love of dance. Alongside &!? I loved being a part of all things Oberlin dance from Kinetik, an urban dance group, and several senior dance projects, to being involved in multiple showcases such as Colors of Rhythm, collaborating with OSLAM for their annual Grand Slam, Student Dance Showcase, Fall Forward, Spring Back and working with so many incredible student choreographers throughout. If you've frequented the local, Kim's, or the Feve we were bound to cross paths, and I will always cherish all of the amazing people I've met throughout my time here. Working for CDS has given me such an appreciation for how hard the staff at Oberlin works to provide for us. Thank you. While this pandemic has left us with a surprising and difficult end to our time here I will never let go of the connections I've made on this campus.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Warner Desk
Favorite Place
Warner Dance Studio. I have had so many memorable moments in that space. From deep conversations to laughing until I can't breathe to sobbing because it was a senior's last performance that I couldn't imagine being at Oberlin without. That dance studio has meant the world to me and a big shoutout to Dan for being an amazing human!
Favorite Class
Culture Theory with Crystal Biruk and honestly all the classes I've taken in the ANTH department. Professor Biruk is one of those teachers that encourages you to be the best student you can be, but is also so understanding of the complications that can come with student life. I will always remember the thought provoking atmosphere this class fostered.
Clubs & Organizations
Advocates for Reproductive Justice
And What!?
Notable Quote
"The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, dignity." - Ruby Dee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
There are too many to count, but Movie Fridays with my baseball boys junior year, meeting my best friend Bella after she was forced to join &!? sophomore year, making eye contact at a freshman hall meeting with another life long friend after someone said their favorite ice cream flavor was vanilla, and jumping around in a circle in the midst of a group hug screaming "We're gonna be best friends forever" in the science center, senior year.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan to move back to NYC and pursue a career in the medical field.
I'm Devyn (she/her) and I was a Psychology major at Oberlin. Outside of my studies, I worked at The Oberlin Review, perfected the skill of walking backwards for Admissions, did research in clinical and developmental psychology, and ate so many beans in OSCA. I spent the better part of my senior year going to Shanks with my housemate at 6am in the hopes of becoming best friends with President Ambar — it didn't work — and bouncing around my living room on a yoga ball. I'm so grateful to Oberlin for providing me with a safe and wonderful home and introducing me to some of my favorite humans on the planet. Oberlin, I'll miss you dearly.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
The Oberlin Review office in Burton basement; it's the place on campus where I laughed the hardest, smiled the biggest, and it was always filled with people I love
Favorite Class
PSYC304: Advanced Methods in Behavior Modification; it basically taught you how to bend people to your will (with science!)
Athletics
Clubs & Organizations
The Oberlin Review
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Hanging out in Harkness during Commencement and going downstairs to find a bunch of people dressed up, charging at each other with broken bikes and pool noodles, and running around with a flaming broom (the Bike Burning in Hark Bowl)
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Studying for the LSAT and learning how to bake gluten-free and vegan bagels
My time at Oberlin has been difficult. If it were not for my amazingly kind and patient friends and warm teachers I do not think I would be able to have completed these four years. I love you all so dearly and wish the best upon everyone.
Study Abroad
Barcelona
Favorite Place
Wilder Bowl. On a sunny day there's no where nicer to meet up with friends and do work.
Favorite Class
Arabic and Persian Book Arts with Farshid Amami and Latinx Perspectives with Gina Perez!
Clubs & Organizations
Big Parade
FABB: FQTPOC Artists Breaking Boundaries
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Being a part of and eventually co-running Big Parade!
Hello! I'm Sophie (she/her). You will usually catch me outside Harkness munching on bread, sipping a chai latte in Azzies, analyzing dirt samples in Carnegie, or throwing a strike at the college bowling lanes.
Study Abroad
Cochabamba, Boliva
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
Harkness! Will never forget the wonderful friends made at hark and the lovely food.
Favorite Class
ALL Geology classes!
Athletics
Bowling
Clubs & Organizations
Animal Rights
Effective Altruism Oberlin
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Staying in Oberlin over the summer was such an incredible experience. Swimming in Chance Creek, Kriegs, and late night drives would not have been the same without my amazing housemates.
I studied abroad in Florence, Italy at Studio Arts College International (SACI), during the Fall 2018 semester. I also went to Athens and Amsterdam for fun!
Campus Jobs
America Counts
Central Ticket Service
Office of Environmental Sustainability
Favorite Place
Harknessit's the most Oberlin-y place in Oberlin and I've had some incredible meals there (and too much Vegenaise).
Favorite Class
Food Ethics. Christa Johnson was an amazing professor and I loved that the course covered a wide scope of information/philosophical topics. The Studio Art classes at Oberlin are also great.
Clubs & Organizations
Animal Rights
Effective Altruism Oberlin
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I loved camping with my Oberlin Animal Rights (OAR) and Effective Altruism (EA) friends Rachel, Chloe (the Obie), Haven, Minh, Alexandra, Lea, Tommy, and Coltonright before finals last spring. I miss our controversial EA would-you-rather questions, ridiculous inside jokes, bland chili, and Dandies S'mores.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm going to live somewhere beautiful (maybe on the West Coast) and start a microsanctuary, where rescued chickens and turkeys (like my partner Louis) can safely reside.
Although this isnt how I imagined the end of our senior year, Im incredibly grateful for the friends I met at Oberlin and the communities that welcomed me. Over my four years, I spent time writing and editing for The Oberlin Review, cooking and eating tasty meals at Pyle, exploring Oberlin on bike and foot, and spending time with friends. As an Economics major and Art History minor, I found balance in breaking apart complex systems and analyzing details both disciplines challenged me to delve deeper and question surface-level appearances. I look forward to next May when the Class of 2020 can reunite on campus. Maybe Ill finally spot an albino squirrel, a quintessential Obie rite-of-passage that I have yet to experience!
Study Abroad
I studied at the University of Amsterdam during the 2019 spring semester.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advisor at the Career Development Center
Student worker at the Allen Memorial Art Museum
Favorite Place
My favorite place on campus, hands down, is the Allen Memorial Art Museum. I worked at the museum for a few years and enjoyed getting to know the staff, artwork, and patrons that frequented there. The Allen offered solace from the sometimes-overwhelming vibrancy of campus life, and I loved visiting my favorite artworks whenever I needed to clear my head. Im particularly thankful for the security staff at the museum I wont soon forget the kindness and lively conversation they provided over my four years.
Favorite Class
American History to 1877, taught by Professor Bahar, was the first class I ever took at Oberlin. I attended the class as a prospective student and loved Professor Bahars lecture style as well as the course content it was one of the reasons I decided to apply to Oberlin! I also thoroughly enjoyed the two-module Oberlin Business Scholars course, which provided me with my first exposure to finance, and eventually, the confidence to pursue the Economics major.
Athletics
Women's Soccer
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Finance and Investment Club
The Oberlin Review
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
As sad and unexpected as it was, I think Ill always remember the ways in which the Oberlin community came together in the face of this springs sudden campus departure. Im proud of my classmates, who organized a mutual aid spreadsheet and developed a rideshare system to drive students to the polls for early voting. Im grateful for faculty, who did their best to accommodate students needs amidst a rapidly-evolving health crisis, and for my friends, who prove that proximity isnt a prerequisite for friendship. Most of all, Im proud to be a member of the Class of 2020 I fully believe that this situation, and the kindness we showed to each other during this trying time, will bond us in a profound and lasting way.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Later this year, I'm starting work as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting.
Hello, my name is Nina, I use they/them, and I'm salty that Oberlin doesn't have a linguistics department. I lived on Scifi Hall all 4 years, getting gayer each year, blossoming into a non-binary bisexual disaster. My hobbies include acting drunk while sober, playing drums in a punk band, and knitting. You can find me on most days hiding in my room or sleeping in public. After graduation, I plan on aimlessly wandering between dead-end jobs. Or decoding the lost language of Quechua quipus. Or becoming a rock star. I haven't decided yet.
Favorite Class
Native Languages of the Americas, taught by Jason Haugen. This class solidified my interest in linguistics, and got me into indigenous languages.
I'm majoring in Latin, English, and Creative Writing. I was a Latin tutor through the Center for Student Success. One of my poems, titled "Common Teasel, was chosen by the museum curator to hang in the Allen Memorial Art Museums exhibit, "The Thingness of Things: Portraits of Objects. I was also an occasional dog walker for Prof. Lee's dogs: Kleo and Baker.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Peer Tutor
Favorite Place
Kim's
Favorite Class
All courses I took in the Classics dept. were my favorite classes because of the atmosphere of camaraderie.
Jack of all trades, expert at none. Like a winter term instructor once said, comedians are all a bit nutcase. Once a lab partner ruined all my tuna sandwiches when she pointed out the sheep brain we were cutting into looked like tuna. Also got to play so many anal retentive characters. Strange that I kept on getting casted as neurotic a-holes. In reality I'm just a major prankster. I like to hike too so I'll see you on Mount Rainier here in WA.
Study Abroad
No, I'm from abroad so this is me studying abroad.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
Mudd, and the chairs upstairs, good place to sleep after all nighters. Also Halls gym, some places in the basement make for the perfect place to shoot horror movies. Go to one of the changing rooms down there if you are curious. Maybe I'll be waiting there to give a jump scare.
Favorite Class
Emm, Neurophysiology Lab? Maybe. Got to cut open so many crayfish in the name of some science. Also liked improv class, cos we got some wacky ideas and storylines, the sky is the limit.
Clubs & Organizations
Christian Fellowship
International Student Organization
Notable Quote
Emm, I'll go with this one: "Neuroscience class is the only class where you can say "brains" and act like a zombie and get a laugh. " -me, spring 2nd year (2018), Neuroscience Lab. In case no one can tell I like to say farewell with a joke. So here is farewell to Oberlin. I'll miss the snow here.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Emm, there are so many. Since little kids are gonna read this ("keep it PG please!") I won't go extreme. But hey they can still imagine what happens here in college! Even though I was chronicly bored at school, thinking back there are so many exciting experiences.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Change a major and go to grad school, get a job too, I got to eat! But rest assured that once finances are taken care of I'll be back. Patience.
If you go fast you will go fast. If you do not you do not. It does not matter so who cares. My cat is named Cleveland, Ohio and she told me to tell you she thinks you're cool so don't worry.
Study Abroad
Valparao, Chile Fall 2019
Campus Jobs
Student Union staff
'Sco Manager
Attendant and Booker / Student Union Office Assistant / Wilder Building Monitor / Wilder Info Desk Desker
Favorite Place
Wilder Information Desk because it was one of the last spaces on campus that felt like Oberlin College should have felt. And we lost that.
Favorite Class
Anything taught by Sebastiaan Faber, Sergio Negr or Kim Faber. Also recess.
Clubs & Organizations
Good Talk
Improv Coalition
Oberlin in Solidarity with El Salvador
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Writers in Residence
Student Union Board
Writers in the Schools (WITS)
Spanish in the Schools (SITES)
Notable Quote
"Any publicity is good publicity." -Me, 24/7
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Every day working at the Student Union with Tina Zwegat, Tom Reid, Debbie Presti, Shirley Adkins, Dan Lubinski, Sean Lehlbach, Pea-Jae Stasuk, Mat Whipple and Brice Wilson. The Student Union fights for students every single day more than any other organization I've encountered on campus, and it deserves so much more protection and credit for the work they are constantly doing. I cannot emphasize enough how underappreciated they are, and I hope that they are given the respect they deserve in coming years. We've already lost central pieces of the Student Union, so I implore future Obies to protect The 'Sco, The Cat and The Lanes as they are currently more vulnerable than ever.
Carson studies Politics as an undergraduate at Oberlin College. After graduation, Carson will be moving to New York City where he has been accepted into the M.S. program in Public Relations and Corporate Communications at New York University. Carson is interested in many aspects of communication studies, including rhetoric, public speaking, multicultural communication, and journalism. Carson currently works as a staff writer for The Oberlin Review and the Colleges Office of Communications. His most jaw-dropping job is that he is also a boxing instructor and teaches a weekly boxing class that is free for everyone in the Oberlin community.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
Studio OC. I love the modern classrooms with a lot of natural light
Favorite Class
RHET208 American Political Rhetorics, amazing professor(Prof. Denise Guidry), insightful discussions
Highlights of my Oberlin experience include taking showers next to friends in South, painting with watercolors outside, improv rehearsals, sketch shows, walking from long island night to splitchers, and living in Firelands with Maddie. At Oberlin I majored in religion and minored in history. I will forever be grateful to Oberlin for my beautiful and kind friends who I will treasure forever.
Living only 20 minutes from Oberlin, I was able to attend a school close to home while also getting the experience of meeting people from all around the world and from all walks of life. I've met lifelong friends and created memories that I will never forget during my time at Oberlin College.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
North Campus because that is where I spent the most time making memories with my friends
Favorite Class
Plant Systematics because the professor Michael Moore did a great job at making the course engaging and interesting.
After living in German house my first three semesters, I moved to Harkness. In the following semesters, I lived in Keep then Tank. During my time in OSCA, I was a tasty things maker, a bread maker, and a dietary restrictions maker. My final semester at Oberlin, I joined KHC. During my first two years at Oberlin, I costumed student-led theater productions. Starting my second year, I worked on costume run crew for my first opera. Junior year I started working in the costume shop for the theater department's productions and for Conservatory operas. Winter term of my sophomore year, I went to an archaeology field school in Ireland and went to a field school in England the following Summer. I was involved with ONESC (Oberlin Near East Study Collection) where I helped set up and photograph the objects. (they/them)
Study Abroad
Spring of my junior year I spent two months in Vienna, Austria followed by four months in Marburg, Germany
Campus Jobs
Costume Shop Assistant
Clubs & Organizations
Linguistics Society
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Kosher-Halal Co-op
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will likely pursue a job and/or further study in library science, archaeology, or museums studies.
Jumi Lee is a fourth-year Bachelor of Music performance student at Oberlin Conservatory, studies with Darrett Adkins. She worked as one of the ensemble managers in the conservatory. Also, Jumi was a member of the Conservatory Council Students to serve a vital role in reaching the gap between the conservatory student body and administration.
Study Abroad
I mean I abroad to here to study...:D
Campus Jobs
Ensemble Manager
Favorite Place
skybar and rooftop of kohl building / landscape were so pretty
Favorite Class
Musical Groove!!! / feel the groove on the air
Clubs & Organizations
Christian Fellowship
Notable Quote
"It's gonna be great!" -Sibbi bernhardsson, every time after chamber coaching, oberlin
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I still vividly remember of last oberlin orchestra's rehearsal. It was such a touching and unfortable memory for me and my collegues.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
go to grad school and do business in New York! maybe start youtube?
At Oberlin, I had the opportunity to participate in Oberlin Christian Fellowship over the course of my 4 years, which was one of the most influential parts of my life on campus. I came into Oberlin as a double degree student, but after my first semester I decided that I wanted to become a violist, eventually dropping my double degree at the end of my second year. Over my 4 years I was able to try new things and learn new skills, including playing the baroque viola in the Baroque Orchestra (for which Oberlin is unique and attracts highly talented players), sing in the early music choir Collegium, play in Chamber Music Intensives during my 1st, 2nd and 4th year Winter Terms (3rd year being the orchestra trip to Carnegie Hall), and work with music organizations in the community as a teacher and performer.
Campus Jobs
Secondary viola teacher
Favorite Place
The Kohl Skydeck because sunsets are incredible up there.
Favorite Class
Jared Hartt's Theory IV because he was an amazing teacher, it was a fascinating class, and it was at 10am (the perfect morning class time).
Clubs & Organizations
Christian Fellowship
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The Oberlin Christian Fellowship Bake-off my freshman year. We stayed up (almost) all night baking a "Tower of Babel" cake in Hark kitchen
Spent half my time at Oberlin being indecisive about my major and half my time being gay. Became a neuroscience major because I had to pick something. Thought about transferring to an art school. Ended up adding a major my senior year after an impulsive last minute decision to study film in Prague. Now I have a double major in Neuroscience and Cinema Studies with a Studio Art minor. Still questioning everything. Still gay.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad at Prague Film School in Prague, Czech Republic
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Libraries Student Staff
Tutor
Favorite Place
Keep Cottage because it was the first place on campus that felt like home.
Favorite Class
Experiments in Moving Sound and Image (CINE 322) because Rian Brown is an incredible professor and the class made me think about filmmaking differently, inspiring me to create art in new ways.
Clubs & Organizations
3D Print Club
Aerialists
Bike Coop
Burlesque
Contra Dance Club
Film Co-op
Movimiento
Oberlin Partner Acrobatics
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
OCircus!
Pottery Co-op
Queer and Formal Reasonings
Swing & Blues
The Synapse
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Drag Ball, all of them, or at least what I can remember of them.
During my time at Oberlin, I have had the opportunity to be involved in many wonderful things, from the Oberlin College Marching Band (We Suave) where I had the chance to re-form the Colorguard during my senior year, to being an admin for the Facebook Meme Page since its conception (yes, I have seen all the rejected memes). But as anyone who knows me knows, the most defining part of my Oberlin experience has been my time with the Geology Department. More than just my major, the Geo Department is what has made Oberlin feel like home for me. Ive had the ability to pursue gratifying academic research and present at conferences, yes, but beyond that I have been able to form lasting friendships and participate in the best community on campus (I swear I am not biased), and even facilitate that community as a major representative. I'll miss my swipe access to Carnegie, but its the people I'll miss most of all. Its been a good 4 (well, 3.75) years, Oberlin.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad during the Spring 2019 semester in New Zealand at the University of Canterbury
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Lab TA
Tutor
Favorite Place
Carnegie 4th floor From late night study sessions, to playing board games or getting up to shenanigans with other majors, It's the place I could go where I could be sure to see a friendly face it's the place on campus that feels like home to me.
Favorite Class
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology with Zeb Page-- it's the class where I fell in love with the material and realized it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Clubs & Organizations
Marching Ban
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
The Synapse
Notable Quote
"It'll be great! You'll see!" -Zeb Page, anytime and anywhere, always.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
While the real answer might entail hijinks Not Safe For Virtual Yearbook (NSFVY), a solid runner-up to most memorable moment is this past years Hales Late Nighter when members of the OCMB read a wikihow article and starting giving out palm readings, love advice, and telling fortunes with elementary school-style paper fortune tellers from the band room in Hales basement.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm planning to spend my post-graduate time working on preparing my Honors research for publication and applying to grad schools where I hope to pursue Igneous Petrology.
I am so so happy to have been a member and captain of the Varsity Volleyball team. All of my teammates have inspired me so much in so many different ways throughout my time at Oberlin, I literally would not be the person I am today if I had not met them. I also was a member of Pyle and Brown Bag Co-ops, which have both taught me so much about social responsibility in what I eat and consume and how to take care of myself and others around me. Oberlin has opened my mind in a multitude of ways, and I am so grateful to all the people who have supported me along the way!
Study Abroad
Yes! Seoul, South Korea in Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Mailroom Staff
Favorite Place
Asia House Library! I can get a lot of work done while smelling whats cooking downstairs in Pyle :)
Favorite Class
Geology 120! Zeb was an amazing professor, and as someone who has not always had positive experiences in science classes, I highly enjoyed his teaching style and all the stuff I learned about the Earth and its processes!
Athletics
Volleyball
Clubs & Organizations
Asian American Alliance
Plum Creek Review
Memorable Oberlin Moment
One time, the volleyball team was driving back from some away game and one of our vans broke down. I was sleeping in the working van through the whole ordeal and didnt realize the whole team had crammed into our van until I woke up and saw some of my teammates sitting on the floor!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Go to China and learn Chinese intensively for a year, then hopefully apply to graduate school for international policy or international relations
I go by CJ. I use he/him pronouns. My major is Computer Science, with an Economics minor and a Statistical Modelling Concentration. At Oberlin, I was a Bonner Scholar which meant I volunteered 140 hours every semester in and around Oberlin, and 280 hours for 2 summers. Among other things, I enjoyed being a peer mentor for first-year international students, and helping them acclimate to Oberlin. It's tough leaving this way, and I'm going to miss this place like hell.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Hands-down one of the best experiences of my life.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Peer Listener
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
My favorite place was the main level/first floor of Mary Terrel Main Library. It was always bustling with energy, and made studying kinda enjoyable. It doesn't get any more fun than constantly getting distracted by friends while trying to pull an all-nighter.
Athletics
Coed Soccer
Clubs & Organizations
African Student Association
Bonner Scholar
Computer Science and Hackathon Club
Finance and Investment Club
International Student Organization
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Student Finance and Investment Club
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Moving to Salt Lake City for a software engineering job. Yaay!!
I came into Oberlin with a fantasized version of college in mind, the kind you see in movies. What I got was something different, but I think that this is the experience that I actually wanted. I could study peacefully without too many distractions, but also find clubs and activities of all kinds to keep it fresh and interesting. At the end of my undergraduate career, I think I'm happy with what I got out of it.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
My village house where I had all the space and privacy I could want and still have room to have fun with friends
Favorite Class
Biochemistry, I enjoyed how I could apply basically everything that I learned in that class and Professor Ryno is a gem.
Athletics
Aikido
Coed Soccer
Fencing
Clubs & Organizations
American Medical Student Association
Chinese Students Association
Movimiento
Memorable Oberlin Moment
When we were able to buy anything from Decafe with just a meal swipe
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm going to be preparing for medical school applications and making the most of the time I am spending in quarantine.
My name is Mecky and I am a Neuroscience Major on the Pre-Medical track. I was a member of OCET for all four years at Oberlin as well as a member of OSCA and the front desk attendant at the Allen Memorial Art Museum. I spent my spring semester junior year studying abroad with SEA. This semester consisted of lots of sailing, science and sunrises. Yet, the best part of Oberlin was meeting my two best friends (Gail and Julie) on my first day of orientation. We continued to be best friends throughout all four years and finally lived together in our senior year. Our college degree was full of eggs, bagels, and beer.
My time at Oberlin has been a special 4 years. Being able to build life-long connections with those in the college and community has brought me great joy. Finding a love for learning and being kind towards others is something that I will take from my experience as I move forward.
Campus Jobs
Philips Gym Student Worker
Favorite Place
Phillips Gymnasium. Definitely my happy place.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was my Biology 003 Well-Being and Finding ways through adversity class as it focused on how human beings deal with stressors of life and what constitutes happiness.
Athletics
Men's Basketball
Clubs & Organizations
Chabad at Oberlin
Notable Quote
Create all the happiness you are able to create: remove all the misery you are able to remove. Every day will allow you to add something to the pleasure of others, or to diminish something of their pains. And for every grain of enjoyment you sow in the bosom of another, you shall find a harvest in your own bosom; while every sorrow which you pluck out from the thoughts and feelings of a fellow creature shall be replaced by the beautiful peace and joy in the sanctuary of your soul. (J. Bentham, 1830)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Sitting on the porch of my house with housemates talking.
I received a double degree in vocal performance and psychology at Oberlin studying with Salvatore Champagne. I loved working in the Concert Production office in the conservatory, and the Professional Development office!
Favorite Place
The tree outside Finney Chapel
Favorite Class
Environmental Psychology with Stephan Mayer
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I am heading to Northwestern to pursue a Master of Music degree!
My time at Oberlin centered around food, music, and Russian story-telling. As a nine-semester Pyler, I served as tasty-things maker, food safety coordinator, pizza cook, and food buyer. I majored in History, Russian & East European Studies, and Cello Performance. I struggled on and off with my relationship with the cello, but music-making brought me to some incredible places, including Sitka, Alaska, the island that stole my heart. As Russian language student, I had the privilege to visit Russia three times, always (rather foolishly) in the winter months: first for a theater-themed WT trip, then a semester abroad in St. Petersburg, and finally a solo research trip to Moscows Russian State Archive of Literature and Art. This year, I combined all three of my majors in my History Honors thesis on Nadezhda Briusova (1881-1951), a mass music educator whose pedagogy and dedication to the collective power of music shaped Soviet music culture from the ground up. More than anything, writing my thesis and studying Briusovas work reinforced for me the idea that music must be first and foremost about community-building. I will miss my community here at Oberlin. Thank you for the music, co-op meals, and all of the memories.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in St. Petersburg at the Bard-Smolny Program in the Fall of 2018.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
SOAR Mentor
Oberlin Community Music School Music Theory Teacher
Favorite Place
My scholar study. I loved being perched up on the fourth floor of Mudd, overlooking Wilder Bowl, watching people come and go from their class, watching Peters change color over the course of the day. I decked out my scholar study with lantern lights and a purple yoga ball. I spent hours and hours there every day, and I got so much work done!
Favorite Class
Dostoevsky's Russia. Professor Stolarski taught us how to use literary texts as historical documents. We read a wide-range of Dostoevskys works his short stories, journal articles, as well as his more famous novels, such as Brothers Karamazov, Notes from the Underground, etc. I felt that, more than any other class I'd ever taken, this class helped me get inside the head of a writer and see the world through their eyes.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Round Midnight
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My senior recital meant a lot to me. That fall, I had decided that I wasn't going to apply to grad school for music. That meant this recital wasn't going to be about grad school prep or proving myself. Rather, it would be about starting a new relationship between me and my cello, something that could be sustainable and personal. I played my very favorite pieces for cello the Allemande of Bach Suite VI, the Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, Debussy Sonata, Prokofiev Sonata pieces that scared me. And most importantly, I collected all of my favorite people in the world and brought them to Kulas. By the end of the recital, as I reached the last page of the Prokofiev, my eyes started to well with tears. Once we hit the final C-major chord, the waterworks came in earnest. I was weeping with wild abandon, totally and utterly overwhelmed by the power of the music and by the amount of love in the room.
I'm Anna (she/her), an English major with an undying love for trees, Shakespeare, the moon, and Mama Earth. I minored in both GSFS and French, and tragically only discovered dance my last year at Oberlin. I have a sapling sprig tattooed on my right ankle and spent the 1.5 semesters of our senior year living in a beloved home on North Pleasant Street (the one and only Scudder House), with three best friends and dog/cryptid Frankie. I very much had the stereotypical Oberlin transformation (came in a good Christian girl with hair down my back, left a goddess-worshipping witch with Queer Hair (TM)). I write poetry (and cry often reading others) and, as much as I would love to be a full-time poet living in Scotland, I adore working with children and am a soon-to-be-teacher! I am an avid coffee drinker and consumer of cake and miss Slow Train and Blue Rooster every day. (This is not an exaggeration.) Our queer little slice of Ohio somehow became home, and I miss my Obie family with my wholest of hearts (and butts. Credit goes to Emily Barrow for that one). I would gladly be trapped in Stevie for innumerable hours if it meant I could be stuck in Upper Pizza with you.
Study Abroad
I lived my dream of running away to Scotland and (attempting to) learn to speak Gaelic my junior year. Edinburgh forever has my heart.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
America Reads Tutor
Favorite Place
I cry every time I think about the Science Center (belovedly known as the SCTR). RIP Love Lounge, the Atrium, the window bench seats of the SciLib (and those beautiful, beautiful plants), the lounge behind Craig, and the underrated nook by the bathrooms. And, of course, Kettering(town FC).
Favorite Class
Wendy Hymans Dark Shakespearean Comedies will forever hold a very special place in my heartnot only as one of the most incredible English classes I have taken (spoiler: Wendy Hyman is a common thread among them), but also as the class that introduced me to my advisor, one of my best friends, and so many of my favorite works. Honorable mentions to Intro Astronomy with Dan Stinebring, Ancient Sexualities with Kirk Ormand, Femmes Fatales with Stiliana Milkova, and Intro Contemporary with Holly Handman.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Pottery Co-op
Notable Quote
"Did you check your butt?" -Emily Barrow
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Our last weekend at Oberlin was full of so much unexpected beauty. Thank you Mary Oliver for those wild geese. Bless OSteel and Obie acapella for the art, love, and connection they gave us that last Friday night <3 Oh, also, getting a stick-n-poke the last night on campus was pretty cool.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'll be moving to NYC to teach at Zeta Charter Schools, while earning a Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School!
I double-majored in Russian and Neuroscience and minored in Chemistry. I was a member of the softball team my freshman year, worked in the equipment room since freshman year and served as a Russian tutor since sophomore year. I spent fall semester 2019 abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia for the fall of 2019. I also spent two Winter Terms in Moscow.
Campus Jobs
Russian tutor
Equipment room attendant
Student assistant for the Office of the Vice President
General Counsel and Secretary
Favorite Place
Ginko's! I loved playing with the kittens.
Favorite Class
RUSS 101 was my favorite class because it made me fall in love with the Russian language.
Athletics
Softball
Clubs & Organizations
Student Honor Committee
Notable Quote
"Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile." -Connor Franta
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Getting sent to the police station by the bartender at the Feve to recover my "fake ID" which was, in fact, my valid PA license!
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I was able to graduate early, in December, and immediately began working as a neuropsychiatric research associate for UPMC.
Hi! My name is Abby (she/her) and I am a Politics major with an interest in American and electoral politics. Around Oberlin you can find me studying in Azzies while drinking an iced hot chocolate, catching up with friends at the Feve, or attending a comedy show on campus. Throughout my time at Oberlin I have enjoyed being an elected Politics major representative, co-chair of the Oberlin College Democrats, and a member of Program Board. Some of my favorite Oberlin memories including getting hugs from Al during fourth meal, performing in a comedy sketch with Bob Odenkirk, and leading a trip to the Cleveland Natural History Museum over this past winter term (2020). Off campus Oberlin has provided with some amazing opportunities as well. Ive had the chance to intern at Senator Sherrod Browns Cleveland and D.C. offices for winter term and the ability to intern on Nelsie Yangs winning city council campaign in St. Paul, Minnesota through the Cole Scholars politics program. Im thankful for my time here at Oberlin and Im excited to see whats in store next.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in fall 2019 in Dublin, Ireland at the University of College Dublin.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin space is Asia House library. I love it because it feels so scholarly and Hogwarts-like. I have so many fond memories of studying there with friends and ordering late night Domino's to keep us going.
Favorite Class
One of my favorite classes at Oberlin was my United States Congressional Political and Legislative Strategies class taught by Professor Jennifer Garcia. I loved this class because I found learning about gender and racial representation in Congress fascinating but also it challenged me to become a better writer and helped improve my critical writing skills. Also, Professor Garcia was a fantastic teacher and mentor who after taking this class ended up becoming my advisor.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin College Democrats
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
The Oberlin Review
Piscapo's Arm
Notable Quote
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Memorable Oberlin Moment
One of my favorite Oberlin moments is at the beginning of the semester my sophomore year of college when I was living in a cozy room in Keep with my friend Terra. We had all our friends over to celebrate another friend's 21st birthday. We put up funny photos of him and drank tea and talked. It was so great to just catch up after being apart all summer. After a challenging freshman year I finally felt like I had a caring, supportive friend group and was excited to be living in a beautiful space.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My current plan is to take some time off and then apply to grad schools to get my Masters in Urban Planning with a concentration in Economic Development.
So grateful for all the communities and people I met at Oberlin like friends, Barefoot, Pyle, JSA, and Economics Professors. Excited to be back for next year's graduation and reunion:)
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Favorite Place
Asia house courtyard and eating co-op meals outside during sunny days.
Favorite Class
Most rewarding class was learning how to do research in my honors seminar in Economics this year. Most memorable class was horseback riding this year or my first year seminar.
Clubs & Organizations
Japanese Student Association
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Staying for commencement in 2018 and seeing Oprah, also doing Iron Chef this year!
My name is Maggie King and I am a senior majoring in Violin Performance under Professor Bernhardsson. While in Oberlin, I lived and dined in Harkness CO-OP for two years, collaborated with Welcome Nursing Home, performed in multiple orchestra/chamber/solo concerts, masterclasses with Tessa Lark and Jennifer Koh, ran many miles in the Arb, traveled to Panama and NYC for WT, ate too many Feve tots, and finally, met my best friends. Although I am so grateful for my overall experience in Oberlin, two things stick out as major highlights during my time there. The first being my lessons and studio classes with my amazing professor, Sibbi Bernhardsson. He is an incredible teacher and mentor, and I am so thankful I got to study with him for 3 years. The second would be rehearsals/concerts with the Acacia Quartet where I met my three best friends Andrew, Jessy and Christina.
Study Abroad
Nope
Campus Jobs
Con Admissions
Favorite Place
Magnolia Tree next to Finney or Stull Recital Hall- both are pretty :)
Favorite Class
Beethoven Seminar- I got to be with my favorite people playing Beethoven together
Clubs & Organizations
Welcome Nursing Home Friends
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Going to Panama three times and meeting wonderful friends there, or craft nights with Mae Hardman-Hill
Maggie Kinabrew came to Oberlin with one goal and one goal only: to get her two degrees in four years, please. What she didn't know was that Oberlin was going to give her so much more than just an academic education. In her four years at Oberlin, Maggie has been a Tasty Things Maker, Head Cook, and Treasurer for her co-op (Pyle for life!), has performed in five Student Dance Showcases with the ViBE Dance Company, has come to own two Math department t-shirts, has sung multiple world premieres of beautiful vocal music, and has been a part of seven Oberlin Opera Theater productions, both on and off stage. Maggie has also met life-changing professors and amazing friends, all of whom contributed to an experience the scared freshman version of her could never have imagined when she moved into North Hall in 2016. She is so grateful for everyone who has touched her life at Oberlin, and just wants to say thank you so much.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
The fishbowl in the Conservatory is the perfect place to nap, relax, study, or perform an opera scene, as I found out my sophomore year. It is just such a beautiful space, and I love the way it is so close to everything while also seeming so cozy and private.
Favorite Class
Harmonic Analysis with Chris Marx! Getting to take a class that combined my two majors in the last semester at Oberlin was such a cool experience, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
ViBE Dance Company
Notable Quote
"But one needs a change sometimes. We take everything too much for granted, including each other" -Tove Jansson, from the book Moominpappa at Sea
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Getting food poisoning during the closing night of the Winter Term Opera (with the composer in the audience!), and somehow managing to keep it together enough to finish the show without getting sick on my beautiful costume. The relief at the end was palpable.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be going to Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music to pursue my Master's of Music in Voice and Opera under the tutelage of Carol Vaness.
Im a English major and EAS minor who loves to read and watch tv. I also love to knit, sew, spin, and cook, as well as play video games, and did a lot of the latter two things with my friends while at Oberlin. I was co-chair for AAA and SASA and also a member of PAC.
Study Abroad
In Kyoto on the AKP program spring 2019.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Asia House! Also, the Coop.
Favorite Class
Professor Needhams Bollywood classes. Helped me read movies in a whole new way as well as helped me understand theory and criticism better. Set me on the path towards my focus on postcolonial literature.
Clubs & Organizations
Asian American Alliance
Pan-Asian Committee
South Asian Students Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
SASA movie nights; restaurant outings; video game nights.
My name is Lyala, I'm an international student from India. I majored in Politics and decided to get an English minor senior year! The highlight of my Oberlin College career has been my friends.
Study Abroad
Beirut, Lebanon, Spring'19
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Multicultural Resource Center
Barefoot Dialogue Facilitator
Favorite Place
The arch in Tappan because it's pretty all year round!
At Oberlin, I'm really grateful for all of the activities I did to keep myself busy, and the people I met along the way. I worked on several theater productions for OSTA, OMTA, Opera, Theater Mainstage, and labseries productions, from stage management to dramaturgy. My favorite was A Nacht A Sheyne, performed for OSTA in February 2019. In Fall 2019, I directed an original full-length play for my senior capstone called The Size of a Fist! I was also a member of Piscapo's Arm from Spring 2018-2020, and met some of the most vibrant and incredible people at college. Outside of classes, I enjoyed working my multiple student jobs: working the reference desk in the evenings, running activities at Kendal, and holding writing conferences with students in ESOL and Literary Journalism.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Writing Associate
Libraries Student Staff
Kendal at Oberlin Creative Arts Therapy
Favorite Place
Wilder 204, Ginko's, Kim's, Con Library (specifically the back couches), the Cat, the Arb! ??
Favorite Class
Literary Journalism in the Rhetoric department! All of the readings were really interesting, and I loved working on the final writing assignment. Hal Sundt is great!
Clubs & Organizations
Musical Theatre Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
The Oberlin Review
The Synapse
Piscapo's Arm
Notable Quote
"Mom, am I still young? Can I dream for a few months more?" -- Mitski, "Class of 2013"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Before everyone left campus in March 2020, me and my friends hung out in the Noah lounge. We just danced around, played Jackbox, and watched bad Disney Channel original movies. It didn't feel like saying goodbye.
I am an Art History major and was an athlete on the Track and Field team for four years. I had the privilege of teaching an ExCo during my last semester, Hand Lettering 101, and even took a Kpop dance class which was a blast! I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain which was definitely a lifetime highlight of mine.
Study Abroad
Fall 2019 in Sevilla, Spain
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resident Assistant
Favorite Place
The 'sco right when it opened on Monday nights because it would be mostly empty meaning the pool tables and dart boards would be free. It would just be a great space to destress and play games with my friends!
Favorite Class
I have two faviorite classes that I believe go hand in hand because I probably wouldn't have gotten as much out of one if I hadn't taken the other. One was an art history class called Ritual and Performance in the Hatian Diaspora and the other was a studio art class called Mixed Media Sculpture. They both had to do with installation art and helped me put more thought into creating. They allowed me to think more about intentionality and what I felt most passionate about to display. Each class gave me the space to be vulnerable but also confident in what I had to say and I'm forvever grateful for that.
My years at Oberlin were defined by a constant flux - of new people, interests, and experiences - that makes it difficult to sum up my life here neatly. Looking back, I recognize myself first and foremost in my communities. My three years dining and one semester living in Harkness made the co-op the backbone of my Oberlin life, and I consider that charmingly gross building to be my true home on campus. Many of my favorite Oberlin memories come from leaning into the chaos of that community, from full moon jellyfish parades to shows in the dungeon. Although I only joined OSteel my senior year, that group also really carried me and brought a lot of joy to my life. I loved being an English major and wrote my capstone on Philip Pullman, imaginative mapping, and the imperial legacy of children's literature. I was also lucky to dabble in the dance department in my last two years, taking three classes and a winter term intensive that broadened my perspective and elevated my experience as a student. Mostly, I spent a lot of time writing papers at Slow Train, eating vegetable proteins, going to shows, and walking around.
Study Abroad
Trinity College Dublin, spring semester 2019.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The stone circle overlooking the arb is a meaningful spot for me... a good place for journalling, stargazing, gossiping, making phone calls, dancing around, etc.
Favorite Class
European Modernism and the World with Jed Deppman, Capoeira Angola I with Justin Emeka, Nature and Transcendentalism with T.S. McMillin. All three made me think about what successful and creative teaching can look like, in totally different ways.
Clubs & Organizations
Acapelicans
Gear Co-op
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
OSteel
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My final OSteel show sticks out as the last hurrah before lockdown. We played everything we knew (and somethings we didn't really know) and I've never had more fun while being so devastated. I was blown away by the size and energy of the crowd - it filled the panyard and everyone was dancing. Everyone I love at this school was in one room. That's a really special memory for me.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My goal is to become a high school English teacher in the next couple of years. Short term, I'm staying in Oberlin for the summer and moving back home to Toronto once my lease runs out.
Biology major and Cognitive Sciences concentration. Student researcher in the Garvin Disease Ecology Lab. Athlete on the Women and Trans' Ultimate Frisbee team, the Preying Manti (D3 College National Champions in 2019!). Pyle Co-op member and tasty-things maker. Viola player in the Arts and Sciences Orchestra. Student assistant at the Science Library service desk.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad the first semester of my senior year in North Queensland, Australia on the SIT Australia: Rainforest, Reef and Cultural Ecology program.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
North Fields during the late fall and early spring. I loved running in the sunshine and wide green fields during ultimate frisbee practices.
Favorite Class
Disease Ecology with Mary Garvin. Professor Garvin emphasized not only the course material but also critical thinking and life skills. I was able to challenge and expand my scope and perspectives about science from her class.
I couldn't have predicted when I started at Oberlin that double-majoring in piano and composition would be so intense, but also deeply rewarding. The best part of my experience was meeting, learning from, collaborating with, and becoming friends with so many amazing artists across all the departments of the Conservatory. From singing Renaissance Polyphony with Collegium to participating in the TIMARA Kaleidosonic Music Festival, the creative energy bubbling around campus is constantly inspiring. I was lucky to be mentored by Alvin Chow and Stephen Hartke. As a chamber musician and duo partner, I was able to have lessons with many string, wind, and voice professors who made a big impression on me. In my senior year, Brian Alegants Performance and Analysis class changed how I think about music, and harpsichord lessons with Mark Edwards and visiting professor Catalina Vicens changed how I think about the piano! I am grateful for the huge number of opportunities I had to get on stage and perform, especially with friendsperforming with others helped me get over crippling stage fright, and focus instead on the joy of creating music together!
Favorite Place
The Local, where I first learned to be a coffee drinker and went on a life-changing first date.
Favorite Class
Collegium Musicum it was so grounding and therapeutic to spend an hour every Monday and Wednesday afternoon immersed in the echoey acoustic of Fairchild Chapel, blending our voices together to bring very old music to life.
Notable Quote
"Don't forget to wiggle your toes!" - Professor Steven Plank, before a Collegium Musicum performance in Fairchild Chapel.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Playing the Liszt A Major Piano Concerto with the Oberlin Orchestra in the final rehearsal the very last day before in-person classes were cancelled. I've never felt so many emotions at the same time, and by the end I was in tears.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm planning to pursue my Master of Music in Piano Performance at the Juilliard School.
During my time at Oberlin, I founded our Design for America chapter and worked as a Course Writing Associate for three semesters. I was also a layout editor for the Review, and the This Week editor our senior year. I worked on a number of sustainability projects with members of the Oberlin community and was lucky to have many wonderful mentors. Most importantly, I got to explore my interests in writing and the environment in exciting ways, and met some really special people!
Study Abroad
London, Spring 2018 with the Oberlin-in-London program
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
The bike path! I have lots of fond memories training for various races there. It's definitely the non-academic place where I've spent the most time.
Favorite Class
Sustainable Cities. I felt like I could apply everything I was learning to the real world.
Clubs & Organizations
The Oberlin Review
Oberlin Design for America
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm moving to Pittsburgh to work at an environmental nonprofit.
During my time at Oberlin I've spent most of my time in either the Dance Department or Hales Gymnasium as a part of the OCircus clubs. Movement has really curated my time here and I feel eternally grateful to the dance department for being inclusive of a diverse array of techniques and for encouraging individual and collaborative student work. I'm also grateful to all the amazing friends I've met on my journey that have been an unending spout of inspiration and encouragement!
Study Abroad
Spring '19 at L'Accademia Dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Warner Monitor
Favorite Place
Warner Gymnasium. Have you ever explored all of its nooks and crannies? There are staircases that lead to nowhere, narrow hallways, exposed brick, awesome fire escape entry. Most beautiful building on Oberlin Campus in my opinion.
Clubs & Organizations
Aerialists
Buddhist Fellowship
Capoeira Angola
Contact Improvisation Collective
OCircus!
Partner Acrobatics Club
Notable Quote
Every epoch not only dreams the next, but while dreaming impels it towards wakefulness. Walter Benjamin
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Freshman year, drinking wine with my soon-to-be close friend on the roof of Hales...
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I have plans to fully pursue full-time circus training and gigging again. Obviously I have no idea whether this will even be possible given our current circumstances so I'll be waiting for my call from Cirque in the meantime.
My name is Gail Johnson and I am a Neuroscience Major on the Pre-Medical track! I have been in OSCA since my first semester (woah), and have been in four different co-ops. During this time, I was a DLEC for the entirety of my freshman year, an HLEC my sophomore year, as well as a head cook, a pizza cook, and a bread maker during many semesters. I also have worked at the rock wall since my freshman year, which has been an integral part of my time at Oberlin. Additionally, had the lovely opportunity to work in the Mail Room, as well as at the Museum, and some short-term research. I studied abroad through SEA Semester, where I spent a month and a half on a tall-ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, conducting research as well as being a full-time crew member. But most importantly, I met my two best friends on the first day of orientation (also woah), and we finally had the chance to live together this past year. My time at Oberlin was filled with so much learning and love, and many bagels eggs and beer. We are apart but together!
Study Abroad
Yes! I did SEA Semester (in the middle of the Sargasso Sea)during the Spring of 2019.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Rockwall Employee and Coordinator
Housing Loose End Coordinator (HLEC)
Museum Attendant
Mailroom Assistant
Favorite Place
76 n pleasant - home
Favorite Class
Neuroimmunology - Neuro and immunology mixed into one - what could be better
Athletics
Women & Trans' Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
American Medical Student Association
Climbing Wall
Experimental College
Hillel
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
Students for A Free Palestine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Not a specific moment, but I frequently think of sitting at the tile and wooden kitchen table at our Oberlin home, talking with friends, playing cards, and laughing. Having both serious talks about inequities around the world and within the institution, as well as lighthearted and funny conversations about sailing around the world or building a cabin out of found materials.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I have no idea! Medical school in two years. But immediately, hopefully sailing or farming?
Majored in Biochemistry and Dance. Co-director of CHOREO Urban Dance and member of both And What!? and Kinetik. Baked for Pyle Co-op for two and a half years. Enjoyed seeing some of her favorite musicians at Oberlin, like UMI, Duckwrth, Lizzo, Leikeli47, and more. Mostly enjoyed cooking, hanging out, and playing games with friends.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
Warner Dance Studio
Favorite Class
Body Re-education, because it was really helpful and made me rethink my own body.
Clubs & Organizations
Choreo
Notable Quote
And What!?
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Making spam musubi, dumplings, fish, rice, and more with all of my friends, before the semester ended.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Staying at home as everything is going on and working part-time as a Social Media/Marketing intern at at Dance Nonprofit.
Whether organizing voter registration drives or the debut of a student-written play or a trip to the Cheesecake Factory, I was always organizing something and asking my friends to come along. I was lucky enough to meet amazing folks all the way through my Oberlin experience, and had an absolute blast learning and relaxing with such passionate and compassionate people. Highlights included pouring wine for Senator Sherrod Brown, cooking pizza night in two different co-ops, giving tours, listening to lots and lots of guest speakers, attending kooky improv shows, DJing on the radio, teaching Queer Women on Screen, hanging out with Marc Chagall in my room, and spending tons of time at the Feve with my fantastic friends.
Study Abroad
DIS Copenhagen Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Admissions Senior Fellow
Tour Guide
Mathematics Grader
Politics Research Assistant
Politics Major Representative
Favorite Place
The double wide yellow study carrels on 2nd floor Mudd have excellent natural light... and graffiti
Favorite Class
Carceral Geographies with Professor Charmaine Chua totally changed my worldview and renewed my commitment to make some kind of difference in the world
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin College Democrats
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
The Oberlin Grape
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
"I am particularly fond of grapes" - Professor Harry Hirsch, in POLT 275
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Falling in love with all of my excellent friends! Late night Tappan bench swing talks and Pyle lunches
I am graduating with a major in Psychology. I have loved spending time arguing about politics with my peers and tutoring students. I value the in-depth learning that I was able to do while at Oberlin and I cannot wait to take the skills I learned here out into the world.
Study Abroad
no
Campus Jobs
Executive Functioning/ Productivity Tutor
America Reads
Annual Fund Student Caller
Favorite Place
The Center for Student Success lobby. I love spending time chatting with Donna and Annessa, working with my mentors, and getting excited about supporting students.
Favorite Class
Friends, Foes, and Feminism with Angie LaGrotteria. This course taught me how to enjoy fiction again! I loved reading fiction from a feminist lens, and Angie is an amazing professor!
Notable Quote
"Before going back to college, I knew I didn't want to be an intellectual, spending my life in books and libraries without knowing what the hell is going on in the streets. Theory without practice is just as incomplete as practice without theory. The two have to go together. ? Assata Shakur, Assata: An Autobiography
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'll be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana to work in reproductive education or executive functioning education.
I am a theatre major with a Russian minor from Ashland Oregon. As part of the theatre major I am an acting emphasis and have had the opportunity to perform in many productions on campus, including some mainstage productions (Angels in America, Urinetown). I performed in two seasons of the Oberlin Summer Theatre Festival, which was a great opportunity for young actors to work professionally. I studied theatre abroad in Moscow, which was amazing. For my honors capstone I directed "A Warsaw Melody", a play that I saw while studying abroad. My love of Russian language and culture inspired me to continue studying Russian when I returned to campus. While at Oberlin I was a member of the Cross Country team and a captain of the Track and Field team. On the track team I competed in the combined events, I have the school record in the indoor pentathlon and earned Academic All-American in the pentathlon as well. Being part of that team was the best part of my Oberlin experience, they are my family and I am very proud of them.
Study Abroad
Fall 2018 (Junior year) to Moscow Russia.
Campus Jobs
Central Ticketing Services staff
Favorite Place
The track, that's where I am the happiest. Also, there is a bench under a tree by Mudd, between Mudd and dascomb. It is a very peaceful spot and I have done a good deal of reading there.
Favorite Class
Acting Shakespeare. I loved the material we worked on and learned a lot about technique. I felt like it challenged me and I grew in the process.
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Notable Quote
"That's what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too." -Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The last intrasquad meet with the track team. We celebrated our last day on campus together by putting on a meet, some real events and some just for fun like the 8 by 100m relay with a high jump bar for a baton. It was great to get to do what I love one more time with the people that I love.
I started learning and researching on Oberlins campus before the official start of college as a STRONG scholar. Likely many here, I had intents of pursuing music initially, but gave up the endeavor of many years after hearing many inspirational lectures. Ive lived with many lovely roommates but Ive also lived with and discovered my messy self. Ive learned to write code and prose. Ive learned theorems and proofs. Ive TAed a 300 level language course as a first year. Ive interned and received awards. Ive published and traveled (literally) around the globe. But Ive also crashed and burned. Ive cried, grieved, and even angered some people. But Im comforted by the opportunity to share these lessons and experiences with those around. Ive cooked with the coop and created with friends. Ive shared and taught what things I can. Ive labored to share what was learned here. I am grateful and await the next chapter.
Study Abroad
Almost!
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
Third world lounge for being a welcoming and homey safespace!
Favorite Class
Algorithms, because it's super fun, puzzley, and memey!
Clubs & Organizations
STRONG Scholar
Notable Quote
Only by listening to others can I see how I am constrained and how I can become aware of the conceptual shackles imposed by my own identity and experiences - David Takacs, Positionality, Epistemology, and Social Justice in the Classroom.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Summer internship with IBM and graduate school at CMU afterwards
I am an Environmental Studies major who spent many nights sorting through mounds of literal trash and treasure at the Free Store. My time at Oberlin has been defined by my membership in Students for Energy Justice, a group of incredible students who have inspired me to no end and guided my development of environmental justice praxis and organizing skills. I am grateful to be surrounded by SEJ members and other Oberlin faculty, staff, and students that have created a community of accountability and care, and taught me to do the same. In particular, I admire the UAW workers and student accomplices fighting for their positions in a neoliberalized world and institution.
Study Abroad
Zanzibar/Tanzania, Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resource Conservation Team
Favorite Place
The J House Garden: my light, my love.
Favorite Class
American Agricultures with Professor Janet Fiskio at the Grafton Correctional Center. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to share that learning space with a humble, vulnerable, and kind community of Grafton and Oberlin students during my last semester. I think of my Grafton classmates every day, and encourage all those reading this to join in local campaigns for early release efforts and larger prison abolition in an era of COVID-19. Organizing is important now just as much, if not more, than ever.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Students for Energy Justice
Notable Quote
"I'm just a kid and life is a nightmare" Simple Plan, song "Just A Kid"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Big Swap
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Masters of Geography program at West Virginia University with a graduate research assistantship to study the consequences of the Appalachian Storage Hub, a proposed petrochemical complex on the Ohio River Valley
J Holzen received their Bachelors degree in Cello Performance with Darrett Adkins at Oberlin Conservatory, where they were a recipient of the Ruth Roush scholarship. In the Fall, they will begin their Masters degree at the DePaul School of Music with Brant Taylor. A passionate orchestral musician, Holzen was selected to perform with the Oberlin Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in January 2019. They also frequently sat as principal of the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra. While attending Oberlin, they discovered their love for contemporary music and sought out collaborations with composers in the Conservatory. During their time at Oberlin, they played on three recording projects on the Oberlin Music label by composers Bernard Rands, Stephen Hartke, and Elizabeth Ogonek. Holzen was also involved with education programs in the Oberlin area, and kept a private studio consisting of students ages eight to 21, beginning cellists to advanced musicians.
Leo Hochberg majored in Politics and MENA Studies, with a minor in international studies. In his time at Oberlin, he was an avid language learner, a frequent writer, a growing political analyst, a frequent traveler, and always happy to make new friends at Oberlin. He also loves to cook and many of his fondest memories took place in the KHC kitchen in Talcott.
Study Abroad
Yes! The American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resident Assistant
Admissions tour guide
barista at The Local
Arabic tutor
Barefoot dialogue facilitator
Favorite Place
Definitely the observatory. I always loved when the astronomy department held stargazing nights up there.
Favorite Class
Power and Politics of International Law with Josh Freedman -- fascinating course and very influential for my career choices!
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin in Solidarity with El Salvador
Tanwir : Middle Eastern Student Association
Notable Quote
"Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters." - Neil Gaiman
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending a graduate school program in Human Rights and Conflict studies.
Piper is a composer, vocalist, sound designer, and electroacoustic musician who studied TIMARA (Technology in Music and Related Arts) at the Conservatory and Math at the College. He loves to keep things big and sparkly.
Campus Jobs
Communications Office
Conservatory Audio
Secondary Lessons Instructor
Favorite Place
Fairchild Chapel - concerts that I have both performed and attended there have been deeply spiritual experiences.
Favorite Class
Aurie Hsu's TECH 350 "Audio and the Visual" in Spring of 2019. It really helped me gain a rigorous understanding of why I like the things I do and why I want to do what I want to do. It pushed me in the right direction.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Obertones
Sourgum Experimental Vocal Ensemble
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Starting a mosh pit in the aisles of Finney Chapel during Aaron Dilloway's finale at the Kaleidosonic Festival
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending Dartmouth in the fall for a MA in Digital Musics
In my four years at Oberlin, I played football as an offensive lineman and wrote for The Oberlin Review, The Grape, and the Oberlin Blogs. I'm most prideful of my work as a sports journalist. I created my own website covering sports before writing for SBNation and (currently) Sports Illustrated.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Oberlin Office of Communications (Blogger)
Favorite Place
Knowlton Stadium, because it's where I played the game I love for four years.
Favorite Class
Intro to Comparative Literature, because it was taught by the legendary Jed Deppman. (Rest in Peace) Deppman allowed me to give a presentation on To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar, which is my all-time favorite work of art.
Athletics
Football
Clubs & Organizations
Hip Hop Collective
The Oberlin Grape
The Oberlin Review
Notable Quote
"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." - Proverbs 24:10
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Tie between receiving my job offer from Sports Illustrated in Mudd Library and winning my first game at Knowlton Stadium.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Working for Sports Illustrated and exploring more opportunities in the world of journalism in the future
Over all four years, I helped out with the Dead Hear Footsteps, WOBC's longest-running serial film-noir dramady radio show. There, I helped as a writer, voice actor, and sound effects person. I even headed it during my junior and senior years. I wrote for the Synapse for all four years with article topics like impostor syndrome and parasites. I also wrote for the Oberlin Review for two years, mostly writing reviews in the arts section. I worked in Government Documents for four years, mostly doing inventory and lurking on the fourth floor of Mudd. I was a Writing Associate in my junior and senior years, and I was one of the first Writing Associates at the Science Writing Table. In my final two years, I did EEG research in the Neuroscience department. When I wasn't doing homework, I would play Dungeons and Dragons with friends, go visit the Local for a bagel, or visit the Ginko Gallery kittens.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Writing Associate
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
I loved going to the Local early on Saturday mornings. It was calm, and I could just relax, do some work, and grab a bagel and an iced mocha.
Favorite Class
It's a tie between Literary Journalism and Cinematic Storytelling Workshop. Both classes allowed me to experiment with different genres, and I produced some of my best written work.
Clubs & Organizations
The Oberlin Review
The Synapse
Notable Quote
"One of penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Plato
Memorable Oberlin Moment
After the 2016 election, I remember how the campus was distraught. I ended up going around the campus and town, giving free hugs.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am attending Carnegie Mellon for a Masters in Professional Journalism.
I had no idea what I wanted to major in, and then I took an anthropology class and loved it! I'm glad I finally took advantage of Exco's my senior year. I met some really great people, and made some really good friends, that I am grateful to for making my time at Oberlin enjoyable!
Study Abroad
Stockholm, Sweden 2019!
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Tutor
Note-taker
Favorite Place
3rd floor/4th floor Carnegie with all the rocks
Favorite Class
Human origins! I loved learning about bones evolution.
The highlights of my life at Oberlin were breakfasts with friends, arb days, improv rehearsals, sketch shows, road trips, long island nights, and good walks. I am now a Latin major, creative writing minor who really loves Firelands. I directed OSTAs production of Moirai, translated scenes of Plautuss comedy Mostellaria from the Latin, co-created and taught SketchCo: The Sketch Comedy ExCo, and built many costumes and set pieces out of cardboard for Doobie Ingenuity shows. I am very happy about all the kind and funny people Ive met and all the time Ive gotten to spend with them.
Study Abroad
Orvieto, Italy Spring and Summer 2019
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
Firelands 104, where I lived with my dear friend Noa junior year.
Favorite Class
Ars Moriendi: Death and the Art of Dying with Jed Deppman. It was my first year seminar, he was a fantastic professor, and it introduced me to a couple at Kendal who have remained my friends throughout the past four years.
I am a math and physics major, and I played varsity tennis at Oberlin. Some of my favorite parts of my Oberlin experience include running on campus, having coffee at Slow Train and eating at Kim's, working on problems sets with friends for my classes, TAing for classes in the math department, working on research, and meeting lots of amazing people!
Study Abroad
Budapest Semesters in Mathematics, Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Designated QS Tutor
Favorite Place
The science center atrium because I used to work on problem sets with friends there most nights.
Favorite Class
Foundations of Analysis because it really taught me how to think mathematically.
Athletics
Women's Tennis
Memorable Oberlin Moment
There was one fateful night during my sophomore year when we had two quantum mechanics problem sets, a lab report, and a lab presentation due all on the same day, and my entire class spent the hours from 8 PM to 5 AM working in the physics lounge. It was definitely memorable, and even though it was pretty rough, we had a great time and it is a moment I will always remember.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Completing a PhD in mathematics at the University of Washington
I may have started in Computer Science and ended in Theater (unofficially) but have found supportive mentors all across campus. I've explored all the departments I could have, and have nothing but love for my advisor, and my professors in Theater and Cinema Studies. I am so lucky to have gotten to know so many amazing Obies: current students, alums, and faculty alike. I look forward to seeing you all in the many years to come.
Campus Jobs
Tutor
Theater Department Publicist
Favorite Place
That hidden-under-the-branches space behind the Kander - it's perfect for people watching or just destressing before a show
Favorite Class
Arts Management I - it teaches us to be human
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
SSDP
Pitch Please
Notable Quote
"Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion." - Rumi
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Late night, sitting on the back of a bicycle someone else is pedaling
Helen He is a multimedia artist and software engineer. With multi-media compositions infused with intimate narratives, immersive soundscapes, and emotional vulnerability, they share their perspective of the world from an intersection of minorities. They specialize in choral composition, sound design and instrument design. A classically-trained vocalist and pianist, Helen enjoys premiering new works by other composers but also pursues their interest in historical performance by singing music from pre-1600 to 2019 in Collegium Musicum Oberliniese, Oberlin's early music choir, and studying organ performance with Dr. Christa Rakich. They worked as a sound designer for multiple theater and dance productions on campus, a concert sound technician for Student Union, and a circulation desk assistant for the Conservatory Library. They are also an avid researcher in the field of computer science. They received an XARTS grant for their research in music and machine learning in 2018; and their paper, "Privacy and Activism in the Transgender Community" was accepted into the proceedings of The ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI). Additionally, Helen is the recipient of the 2020 R.J. Thomas Computer Science Student Service Award.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Teaching Assistant
Concert Sound Technician
Media Art Technical Assistant
Favorite Place
Fairchild Chapel - my beloved Collegium Musicum rehearses there three times a week, and I'd say we have the most beautiful band room ever. I had my junior recital there too. So many fond memories under the stained glass; I'm pretty sure I'm going to get married there someday.
Favorite Class
Seminar in Mathematical Modeling! Combined my love of math and my love of art perfectly.
Clubs & Organizations
Aerialists
BalletOberlin
Computer Science and Hackathon Club
Contra Dance Club
Dandelion Romp
Samba School
Collegium Musicum
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My junior recital that went way too long. I wish I could have had a senior recital too, but memories from my junior recital fills that void.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I've accepted a full-time position as a software engineer at EA Games.
George Nicholas Hawk (he/him/his) is a Computer Science and Mathematics double major, East Asian Studies minor. He also has a deep interest in music as many Obies do and would have minored in Musical Studies had that been an option. While George spent most of his time coding and playing ultimate frisbee, he also enjoyed singing in the Oberlin College Choir and 'Round Midnight, playing basketball with friends, and making paper snowflakes. Some of his favorite classes during his time at Oberlin were Artificial Intelligence with Adam Eck, Chinese Calligraphy with Kai Li, Bowling with David Wilson, and Mathematical Modeling with Bob Bosch. He also loved attending Jazz Forum, Oberlin Orchestra concerts, and seeing as many of the very talented musicians that come to Oberlin as he could. He hopes that after college he can find a programming job and maybe make math art and teach ultimate to kids on the side.
Study Abroad
I did archaeology in Ireland over winter term my second year and studied music in London over winter term my third year.
Favorite Place
Williams Field House. I've made some of the best memories at Oberlin playing frisbee in there at 1am on a weeknight.
Favorite Class
Mathematical Modeling. It combines the best parts of math with coding for the purpose of making amazing visual arts. Not only that, but it's also taught by the amazing professor and math artist, Bob Bosch.
Athletics
Open Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
Round Midnight
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Seeing Moses Sumney perform at The Cat during my first semester at Oberlin. It totally opened my eyes to a different world of music.
Jubreel Hason is a former student-athlete at Oberlin College where he studied economics and played Defensive Back for the Yeomen football team. He was a co-chair of the Oberlin Student Finance and Investment Club, and he co-found the Brotherhood Hall and the Oberlin Black Student-Athlete Group on campus. Outside of Oberlin, Jubreel leads The Hason Children Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports children who have lost a parent. Following graduation, Jubreel will be working in investment management at AllianceBernstein as a Fixed Income Rotational Associate in New York City.
Study Abroad
No
Favorite Place
My favorite space was Bailey Field, as it was where I made great memories with my football teammates.
Favorite Class
Africana Philosophies of Education was my favorite class because it challenged the way I view existing academic infrastructures and "elite" spaces.
Athletics
Football
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Entrepreneurship Club
Student Finance and Investment Club
Notable Quote
"Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it" - James Baldwin
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment was contributing to a victory against Hiram's football team in double overtime in 2018. We defeated Hiram 47-44.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will work as an Investment Associate at AllianceBernstein in New York City.
Jabree Hason is a senior at Oberlin College studying economics. He started three-years as a defensive back for the Yeomen football team. At Oberlin, he served as a co-chair for the Oberlin Student Finance and Investment Club, the Advertising Manager for The Oberlin Review, a co-founder of Brotherhood Hall, and a co-founder of the Black Student-Athlete Group. Jabree is also the co-founder of The Hason Children Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing financial support and mentorship to children who have lost a parent.
Study Abroad
No
Favorite Place
Bailey Field; playing football on the field with my teammates was an integral aspect of my development as a student at Oberlin
Favorite Class
Debates in Black Education; this class gave me clarity on the issues that persist for black students like myself and confirmed my experiences with academic research
Athletics
Football
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Entrepreneurship Club
Student Finance and Investment Club
The Oberlin Review
Notable Quote
"The highest human act is to inspire." - Nipsey Hussle
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment was defeating the Hiram College football team in double overtime during the 2018 football season.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Upon graduation, I will begin working at Fidelity Investments in Boston, MA as a Research Associate within the High Income & Alternatives Division.
I was a chemistry and mathematics double major and a member of the Varsity baseball team. I served as a PAL and SOAR leader and conducted research in both chemistry and physics labs.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
SOAR Leader
Chemistry Tutor
Drop-in Tutoring
Math Grader
Favorite Place
Science Center because it was a space where I could hang out with friends and do work.
Favorite Class
Quantum Chemistry because it was connected all of my prior chemistry classes beautifully.
Athletics
Baseball
Golf
Clubs & Organizations
Newman Catholic Community
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My baseball Senior Day
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Enter the Chemistry PhD program at Georgetown University
At Oberlin, I majored in Latin American Studies and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies. My academic work focused on migration politics, specifically the process of seeking asylum from Central America. Through my coursework and personal interests, I have had the opportunity to explore important topics from so many different lenses. During the last four years, I was involved in student and department dance productions, the SITES program, the El Centro Volunteer Initiative, and Jewish life on campus. I have loved supporting my friends in theatre and conservatory productions, making crazy elaborate meals at KHC, and enjoying the beautiful Ohio sunsets. Oberlin taught me to love the process of learning, and to envision academia as a tool for justice.
I'm K and I use they/them pronouns! My favorite things from Oberlin are College Lanes and visiting friends who work at the Local. At Oberlin I came into my own as a gentle punk and rock enthusiast. My claim to fame is that I named and created the name-tag for our beloved T-rex mascot Rexxy in the Geology Department one late night during finals of Fall 2018. During the year you could find me working/bowling at the lanes, in the metamorphic petrology lab on 4th floor Carnegie, or in my favorite womb chair on 3rd floor of Mudd (2nd from the door).
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Spring 2019 with the Oberlin-in-London Program. That year Amy Margaris and Zeb Page went over with us and I took a class where we got to see a play every week, which was incredible. I also traveled to Iceland during that semester to see the rocks.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
By far my favorite place is Oberlin is College Lanes. The energy cultivated there by Tom Reid and the greater Oberlin community makes it an incredibly warm and special place to be. Whenever I didn't know where to go, I could go there and no matter how I felt walking in, I would come out calm and with love.
Favorite Class
My first-year seminar, Marie Curie's Legacy with Dr. Whelan in the Chemistry department. It was the first time I had been apart of an exploration of gender at all, as well as in science. The course gave me a lot of perspective heading into the world of science in academia and hope within myself.
My very first (and each subsequent) pop punk splitchers <3 Letting myself have fun and making my middle school dreams come true.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm taking some time off before heading to grad school. My plan is to live in the woods, maybe take a physics class at the local community college and take care of my kitty.
I majored in environmental studies and minored in politics with a pathway in agriculture and food studies. Outside of class, I worked at Decafand was a member of the Preying Manti frisbee team. I've had the opportunity to work with a range of groups on campus, including the Outings Club and Earth Day 50 core committee. Over these four years, you may have seen me biking around campus on my rusty red and white bike; I biked everywhere, no matter how close my destination was.
Study Abroad
Fall 2019, Montespertoli, Italy
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Peer Advising Leader
Favorite Place
I love the North Fields for the memories I've made and the sunsets I've seen there.
Favorite Class
The politics class Action in the Anthropocene and the environmental humanities class American Agricultures both changed how I understand climate change and food justice.
Ananya Gupta is an Environmental Studies and English double major. She's an international student from India, and served as the Managing Editor for The Oberlin Review for two consecutive years. During her time there, she helped organize a journalism symposium, a special environmental issue, and managed to keep the newspaper running despite COVID-19. When she wasn't managing the Review, she was pursuing environmental research through various channels including her honors thesis and participating in South Asian Student Association events.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
The Oberlin Review office. I have never laughed anywhere on Earth as much as I did in that Burton basement office, while piecing together a newspaper at 2am.
Athletics
Badminton
Clubs & Organizations
International Student Organization
South Asian Students Association
The Oberlin Review
Notable Quote
"And to think I did all that And may I say not in a shy way Oh no Oh no not me I did it my way." - Frank Sinatra's My Way, 1969.
My name is Jianyi Gu. Im a senior majoring in piano performance and was born and raised in Zhuhai, China. In the past 4 years in Oberlin, therere so many precious moments...My first recital, The Con Prom, Learning unique things in ExCo lessons......Time flies, I clearly remember the excitement on my first day of orientation. As a foreign student, Im so grateful for all the friendships and memories in Oberlin that makes Oberlin a truly home for me and I will always treasure what Ive learned and experienced in here.
Study Abroad
Yes, 4 years in Oberlin!
Favorite Place
Tappan! Walking through those beautiful spring blossoms makes me overwhelmingly happy.
I majored in Vocal Performance in the conservatory. And yes, I did live up to a few stereotypes. I'm definitely not the quietest person, I'm pretty emotional and I like to talk. A lot. Despite my major pushing me to exhaustion both physically and emotionally, forcing me to pull all nighters, and often eliciting crying in practice rooms out of frustration, my four years at Oberlin have been the best of my life so far. Oberlin is where I finally came out of my shell. I found teachers who eventually became friends and who supported me through challenges. The friendships I made are ones I intend to keep for a long time and the same goes for the memories I made with them. Swimming in the Arb at 2:00 am is not something I will easily forget. Neither is the time we ate expired cookie dough while watching Pride and Prejudice. Oberlin has been an outlet for me to be myself and I will always be grateful for the time I've had here.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
Definitely the Conservatory Lounge. It's a great hangout space with friends and I always loved seeing people I knew when walking through the lounge.
Favorite Class
Favorite class has to be Romantic Music History with Prof. O'Leary because it's my favorite musical era and I also got to take it with a bunch of my friends.
Notable Quote
"One person's annoying is another person's inspiring and heroic." Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Junior year my friends and I reserved a conservatory classroom late at night to marathon barbie movies. We brought pillows, blankets, and had a snack table ready to go. We were all singing along and having a great time. Definitely recommend.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall for my masters in vocal performance.
During my time at Oberlin, Ive taken on a variety of roles, such as a peer academic leader (PAL), the club soccer treasurer, a lab assistant for a Computer Science course, and more. As a result I have met many interesting people and met some of my closest friends. For me, it is the people at Oberlin who make Oberlin such a special place. I am grateful to have been a part of this community and see us develop into who we are today. Moving forward I hope to take all that I have learned here and apply it to my life outside of Oberlin.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad the spring semester of my junior year in Bremen, Germany.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
CIT Help Desk
Computer Science Lab Assistant
Lifeguard
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin space is the Art Library. I find it easiest to do my work there.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was my visual arts class. It was the only art class I took at Oberlin. The professor was really good and all of the students were really engaged.
Athletics
Coed Soccer
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment at Oberlin was moving into my house senior year with my friends.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
After graduation I plan to go back to Germany as a member of the CBYX program. In the future, I hope to work as a software engineer in Berlin.
I am a curious, corny, outgoing Mainer who is passionate about building relationships. I love cats, dogs, smoothies, low-brow reality TV, working out, cooking, taking pictures of the food I cook, playing and singing songs, drawing, exploring, and most of all, hanging out with the people I love. While at Oberlin, I studied Psychology and Hispanic Studies. My Oberlin education provided me with extensive research experience, eyeopening discussions, and amazing opportunities for language immersion in the classroom. But more than anything, I will cherish and miss the friends I made during those four years. Beyond having incredible friendships with faculty, staff, and peers, I feel that I have a family at Oberlin. I still cannot believe that I was not able to spend my last few months at Oberlin with these close friends whom I deeply love. I dont think that any class discussion or reading can really compare to the learning that happened in our conversations, arguments, and play <3. People are so fascinating and incredible. My experience at Oberlin gave me the chance to learn, but above all, to love. And it is through love that learning becomes intrinsic, gripping, and alive.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Ecuador during the spring semester of 2019
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
The AJLC. Indoor plants are amazing. Biophilic design baby
Favorite Class
Ana Mar Diaz Burgos Spanish seminar, Saints, Sinners, and Other Cursed Women. I took this course right after studying abroad in Ecuador and feel that my language development continued to accelerate. Beyond creating a rigorous, language immersive classroom environment, Ana Mar also challenged me to think deeply about history, gender, religion, and pedagogy. She simultaneously pushed every student to their limits while also being one of the kindest, most supportive teachers I have ever had.
Clubs & Organizations
Big Parade
Gear Co-op
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Studio B
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will intern at BALANCE, an eating disorder treatment center in New York.
At Oberlin, I studied geology with a focus on geomorphology. I worked in Amanda Schmidts lab for a few years, and my senior project was focused on landsliding in Puerto Rico post Hurricane Maria. I was an Oberlin College Research Fellow, and was able to conduct similar research at a lab at University of Vermont. I also spent a lot of time learning about education through my work with America Reads as a tutor of first through fifth graders. I loved this experience because children are just so funny and adorable, and I was able to connect with the Oberlin community. I was also on the Varsity Swimming and Diving team for two years and spent a lot of time learning about dedication and hard work in the pool. While at Oberlin, I would say I learned a lot about my own interests, hobbies, and world views. I am so grateful for the experience.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand in the Spring of 2019
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
America Reads Tutor
Teacher's Assistant
Favorite Place
I absolutely love Tappan! It's so beautiful when it's covered in snow, when the leaves are changing, or when it's full of flowers. It's such a wonderful space for people to congregate to use their voices during protests, or just to have fun!
Favorite Class
Intro to peer helping was definitely a favorite of mine, I loved learning about how to become a better communicator
Athletics
Swimming & Diving
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Pottery Co-op
Samba School
Notable Quote
I'm just so thankful for this weird little pocket of Ohio that is filled with so much strange joy. Stay goofy and unique Oberlin, and Obies, I love you!
Noa spent her Oberlin days talking about Religion, cooking elaborate coop meals and concocting elaborate social schemes. She will miss adventures throughout the flat Ohio expanse, spontaneous games of tag and evenings of singing and plotting about the world as it should be. She is grateful for the mentors, peers and teachers who have guided and pushed her through these past four years.
Study Abroad
I studied at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Peer Listener
Favorite Place
Warner Main, Hillel room after hours, Harkness Bowl
Favorite Class
Intro to Politics of the Middle East with Professor Sarah El-Kazaz. Prof El-Kazaz made theory feel relevant and praxis compelling.
Publicity Photographer for OCircus and ViBe Dance Company
Favorite Place
The house I lived in as a senior <3 Because of the amazing memories made.
Favorite Class
The Bob Ross exco, the best class to forget all your worries and just paint some happy little trees
Athletics
Club Tennis
Clubs & Organizations
Burlesque
Experimental College
Musical Theatre Association
ViBE Dance Company
Notable Quote
"What is this unseemly hullabaloo?" -George Banks in Mary Poppins
Memorable Oberlin Moment
In dascomb freshman year, we bought a giant loaf of bread shaped like a crab, named it bread-crab, and It became the dascomb lounge mascot. But at the end of the year when all was stale and done, we set it on fire and let it drift off into the arb.
In my time at Oberlin, I was a Student Senator, a 2x Football Captain, a peer leader, and was involved in several arts projects. However, I have to say that my favorite thing I participated was the stand-up shows in many a living room.
Study Abroad
Nope.
Favorite Place
Football lockeroom, nowhere in my life have I laughed and cried that hard in the same place.
Favorite Class
Greek and Roman Drama, made me realize I wanted to be a comedian.
Athletics
Football
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Clubs & Organizations
Student Athletic Advisory Committee
Student Senate
The Oberlin Review
Notable Quote
"What we do in life echoes throughout eternity" -Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My first Sh*t Pit performance. I was introduced (and I quote) as the Captain of the Football team. I walked on stage, looked at all the faces GLOWING with disdain and said "Thats literally the worst intro you could ever give someone. You guys basically just said "hey, heres someone you all hate, have fun not laughing" and i've never had a better performance in my life.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Moving to LA to pursue a career in Screen Writing and Stand-Up comedy.
I have always known I wanted to major in science, but Oberlin has allowed me to truly explore my love of research while providing me with the opportunities I needed to blossom as a person. In extracurriculars, I was a member of the varsity softball team until my senior season was cut short by the pandemic. However, I will forever savor all the memories I have made with my teammates, and they will remain close friends for the rest of my life. Being at Oberlin, I was constantly surrounded by people willing to stand up and take action for causes they believed in, which motivated me to finally take action and become a Humane Society volunteer something Ive dreamed about for most of my life, but never gotten around to. As I go on to begin my Ph.D. in the Biomedical Sciences Training Program at Case Western in the Fall, I will carry with me the pride of being an Obie, and all the memories Ive made at Oberlin, especially with my team.
Study Abroad
N/A
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Tutor
Favorite Place
Culhane Field - I spent a massive amount of my time at Oberlin on the softball field, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Favorite Class
Pathogen-Host Interactions, because this class first taught me how to efficiently read and understand a scientific paper.
Athletics
Softball
Notable Quote
"Sometimes if you want something to get done, the only way to make sure it happens is to do it yourself." -Hannah Shaw (the Kitten Lady)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Beating Denison for the first time in the softball program's history
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Entering Ph.D. program in the Biomedical Sciences Training Program at Case Western Reserve University
Hi my name is Ari and I use she/her/hers. During my time at Oberlin I majored in Neuroscience, minored in East Asian Studies, and was preparing for medical school. For those who know me, they know I love to throw it back, read, rescue stray cats and listen to movie soundtracks. I am thankful for my friends and the new family I have met at Oberlin, as well as the cities community. They truly made my experience worthwhile and for that I am grateful.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Student Union staff
Student Athletic Training Aid
Neuroscience OWL (CLEAR)
Con Monitor
Favorite Place
Science Library group rooms because they were lit. Also, the language lab in Peters because it was my favorite place to take a nap while the sun was setting.
Favorite Class
Bio 213 because of my friends Char, Connor and Katherinne.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Black Scientists Guild
Experimental College
Model UN
Multi-
STRONG Scholar
Notable Quote
"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy." ? Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My favorite Oberlin memory was when we were kicked off campus with 3 months left in our senior year due to a pandemic and given 3 days to pack and say goodbye to everyone. My best Oberlin memories were in those 3 days during which 99% of the student body lost the will to be academics and decided to be true college students for 72 hrs straight.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Currently no plans as I am in debt and Covid has left many of us with few options for jobs/ work experience.
I chose Oberlin to be near my family and pursue various styles of music. I studied with Tracy Rowell, Peter Dominguez and Gary Bartz. I also participated in intramural basketball league and value the friends I made there. Some of my favorite memories from my time at Oberlin were the concerts that I played with some of my closests friends at Finney Chapel or the Cat.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
Favorite Place
A House because of the energy, the people and the food.
Favorite Class
My lessons because my Oberlin mentors taught me so much about bass and life in general.
Notable Quote
"If you strive to become a good human being with qualities generosity, humility and having a reverence for life... just maybe youll become a great musician." -Charlie Haden
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Going with friends to see a Cavs playoff game and watching LeBron hit a game winning three at the buzzer.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Teaching Assistantship at Stony Brook (assuming school happens next fall...)
Rachel Gibson is a percussionist and music technologist from Tower City, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a double major in Percussion Performance and Technology in Music and Related Arts (TIMARA). Rachel has performed in the Oberlin Percussion Group, Oberlin Orchestra, Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble, and the Oberlin Improvisation and New-Music Collective (OINC). She was the recipient of the Avedis Zildjian Conservatory Percussion Award, the Oberlin College Research Fellowship, the Presser Award, a National Science Foundation REU Fellowship, the SEAMUS Allen Strange Award, and the Phi Kappa Lambda Prize. Rachel has presented her work at the NIME and TEI conferences. In Fall 2020, Gibson will be attending the University of Virginia to pursue a Ph.D. in Music Composition and Computer Technologies.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Oberlin Percussion Studio Manager
NOYO Lab Group Assistant Director
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin spaces are the percussion studio or Robertson, which is where all my closest friends would hang out and practice.
Favorite Class
My favorite classes were any of the TIMARA classes because they encouraged musical collaboration and exploration!
Clubs & Organizations
Gender Inclusivity in Music
Modern Music Guild
Oberlin Percussion Group
Notable Quote
"We're all stories in the end, just make it a good one." - The Doctor (from the TV show, Doctor Who)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Scootering on the streets at night in Oberlin, late night trips to Decafe, Agave, or Denny's
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending University of Virginia to pursue a Ph.D. in Music Composition and Computer Technologies
Hi! My name is Maura. I am a chemistry major from outside of Philadelphia, PA. A lot of my time at Oberlin has been spent in Mudd or the Chemistry Mac Lab, but outside of school I really enjoy being active whether its going to volleyball practice or playing Spikeball in North Quad. A lot of my most memorable times at Oberlin have been spent with my roommates or my teammates. Most notably, I have enjoyed all of the trips to B-Spot in Crocker Park or to Grandpa's Cheese Barn with my teammates as well as all of the game nights/movie nights with my housemates. I am sad that my time with my friends got cut short, but I am extremely grateful for the people I met at Oberlin who I have become so close with and have even led me to travel to so many new places.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Student Academic Success Tutor
Organic/Inorganic Chemistry TA
Chemistry Drop-In Tutor
Favorite Place
My favorite space at Oberlin is the Science Library, more specifically the Science Library when North Quad is covered in snow. When it snows during the day, the lighting in the science library is so naturally bright with the sun reflecting off the snow into the tall windows and it's really calming to me.
Favorite Class
My favorite class at Oberlin was Modern Chinese Cinema. I really enjoyed this class because the movies we watched were all really great and also Professor Deppman is amazing and she facilitated really good discussions. After this class, I really wanted to take more cinema studies classes, but I unfortunately I wasn't able to.
Athletics
Volleyball
Coed Soccer
Clubs & Organizations
(Bio)chemistry Majors Committee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment is actually a group of moments right before we left campus where my friends got together and reflected on our time at Oberlin and all of the memories we've made. This time really made me think about all the amazing people I have met and how much Oberlin has meant to me.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
After graduation I plan to spend time with my family before starting a PhD program in chemistry at UPenn in the Fall.
I am a Biology and ENVS double major student, a member of the Resource Conservation Team for 3 years and a member of OSCA for 3 years. I met my two best friends in the world on the first day of Freshman orientation and haven't left their side since. My Oberlin experience was full of eggs, bagels and beer!
Study Abroad
Yes, Spring 2019 in Iquitos, Peru
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Resource Conservation Team
Favorite Place
76 N Pleasant
Favorite Class
Plant Systematics, because I love PLANTS
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin College Democrats
Outings Club
Pottery Co-op
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Solarity with Lizzo or drag ball!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Conservation and Land Management Intern in New Mexico
It's hard to remember what I was like before Oberlin. I have learned so much in my four years here- about myself, the world, and how I want to inhabit it. A lot of that learning was done in classrooms, but a lot of it was also done in dorm rooms, Harkness, and around town. The people that I met at Oberlin- both the orientation friends and those I met last semester- have deeply transformed me. I will forever be thankful for Oberlin and hope that Obies still in my life forever.
Study Abroad
N/A
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Ninde Tutor
Favorite Place
I loved eating meals in Hark Bowl because it made me feel apart of something bigger than myself.
Favorite Class
I loved a private reading that I took with Emilia Bachrach on the Poetics of krishna Bhakti in the Vaisnava Hindu Tradition. This was my favorite because I was able to engage in the literature in a much more advanced manner and got to read some of the most interesting sources.
Clubs & Organizations
Buddhist Fellowship
Chabad at Oberlin
Climbing Wall
Gear Co-op
J Street U
Meditators
Oberlin Meditators
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Pottery Co-op
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My Junior year, my girl friend organized a surprise party for me! She had told me that she was making a small dinner with three of my friends and then called me upset and said no one was coming. I ran over to her house and no one was there so I ran up to her room to see what happened. She wasn't super clear about what was wrong but said 'let's just eat dinner anyway.' When we went downstairs, about 20 friends who had been hiding in the basement yelled surprise! It was a very fun and beautiful night!!!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Not sure! Maybe grad school? Maybe a job if I can find one?
I am a Biology and Environmental Studies double major focused on ecology and communication, and have been a member of Pyle Cooperative for 3 years. I have loved conducting research in Professor Mary Garvin's disease ecology lab for 3 years and working on community-based projects in the Environmental Studies program, including my watershed education capstone and the exhilarating Earth Day 50 celebration! The most rewarding part of my Oberlin experience is the community of people I feel fortunate to learn from, work with, and find friendship in as I try to figure out who I want to be and what I want to do. From classes, Pyle meals, and dance projects to music rehearsals, late night study sessions, and outings club trips, I am so thankful for the amazing people I have met, the interesting conversations, the words of encouragement, the inspiration, and so much more.
Study Abroad
Thailand with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI), Fall 2018 of Junior Year
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
SOAR leader
Oberlin Admissions tour guide
Teaching assistant
Science Center courtyard gardener
Favorite Place
Science Center courtyard/butterfly garden. I have gardened in this small, beautiful Eden my entire time at Oberlin and love tracking the seasons through the bees and the plants.
Favorite Class
Natural History of the Vermilion River Watershed. I loved spending hours each week outside visiting different parts of the watershed and keeping a nature journal full of my observations. I also met Professor Mary Garvin, who is a huge part of my Oberlin experience and has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined as a freshman in her seminar class.
Clubs & Organizations
BalletOberlin
Contra Dance Club
Dandelion Romp
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
ViBE Dance Company
Pitch Please A Cappella Group
Barefoot Dialogue
Oberlin Climate Education Advocacy and Lobbying (OCEAL)
Notable Quote
"I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed." -Mary Oliver
Memorable Oberlin Moment
All of the friend group dinners, cooking with each other or bringing food potluck style. Such good food, wonderful community, the best of times with Brian, Olivia, Maya, Lynn, Kenneth, Rehaan, Joaquin and Marc. After four years of becoming friends, we are here!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
After graduation, I will be spending the next two years in South India as a Shansi Fellow working with the Keystone Foundation, an organization in collaboration with local indigenous communities that focuses on people and environments in a holistic approach to eco-development.
Slow Train. It is the closest thing to a home base I have had for the past three years at Oberlin. (I work there!)
Favorite Class
Senior Studio! The most formative class of my time here with the most wonderful classmates.
Clubs & Organizations
Jewish Voice for Peace
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Outings Club
The Oberlin Grape
Wilder Voice Magazine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Young Democratic Socialists of America
Notable Quote
"How do you make a pasta which you can hold in your hand?" Robert Pattinson, GQ, April 10thish 2020
Memorable Oberlin Moment
4th of July my second summer here. I woke up at 5 am for no reason, biked for an hour on empty roads, did all of my normal day activities before 9, and spent the day in the sun with friends. In the evening, we biked to the reservoir and watched the fireworks reflected in the water. Every color was so saturated, the air was heavy, and I was so thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will hopefully be working as a florist's apprentice.
President of Oberlin's worst club sports team with the best personalities and only goat head. Short term inhabitant of Rouse. Frequent visitor of the Mandarin and consumer of dozens of pounds of fried tofu. Learned a little about economics, learned a lot about large boats.
Study Abroad
Nicosia, Cyprus Summer 2017
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Azzies -- comfy chairs, good drinks, what more could you want?
Favorite Class
Energy Economics -- PB rocks!
Athletics
Men's Rugby
Clubs & Organizations
Animal Rights
Chabad at Oberlin
Notable Quote
"Duel and Bool" - Anonymous, 2016-2020
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Riding around on Riuqi Li's knee scooter at Rouse's only party of 2020.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Working at Appen as a Professional Services Engineer
My time at Oberlin was truly wonderful. I came in as skinny teenager from California and truly feel as though I am leaving having grown up. My experience pushed me from every direction to be better, not just as a student, but as a human being as well. I couldn't be more thankful for the memories I was able to make on campus.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Administrative Assistant in Phillips Gymnasium
Favorite Place
Phillips Gymnasium - I couldn't count how many hours I spent in that place.
Favorite Class
Social Psychology - Loved the teacher and subject matter!
Athletics
Men's Basketball
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Scoring my 1,000 point and game-winning shot for the Men's Basketball Team
My time at Oberlin has been filled with friendship, art, growth, culture, and self discovery. I was a Burlesque performer, I acted in both Theatre Department and OSTA shows, and I was captain of the Oberlin Tennis Club. Though I am a science major, my greatest moments at Oberlin were always in the arts. It has not been easy, but I can say that the Me that is graduating is a totally transformed person from the one who first arrived at Dascomb in 2016. My greatest accomplishment here has been persisting- there were many times when it felt like the universe was telling me to leave, but I am so proud that I didnt listen to that. I have come to love Oberlin with all of my heart, despite the hard times. Every memory has made me stronger, wiser, and more ready than ever to be a part of this crazy world!
Study Abroad
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland in Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
Biology Lab Prep Assistant
Favorite Place
Warner Main Space! I had such a love hate relationship with it because the heaters always clank loudly during performances, but I have so many great memories there that I can't help but love it.
Favorite Class
Chem 101-- my first class ever! Professor Hua was everything I had hoped to get out of an Oberlin professor, and she made the transition into college life so much easier.
Athletics
Club Tennis
Clubs & Organizations
Burlesque
OSHOTS
Notable Quote
Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing. (William Butler Yeats)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Every single time I got to perform on stage! Oberlin audiences have the best energy!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My goal is to explore all of my passions more as I consider taking the MCAT
It was back in two aught fourteen that I first wandered into a little town called "Oberlin," never suspecting that I would one day call it "gnome." Of course, I was trying to call it "home," but my tongue tripped up on me and, well, I guess I just stuck with it. I'm not quite sure what I got out of it, harping on and on with the same old pun, but I just couldn't bring myself to stop. I guess that's how I got my campus nickname, "That Guy Who Won't Shut Up About Gnomes." Yes, sir. I sure am glad I found this school.
Study Abroad
I wintered in Palermo, Sicily my junior year. What a time that was.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The Cage
Favorite Class
Jewish Mysticism with Sam Shankoff, Magic & Mystery with Drew Wilburn, Speculative Fiction with Abbey Chung, I think I just like magic
Athletics
Fencing
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Hillel
Improv Coalition
Notable Quote
"Where's Jonah?" -Dov Ber Elkan
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Seeing everyone show up in support of the UAW workers was incredible. It only happened because of a moral travesty, of course, but seeing the whole campus show up as a community to fight for justice the way another school might show up for a homecoming game reminded me why I love this school.
I am a psychology major with a minor in English and a concentration in education. I am planning to pursue a career in education after Oberlin. I played the flute in the Oberlin College Marching Band and was drum-major for three semesters. I also played in the Oberlin College Wind Ensemble and I have enjoyed tap-dancing with ViBE Dance Company. Highlights of my time at Oberlin include dancing in the Student Dance Showcase, studying abroad in Copenhagen, getting up to shenanigans in marching band rehearsals, and making some amazing friends.
Study Abroad
Copenhagen, Denmark
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
My single in Burton for two years
Favorite Class
Jane Austen: Then and Now. It was my first-year seminar and it felt like my first real college class. I loved reading Jane Austen and getting to know Professor Baudot and the rest of the class.
Clubs & Organizations
Marching Band
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
ViBE Dance Company
Notable Quote
"Getting an education is an awfully wearing process!" Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Movie nights with the marching band in Burton basement that always went on for hours
I am a Classical Civilizations major and Mathematics minor who enjoys spending lots of time with friends and lots of money buying coffee at Slow Train.
Study Abroad
I studied at the National University of Ireland in Galway in the spring of 2019! It was amazing
Favorite Place
Slow Train, because you can go there to hang out, or work, or "work" but actually procrastinate
Favorite Class
My freshman seminar, Odysseys and Identities, because Kirk Ormand gave us a safe space to figure out who we were going to be in college, and fostered bonds that lasted all 4 years. Buzz Brunch forever!
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Lizzo performing at Solarity!!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan on looking into graduate programs for a Masters in Education in Ireland
Olive is proud to be graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (focusing in food and agriculture) and a minor in Creative Writing. During their time at Oberlin, they performed with Ocircus and Oberlin College Aerialists, lived and ate in OSCA, and was part of the Student Labor Action Coalition. They are thankful for all the wonderful people they got a chance to meet and learn from over the last four years.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Central Ticket Service
Clubs & Organizations
Aerialists
OCircus!
Partner Acrobatics Club
Student Labor Action Coalition
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be working on an organic vegetable farm in Virginia until the late fall.
Aly Fogel is an English major and Theater minor who participated in student theater and journalism on campus. During her first two years at Oberlin, she acted in many theater productions. She played Stevie in Oberlin Student Theater Association's "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia" (2016), Jessica in OSTA's "This Is Our Youth" (2017), and Claire in the LabSeries production "The Maids" (2018). Fogel also served on the OSTA board from 2016-2017. In addition to her participation in student theater, Fogel spent much of her time at Oberlin writing. In her third-year, she wrote for "The Oberlin Review." In her studies, Fogel focused on representations of gender and sexuality in literature and film. She taught the Experimental College class "Queer Women on Screen" in the Fall or 2019. During her senior year, she was also an Arts & Culture Editor at "The Oberlin Review," and she worked as an Editorial Intern at "Cleveland Magazine" in her final semester.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Amsterdam in the Fall of 2018
Favorite Place
My favorite space at Oberlin is the Local. While it's not a unique answer, I spent so much of my time in that underground coffee shop, hunkered down studying with my friends or running into everyone I know while waiting in line for an early morning bagel. It's a space I'll truly miss!
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Angela LaGrotteria's CAST 310: "Where Do I Fit In?: Placing Identities in US Literature," because Angie addressed regional identity in a way that was both relevant to the current political moment and personally fulfilling.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Theater Association
The Oberlin Review
Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment is the night that the email was sent out that students would have to evacuate College housing. I was in my home on North Main Street, with my closest friends around me, suddenly hit with the news that many of my friends would have to leave abruptly to new their homes across the country or the globe. Looking around me, I realized that I had been introduced to such incredible people. I'll never forget that moment when life was turned upside down and I realized just how lucky I was to be part of the Oberlin community.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My immediate goal is to start working as a freelance journalist in the Chicagoland area.
During my time at Oberlin I majored in Chemistry with a minor in Hispanic Studies. Starting in the Spring of my freshman year through the end of my senior year I worked at the front desk of the Science Library. I was also pre-med and played on the volleyball team.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile the spring of my junior year. I did a pre-medical program where I learned medical Spanish, shadowed in a hospital, and volunteered at a day care.
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
My favorite place in Oberlin in Ginkos. Playing with the kittens was always a great study break.
Favorite Class
My favorite class at Oberlin was Quantum Mechanics. I enjoyed learning about the ways in which quantum mechanics corrected classical mechanical models which allowed for many important discoveries.
Athletics
Volleyball
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Seeing Lizzo in concert!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I am studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school.
I came here to write and write I did; I completed two books, wrote a bunch of poetry, one-act plays, and short stories, totaling around two million words of creative writing. Not too shabby!
Study Abroad
Nope--was too busy writing!
Favorite Place
The night sky; I fell in love with it on walks through Oberlin's streets.
Favorite Class
"Drama Survey" with Carol Tufts; got me into "Waiting for Godot," my favorite work of writing ever.
Clubs & Organizations
Community of Writers
Plum Creek Review
Notable Quote
"I can decide what I give, but it's not up to me what I get given." - Bjk, "It's Not Up to You"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
When Joy Karega got fired (as she should have); when the UAW workers got fired (as they shouldn't have)
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Writing, politics, figuring out where the last four years went--the usual!
Daniel Firebanks came into Oberlin thinking he would do multiple majors, clubs, and most importantly, transfer. He is leaving Oberlin with infinite gratitude to the place that introduced him to unforgettably spectacular people, who reminded him of the importance of embracing the unexpected and doing the scary things before getting scared.
Study Abroad
Spring 2019: Budapest, Hungary
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
CIT help desk consultant ;)
Favorite Place
Bike path/slow train - best peaceful/productive balance
Favorite Class
Problems of Philosophy, taught by Owen King. That man knew how to keep a classroom focused, both through his enviable skills in leading discussions, and his indescribable physique.
Clubs & Organizations
Classical Guitar Studio
International Student Organization
Notable Quote
"In the past, nothing is irretrievably lost, but rather, on the contrary, everything is irrevocably stored and treasured." - Viktor E. Frankl
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Any late night conversation that involved a good disagreement and a bit of wine
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Spreading artificial intelligence to fields where it will make the most impact in the world
I majored in Economics and minored in Sociology. I was also a captain of the Men's basketball team. I always loved going to slow train and the Feve with friends.
Study Abroad
I didn't study abroad.
Campus Jobs
Employee of Athletics Department
Favorite Place
Feve: Countless memories with the staff and friends there.
Favorite Class
Environmental Sociology because I take a great interest in the environment and how we can become more sustainable as a society. This class stood out to me because there were great discussions, documentaries and a lot of new ideas that I learned.
Athletics
Men's Basketball
Notable Quote
Go Yeo
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning playoff game senior year with the men's basketball team
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Pursue basketball overseas while getting my masters.
I am an economics major and philosophy minor from Grand Forks, North Dakota. During my four years at Oberlin, I've been a member (and later a captain) of the multi-time conference-winning women's track team, a PAL, a student worker for OCTET, where I fixed blackboard when I could, but never a member of the volleyball team.
Study Abroad
Ireland, Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
OCTET
Favorite Place
The astronomy lounge in the science center. Great vibe for late nights during finals.
Favorite Class
Latinas/os in Comparative Perspective w/Gina Perez. It had really well selected readings, great discussion, and Gina is a fantastic professor.
Max Finkelpearl is a High Honors Politics major from Washington, DC with minors in East Asian Studies and History. His interests include urban politics, urban planning, and transportation. Max explored Oberlins architectural history, digging up blueprints in the archives on the long-abandoned Crane swimming pool for the Oberlin Review. When not pestering his friends to sneak into the campuss basements and roofs, Max could be found availing himself of all the amazing concerts Oberlin had to offer from the Cat and the Sco to his friends recitals. Max worked as an Analyst in Prof. Eve Sandbergs Oberlin Research Group political consulting program. He worked for the Office of Admissions as a student interviewer and campus tour guide, logging countless miles walking backwards. He was also a member of the Student Union Board and Student Senates Capital Projects and Campus Infrastructure Committee. Last summer, Max interned in DC for Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico.
Study Abroad
Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Analyst
Oberlin Research Group; Tour Guide and Admissions Interviewer
I'm Cal Filson from Williamstown, MA. In my time at Oberlin I played lacrosse and worked for the Sports Information Department. I enjoyed going to the Sco with my friends and hosting parties at our off campus house on 295 Main Street.
Study Abroad
N/A but I did visit Israel on birthright and took a trip to Spain during my time at Oberlin.
Campus Jobs
Student assistant in the sports information office
Favorite Place
The Sco. When this place pops off on any given Wednesday night it feel likes the best club in the world.
Favorite Class
Modern Drama II: From Brecht to Pinter. I loved the small group we had and Carol Tufts facilitated the class better than anyone I've had at Oberlin.
Athletics
Men's Lacrosse
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My time playing lacrosse on Bailey Field with my teammates.
Keyi Feng 20 grew up in Beijing, China and graduated from Oberlin College as a biology major in Fall 2019. She conducted research first in the Moore Lab, and then in the Roles Lab. Her result poster from the Moore Lab was presented at the Botany conference and also at Oberlin. Experiences in both labs make up a big part of her college life. With interests in teaching, Keyi was a teaching assistant for BIOL 200 for three semesters and taught a K-Pop dance exco for two years. She not only loves covering K-Pop choreographies, she was also a part of Choreo for some time, an urban dance group on campus. Furthermore, Keyi was an active member of Pyle, one of the student-run co-ops, served as a membership coordinator and also other positions. During her free time at Oberlin, she enjoyed spending time with friends and professors, dancing, watching variety shows, and learning about new plants.
Study Abroad
No, I didn't (except going to Oberlin is already studying abroad for me)
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Tutor
Grader
Favorite Place
Science Center, where I spent most of my time in Oberlin
Favorite Class
Plant Systematics, because it's my favorite topic in biology and it's a great class
Clubs & Organizations
Choreo
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Notable Quote
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." -Oprah Winfrey, 2012 Lifeclass
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Strolling in Oberlin in the summer and enjoying the breeze
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I am going to start pursuing a PhD degree at the University of Michigan, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, in Fall 2020.
I came into Oberlin a very different person than I am today. The last four years have not only been the most fun and exciting of my life, but have also shaped the way I think. I have certainly had my ups and downs here, but all of my growth has been positive. I have made some fantastic friends, and have been challenged by professors who profoundly care about my growth. Oberlin allowed me to explore my interests and even allowed me to pick up the major I am most passionate about as a rising junior. I will forever treasure the memories of journeying to a jazz parties crammed and smoky grinning as I became immersed in the raw musical passion of a con band. I will never forget the feeling of waking up early, the smell of spring in the air, as the club soccer team assembled and rallied to play Denison or Kenyon. These go along with countless other memories that embody my Oberlin experience.
Campus Jobs
CS Lab Assistant
CS Lab Grader
Student Filmmaker
Favorite Place
North Fields, I will always look back on the afternoons spent playing soccer with the club team over my four years at Oberlin.
Favorite Class
CS 280, Algorithms. The class taught me to think in a completely new way, and gave me the tools to practically solve so many problems, even those outside of Computer Science and Math.
Athletics
Coed Soccer
Fencing
Clubs & Organizations
Film Co-op
Good Talk
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Swimming in the arb on Orientation week. I fell in love with the vibe of Oberlin from the beginning.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be working as a Software Engineer at Amazon following graduation. I would like be using tech to do cool things, and create a positive impact in the future to come.
I'm a first generation low income Posse 10 scholar. An Environmental Studies major, Russian eastern studies minor, and field hockey player- one that loves her friends a lot!
Study Abroad
Yes, Rio de Janeiro!
Campus Jobs
Office of Advancement
Favorite Place
Bailey field :) I met my best friends there
Favorite Class
Any class with Janet Fiskio.
Athletics
Field Hockey
Clubs & Organizations
Model UN
Posse Scholar
The Oberlin Review
Notable Quote
"Con querer no shace nada. Con trabajo honesto se hace todo" (Maria and Jose Escalera)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Leaving a union party to swim in the OC pool with pals the last week before quarantine
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Planning to attend UIC's Nursing program 2021. Until then, I will be working.
I studied cello performance at Oberlin with Amir Eldan. Oberlin has been so much more than just a school to me. I'll never forget the walks through Tappan, Co Op meals, late night Feve hangs, shows at the Cat, and reading chamber music with friends. I'd like to thank my teachers, my studio, and my best friends Riley and Elizabeth for the best college years I could have asked for.
I've been pinching myself ever since I was admitted to Oberlin. It has been 4 very challenging and equally rewarding years. I remember in commencement, President Krislov told us to soak in every moment. My life was in the con, and I soaked it in. I have never been so stressed and yet so happy. I will remember the hum of Robertson, bumping into friends in the library, and the poised stillness before the music began.
Favorite Place
The Arb
Favorite Class
Aural Skills 1 with Prof. Hartt. I met my dearest friend there.
Notable Quote
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Moving to Australia to continue my journey as a singer.
My name is Shangru Du, I come from Shandong, China. My major is Piano Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. I studied piano with Prof. Matti Raekallio and Prof. Stanislav Ioudenitch, both of them are very influential to me, and I learned a great deal from these two remarkable teachers. The last four years at Oberlin have shaped me into a better person and pianist, there were many unique opportunities and challenges which keep me growing. In addition, I am grateful that I met so many kindhearted and supportive friends and teachers here at Oberlin, everyone is extremely friendly and makes Oberlin feel like home. It is absolutely my honor to be a part of this wonderful and diverse community!
Study Abroad
N/A
Favorite Place
Tappan Square, I like to walk in it and enjoy the nature.
Favorite Class
Piano, teachers are extremely knowledgeable, I can always learn a lot from them.
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
Notable Quote
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. - Lao Tzu
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable moment is when I was giving a piano recital at Warner Concert Hall.
In my freshman and sophomore year I was a hurdler and sprinter on the Women's Track and Field Team. Through physics I had the opportunity to perform research on gravitational waves with LIGO and pulsars in Puerto Rico. During my senior year I attended The University of Otago in New Zealand where I studied sociology and physics, and practiced mountaineering skills on hikes. During my time at Oberlin I enjoyed teaching philosophy to elementary school students as well as learning the techniques of rock climbing.
Study Abroad
The University of Otago in New Zealand during the Fall of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Quantitative Skills Drop-in Tutor
Physics Grader.
Favorite Place
The community wood chip trail because it is a beautiful place to watch sunrises and sunsets while being surrounded by nature.
Favorite Class
Sociology of the African American Community with Clovis White allowed me to merge my critical thinking skills with my interest in social issues; it also sparked my curiosity for public policy.
Athletics
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
Black Scientists Guild
Experimental College
Swing&Blues
Notable Quote
Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray. -Rumi
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning the first NCAC Indoor Track and Field Championships with The Women's Track and Field Team in 2017.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Work in the field of public policy or public health.
Monica Dix is graduating with degrees in Geology and Politics, and proudly hails from Shorewood, WI. Upon graduation, her interests lie in working to create more resilient communities by improving watershed management in the Midwest, especially in the context of natural disasters and climate change. She has worked with Professor Amanda Schmidt in the Geology Department to research topics across geomorphology and geohazards in the Midwestern US, Cuba, and New Zealand, and presented at conferences in English and Spanish both nationally and internationally. Monica is honored to be part of the Truman Scholar, Cole Scholar, and STRONG Scholar communities on campus and treasures having spent her final year welcoming in new Obies as a PAL and Senior Admissions Fellow. The highlight of her senior year was managing a 10-person geomorphology lab with four finnicky but lovable detectors, and continuing to build a strong community in the Geology department. For fun she loves to bake, throw murder mystery parties, and host a climate conversation radio show every with Sunrise Oberlin. While Monica will miss the supportive interdisciplinary community at Oberlin, she looks forward to spending the next year working on earth science issues at a federal level.
Study Abroad
Christchurch, New Zealand in Spring 2019 with Frontiers Abroad
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
Admissions Student Staff
SOAR Leader
Favorite Place
Carnegie Building 4th floor - it has truly become a second home for me at Oberlin
Favorite Class
Action in the Anthropocene with Chase Hobbes Morgan - it showed me that truly interdisciplinary classroom environments are the best places to learn, and taught me the value of my perspective.
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Friendship Circle
Model UN
Oberlin College Democrats
STRONG Scholar
The Synapse
Notable Quote
"You'll never know everything about anything, especially something you love" - Julia Child
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Sleeping in the parking lot of the Lorain County Board of Elections to early vote in Fall 2016 with the most inadequate camping supplies.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Planning on spending a year or two working on earth science issues in federal level, and then pursuing a graduate school education related to the intersection of Geomorphology and Geohazards.
Oberlin made me a better person by giving me the opportunity to learn from and interact with some of the brightest and most passionate people I have ever met in my life. I had the same best friends all four years and guarantee they will be in my life forever!
Study Abroad
I spent my third and final winter term in London.
Campus Jobs
Oberlin's sports information department
Favorite Place
The Feve! No explanation needed!
Favorite Class
Cultures of Basketball! I got the chance to combine my passion for sports with my education as an English major.
Athletics
Softball
Clubs & Organizations
The Oberlin Review
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Commencement 2019. A part of my heart graduated with that class, and that entire week was so much fun.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm currently a media relations intern with USA Baseball. This fall I plan on pursuing a master's degree.
Coming from a Chicago suburb, I didnt know what to expect from going to a school in the middle of nowhere in Ohio. I came to learn that Oberlin is a very special place that has taught me so much about myself and has allowed me to grow into the person and artist I am today. My time at Oberlin hasnt always been easy, but that is one of the many reasons that I am grateful to have had this experience because it has pushed me to be a strong-willed singer. At Oberlin, I have had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful musicians and making lifelong friendships. I have also had the opportunities to grow in my performance abilities by singing in the Oberlin Opera Theater productions of Le Nozze di Figaro, The Medium, Les Dialogues des Carmites, and Cosfan tutte, as well as singing for the well renowned singer Marilyn Horne. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful memories that I got to make at Oberlin Conservatory.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Warner Concert Hall because it was always fun to sing in there when no one else was using the space
Favorite Class
Movement for singers because I got to learn about the importance of mindfulness while having a ton of fun with my friends
Notable Quote
"Youll be fine but if you do fail, remind yourself that you are the reason." -Seyquan Mack to Gabriela Linares in her dorm junior year when she kept asking us if shell be able to learn her German Diction piece at the last minute.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Singing Va, pensiero in the very last studio of undergrad with all of the other seniors in the voice department.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be pursuing my Masters degree in voice under the tutelage of Jane Randolph at San Francisco Conservatory
A long time ago in an Oberlin far far away, I majored in physics and visual art with a minor in religion. I was a proud head cook at Harkness and Keep, and was quick to opt for two butter knives when the forks ran out. I competed on the women's track and feild and cross country teams all four years.
Study Abroad
Siena, Tuscany Spring of 2019
Favorite Place
The Physics Lounge
Favorite Class
Senior Studio! I am so grateful for the amazing art community I found in that class!
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Sock-wrestling with friends in an empty Hales Gym after my junior studio show
Sabrina is a Comparative American Studies major with a double minor in Africana Studies and Rhetoric & Composition with a concentration in Histories and Practices of Social Change. She most enjoyed her job at the local high school, where she helped English students with their writing.
Study Abroad
No, but I took a semester off and worked as an assistant manager at Dunkin' Donuts.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
My favorite place on campus is the WOBC station because of all the fun I had hosting my shows there :)
Favorite Class
Katrina and the Black Freedom Struggle in Louisiana. This was the last class I got to take with Ms. B, whose courses transformed the way I think and write about American history.
Athletics
Women & Trans' Rugby
Clubs & Organizations
Bike Coop
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I'll never forget when I got to see Danny Glover during Kuumba Week.
I studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the spring semester of my third year. It was incredible.
Campus Jobs
Media Associate for the Office of Study Away
Favorite Place
Anywhere/everywhere in Oberlin when the sun was out.
Favorite Class
Contemporary World Auteurs with Josh Sperling was my favorite class at Oberlin. I was introduced to so many great international films that deepened my perspective on filmmaking and its greater impact on the world.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Arts & Sciences Orchestra
Notable Quote
"Thought is deeper Than all speech Feeling deeper then all thought Souls to souls can Never teach What unto themselves Was taught." - Poem on the wall inside the Allen
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable and best moments at Oberlin were when Paige Davies was on campus.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm driving cross-country to live in L.A. with my best friend from home.
I am an Economics major on the Oberlin Men's Lacrosse team. I worked for the America Reads program both as a tutor at the elementary school and an administrative aide. I also worked for the Office of Environment and Sustainability as one of their Conservation Finance intern. As the Conservation Finance intern I worked on analyzing utility and cost data to help make the college more environmentally and financially stable.
Campus Jobs
OES staff
America Reads tutor
Favorite Place
Science Center. I did my work there with my friends every week night. I will miss some of those nights the most.
Favorite Class
Urban Economics was a great class because we got to look at real world application that we see everyday.
Athletics
Men's Lacrosse
Clubs & Organizations
Finance and Investment Club
Notable Quote
My mind is going a mile an hour.-Micheal Scott
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Doing white elephant with the lacrosse team every year on the weekend before first semester finals.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will being working as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
I am an English major with minors in Hispanic Studies and Rhetoric & Composition. During my time at Oberlin, I have been a captain of the swim team, worked as a writing and speaking associate, had a radio show on WOBC, and have been a student blogger. My favorite memories on campus have been going to all of the amazing events here and just spending time with wonderful friends and teammates.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile in the fall of 2018.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Student Blogger
Favorite Place
The WOBC studio because it is always so full of great energy and people no matter what time of day/night it is
Favorite Class
Literature and the Scientific Revolution with Professor Wendy Hyman because I learned so much about the ability of art and literature to shape the world.
Athletics
Swimming & Diving
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Stamps Scholar
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Art rental!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm sticking around Oberlin next year to work with the Rhetoric Department as the Writing Associates Program Fellow.
Xin Cui born in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang province in China and grew up in Beijing. She started to play the piano since 4 years old and began to be taught professionally on piano since she was 10 in the Central Conservatory of Music Attached Primary School in China. Then, she was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music Attached Middle School in 2010 and studied with Prof. Zhiwei Zhang, Qifang Li and Jingzhuang Yao. In 2016, she started her study at Oberlin Conservatory and studied with Prof. Peter Takacs. She also had rich ensemble experiences in Oberlin Conservatory, such as piano duo, and Contemporary Music Ensemble and Sinfonietta for two years. Besides, she is invited to participate in many music festivals, such as Salt Lake City Music Festival, New York Summer Music Festival, Gijon International Piano Festival, The 10th Beijing International Music Festival & Academy, and Bowdoin International Music Festival. She also became a volunteer of the 12th Beijing International Music Festival & Academy to translate all of Mr. Peter Takacss private lessons and master class in National Centre for the Performing Arts of China.
Study Abroad
None.
Favorite Place
Tappan Square is definitely my favorite space at Oberlin because of my love to swing.
Favorite Class
I have two favorite classes. The first one is Prof. Takacs's private lesson and I got a lot improvements during the four years study at Oberlin. Another one is Prof. Alegant's MUTH class. He is a terrific and responsible professor and always try his best to find the most suitable way to instruct students.
Notable Quote
Stephen Covey mentioned the 90/10 Principle in his book ?The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?? Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The most memorable Oberlin moment is the time I studied with my friends together for different classes.
I'm a math and cs person who loves basketball, tango, and yoga. Oberlin is my home. I met so many people here who touched my soul with their love, kindness, and passion. I hope I can give back the love I received at Oberlin to people around me and whomever I will meet in the future. ??????
Study Abroad
Yes. I studied abroad in the spring of my junior year in Budapest, Hungary.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
OWLS
QS Tutor
Grader
Favorite Place
The Apollo Theatre. Watching Marvel movies the first night they came out with my friends and the Marvel fans at Oberlin has always been a wonderful experience.
Favorite Class
CSCI 385: Economics and Computation. This course provided me a different perspective to examine social systems in which strategic human beings interact. It helped me solidify what I want to pursue in graduate school.
Notable Quote
"The chief task in life is simple this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own ... " - Epictetus, Discourses, 2.5.4-5
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The night before fall break in my sophomore year, I sat with my friend by the Memorial Arch on Tappan. We talked and stargazed until 5am in the morning. The sky was clear, and there were so many shooting stars. I rested my head on her shoulder, and she leaned against me.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending Northwestern University in the fall to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science.
I loved my time at Oberlin. The people around me really made it special. On the academic side, the religion and EAS departments really nurtured my interests and helped me travel to Taiwan- twice! Extra-curriculars were great too, from playing club rugby and soccer to working in student orgs like Project Unbound and Oberlin Animal Rights. And of course, my friends were there for me when I needed them, and I'll never forget that. Plus all the late night duels in French house.
Study Abroad
Taiwan, spring 2019
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
Mudd for the grind
Favorite Class
Religion capstone because of the class community.
Athletics
Coed Soccer
Men's Rugby
Clubs & Organizations
Animal Rights
Experimental College
Notable Quote
"The sage nourishes the root. When the root is established, the Way is born" - Confucius, The Analects
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Impossible to pin down among the many loving moments with friends.
Though Im a December 2019 grad, Im still a member of the class of 2020 at heart. At Oberlin my time was shared between being the captain of the Dressage Team, being a co-chair of the Student Honor Committee, and doing research in the Biology and Chemistry department. In Professor Parsons lab, I studied a class of enzymes - serine hydrolases - that are implicated in diseases like Type II diabetes and Parkinsons disease. In Professor Garvins lab I surveyed the prevalence of Lyme disease in northeast Ohio ticks. Additionally, on campus I enjoyed cooking and eating meals in Pyle, was also a longtime member of Club Sports Council, and worked as a writing, course writing, and speaking associate. If I wasnt studying in the science library or riding horses, I could probably be found at The Local enjoying a soy latte and listening to a podcast on 2x speed or biking or running on the bike trail.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Writing Associate
OWL
Favorite Place
Pyle is my favorite space on campus since it is guaranteed to be full of friends (and tasty things!). After joining Pyle, the days of wondering who to eat with were long gone because every meal felt like a family dinner.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was RHET 207, Literary Journalism, with Prof. Hal Sundt. We each reported on one story and I chose to report on the Equine Herpes Virus outbreak affecting the equestrian teams competition schedule that semester. I loved combining my passions for science and creative non-fiction and also being on the front lines of journalism. This fall I had the opportunity to re-experience the class by being the writing associate!
Athletics
Dressage
Equestrian
Clubs & Organizations
Club Sports Council
Student Honor Committee
Notable Quote
"Don't let school get in the way of your education" - Professor Mary Garvin (Biology Dept, Oberlin College)
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Fall semester freshman year is tough for everyone and it wasnt until my first equestrian competition that I felt that I had a family on campus. When I returned from a weekend in West Virginia, my abs hurt from laughing and my face from smiling. It wasnt about the number of wins, but about how the upperclassmen on the team included and nurtured me, the only freshman on the trip. I learned that weekend that Oberlin students are more than I thought they were.
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
Since graduating in December, I have been working at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as a research assistant in a cancer biology lab. I plan on pursuing a PhD in the biological sciences in the future.
"I feel emotional right now. This is crazy, this is life-changing. I have all the faith in the world that this can work for me and I know it's going to" - Peter Weber, The Bachelor
Hi! I'm Charlotte (prefer to go by Charley) Costantino, and I am a philosophy major at Oberlin. To get right to the point, I've had some very difficult moments at Oberlin, but I've learned to make the most of them. From handling 6-7 shifts with 26 credits to taking an overload of credits while working at Stevenson some semesters, I've managed to meet the most positive, bright, sensitive, and heartfelt people at Oberlin. These people have truly changed my life, and I mean that in the most honest sense. The coursework and classes I've taken have pushed my thinking skills to be more creative, open-looking, and abstract, where I would make connections and comparisons to fields unthinkable before I set foot at Oberlin. The most meaningful experiences I've had here have been my connections with conservatory students and extensive conversations with them at the dinner table, which has also pushed my thinking skills in more abstract directions. I've made the most of my time here, despite difficult patches in my life.
Study Abroad
No I did not.
Favorite Place
Azariah's/Mudd Library, because of the wide-open spaces that yield a sense of alleviation and also the tasty coffe and waffle/pancake ceilings.
Favorite Class
My favorite class I took was Marxian theory, because I learned about the false consciousness of the consumer.
Clubs & Organizations
Modern Music Guild
Notable Quote
"Still I Rise"- Maya Angelou, 1978
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Listening sessions in Studio 3 in the TIMARA basement :).
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Writing a book on Aesthetics in David Lynch's Twin Peaks. Also I want to start a blog on new music, and bringing awareness to new music venues.
I have a Neuroscience major with a Religion minor, and I've been on the pre-medical track. In my four years at Oberlin, I've spent most of my time working at the Peer Support Center and facilitating Peer Helping Skills courses. These opportunities have taught me so much about myself, connecting with others, and what I want to do in the world, which I will take with me in the future. I've worked as a Desker at the now-deceased Wilder Information Desk, as a Bookkeeper for the 'Sco, I've contributed art to many issues of The Synapse, and I've spent some of the best times building community in Pyle Co-op.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Peer Listener
Student Union staff
Favorite Class
Medical Anthropology. In my last fall at Oberlin, this course really hit on all of my interests and integrated everything I'd been learning throughout my time at Oberlin. It helped to bring meaning and direction to my Oberlin career as well as my plans for the future.
Clubs & Organizations
The Synapse
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Students United for Nepal
Peer Support Center
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Lizzo.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
After a few gap years, I plan on entering medical school or otherwise entering the medical field.
Helena Colindres is a double degree student pursuing a BA in Comparative American Studies with a concentration in Identity and Diversity as well as a BM in Classical Vocal Performance. They have had the opportunity to perform all over campus for various events, showcasing their voice and other talents while bring together the two worlds that they straddle as a double degree student. They hope to use their platform as an opera singer to bring about change to the art form so that it is more inclusive of different world views and social expectations as well as making the performances accessible to people of all backgrounds. Some highlights of their time at Oberlin include taking part in the Marilyn Horne master classes twice, performing the role of Despina in the Spring '20 production of Cosi fan tutte, stepping with Umoja at the dance showcase, attending Oberlin in Italy, and performing spirituals all over campus throughout their time at Oberlin. They were one of the founding members of the Oberlin Spiritual Ensemble and secretary for the Latinx Music Union. They will be attending Johns Hopkin's Peabody Conservatory in Fall of '20, pursuing their masters in voice.
Study Abroad
Only Oberlin in Italy in the summer after my first year.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Resident Assistant
Libraries Student Staff
Student Shuttle Driver
TA for English Diction
Voice Teacher
Favorite Place
I love Finney Chapel. It is such an amazing place to sing in and it is such a beautiful building. I have so many wonderful memories there from the Marilyn Horne masterclasses to the finals of the concerto competition, and the countless concerts that I participated in and had the pleasure of attending as an audience member. There was never a dull moment at Finney.
Favorite Class
My voice studio with Professor Manz was my favorite class because of the fact that I got to perform for my peers in a safe space as well as see my peers' growth through the years.
Clubs & Organizations
Black Musicians' Guild
La Alianza Latinx
Latinx Music Union
Umoja
Notable Quote
"I live for these applause" -Lady Gaga in her song "Applause" in 2013
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable Oberlin moment was when all of the seniors came to Professor Champagne's last studio class and sang "va pensiero" from Nabucco after we found out that we would not be returning to Oberlin anymore.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My MM in voice and taking auditions for young artist programs. I might be moving to Germany in the coming years to start my career abroad.
I came to Oberlin in the fall of 2016 from Cairo, Egypt. Originally, I intended to major in english, but switched to psychology before my second year. Throughout my time at Oberlin, I lived in Kahn, Noah, East, and Union St. housing, and never once ate in a co-op (rip dascomb 4th meal). My favorite things about Oberlin were dollar marg night at Lupitas and danimal fries from the feve!
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The feve! I spent so much time there and some of my very favorite nights were spent hanging out upstairs with close friends. (Honorable mention: the pong table in 118 Union C)
Favorite Class
Advanced Methods in Community Based Social Marketing-- I loved working on a project that will result in lower thermostat set-points across campus
Clubs & Organizations
Musical Theatre Association
Oberlin Bystander Intervention
Notable Quote
Howdy doody! -Residents of 118 Union C, 2019-20
Memorable Oberlin Moment
One drunken halloween night, I danced in a music video (I've never seen) with a person in a t-rex costume. Seconds later an S&S officer came by (only to ask "did you guys see that t-rex???")
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Work for a while to save up money for grad school.
Hi! I am passionate about language justice, food justice, environmental justice and soup.
I was lucky enough to be part of OSCA for my 3 years I spent here.
In 2016, I moved into my dorm in South Hall and distinctly thought, "There is literally no way that this place will ever feel like home to me." I remembered this while moving out of my dorm in 2020 (still in South), and thought "wow sike sike sike sike sike."
Favorite Place
South room 134, because of all the love that it held
Favorite Class
Grayson Earle's Simulation Art class, because Grayson Earle was sent by the tech gods to make STEM accessible
Clubs & Organizations
Climbing Wall
Experimental College
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Pitch Please
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'll be here for the next year - catch me in Slow Train, talking about ye olden days of 2016 that only the ancients remember.
Hi, my name is Samantha (Sammy) Clanton. I'm a Classical Civilizations major with a minor in English (and unofficially Latin but I didn't declare). Throughout my four years at Oberlin, I was not only a dedicated student but a member of the OCWSOC varsity team.
Study Abroad
No, and I don't regret staying on campus either because I got to spend the time bonding with my fantastic roommate, Jackie Brant.
Favorite Place
The Science Center, specifically the atrium -- during my freshman year I lived in Barrows, and so when I need a place to do work that wasn't in my room, the science atrium proved to be the place where I was most productive. Not only that, but the windows made the space feel so open and less suffocating than most places (Im calling out Mudd, sorry). Also one of the best things about it was that most of my teammates on the OCWSOC team were science-related majors, and could often be found in said atrium, so I hardly ever found myself doing work alone. You could always find someone you knew in the atrium. Once they graduated, however, I became the person who had always secured a table to work at in the atrium even though my major was in no way related to the sciences. I also received an Obie crush one year where someone referred to me as Science Center Sammy due to the amount of time I spent in the atrium (which was very, very, very, often) and I just want to thank that person for the best nickname I have ever received, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Favorite Class
The majority of my favorite classes come from the Classics department. I am completely biased in that regard considering that Classics is my major; however, I honestly believe this department has the best classes, and even better professors who teach these classes. I am really torn between Greek and Roman Mythology and Greek and Roman Drama. I have always loved mythology in general (Percy Jackson had a lot to do with that), and Professor Sancinito taught it so well. It was a class I looked forward to everyday, and could confidently say that if I had declared a concentration, it would most likely revolve around that. Greek and Roman Drama, on the other hand, was also just a super fun and interesting class. It was taught by one of my favorite professorsProfessor Trinactywho teaches the course in a way that truly makes it enjoyable, even if you arent remotely interested in classics. These two classes were definitely easy As for me, not only because I loved the material being taught, but the professors are what made learning it that much sweeter.
Athletics
Women's Soccer
Notable Quote
Safety third, after fun and excitement OCWSOC team
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Every moment spent with the OCWSOC team were my favorite moments especially with The Gorls (iykyk).
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I'm looking into getting my Masters degree, but I'm not in any rush with that. I plan to help out my mom for the time being with her ceramics business.
I majored in Anthropology and Religion and minored in Rhetoric & Composition. The things I am most proud of doing in my time at Oberlin include: Musical Union Choir, Bowling class, writing a research paper on how Harriet Beecher Stowe probably talked to ghosts, being an Anthropology Major Rep 2018-2019, doing Art Rental every year and running the list in Fall 2018, getting two Chagalls at Art Rental, studying community resilience in Chiapas, Mexico in January 2019, and working with the public as well as the writing center and reference staff as an employee at Terrell Library.
Study Abroad
Chiapas, Mexico, Ancient Roots to Sustainable Futures, Winter Term 2019
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Writing Associate
Libraries Student Staff
Favorite Place
Second floor of Mudd- I love to study and/or nap in the quiet, colorful couch maze.
Favorite Class
Media Ethnography with Lyndsey Beutin, I learned so much by experimenting with multimedia presentations of data.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Margaret Atwood, "The Handmaids Tale", 1985
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Running art rental and renting a Chagall in 2018.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Pursue excellence in the culinary field in Columbus, OH.
what i learned at oberlin: 1) never trust the administration 2) asian american is a political identity 3) lead with relationships, not urgency 4) social capital ruins everything 5) friends are the greatest teachers 6) you have to soak beans first 7) meetings should be prepared in advance 8) no structure doesnt equal no hierarchy 9) good politics doesnt mean good person 10) organizing is long term 11) friends mean more than anything 12) biking on flat ground is glorious 13 ) dancing = survival 14) music is better loud 15) you cannot write a 20 page paper in 2 days 16) you cant beat an ohio summer sunset love to: Students for Energy Justice, Third World Co-op, Asian American Alliance, CAS, Professor Perez, Matt and Pea-Jae, UAW, OBA, the arb, AAR, and all my sweet powerful and loving friends whove taught me everything i know lastly: power to unionized and non unionized workers fighting for their livelihoods against an administration that has never cared.
Study Abroad
Taipei, Taiwan, June 2018-January 2019
Campus Jobs
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
SEJ
Clubs & Organizations
Asian American Alliance
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Students for Energy Justice
Oberlin Beyond Austerity
Notable Quote
"For the earth to live, capitalism must die." -Nick Estes
Memorable Oberlin Moment
that one day in the arb in the summer of '17
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
continuing to fight union busting at oberlin college + mutual aid organizing
Many of my favorite moments from Oberlin came from being a part of such amazing communities on campus. Ive made some of my closest friends through my acapella group, Nothing But Treble, the CLEAR community as an OWL, the semesters I spent dining in Pyle coop, and the labs I worked in in the (Bio)Chemistry department. Im so grateful for all of the opportunities, friends, and mentors Ive had at Oberlin, and while I will miss them all, Im confident that I will take what Ive learned from each of them to wherever I go moving forward.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
OWLS Leader
Favorite Place
One of my favorite places in Oberlin was the Parsons lab located on the third floor of the science center. It was a spot that was somewhat secluded from the rest of campus, but it served as a sort of unspoken meeting place for some of my closest friends who also worked in the lab.
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
Nothing But Treble
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I will never forget this time when I was studying in Mudd 3rd floor with one of my best friends, and we decided to take a dance break. We were dancing on the cushioned chairs in Mudd, but not knowing the cushions were not attached to the chairs, I silently fell in slow motion with Tempo by Lizzo playing softly in the background.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Im excited to be serving as a corps member of City Year Cleveland next year!
As an up and coming Oberlin alumnae, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of my closest friends, learning from many wonderful professors, and of course, attending Splitchers. If I wasn't writing (or napping) in Mudd or running on the bike path, I was out practicing Quidditch with the Oberlin Obliviators or playing clarinet with the lovely members of the OCMB.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in Valparao, Chile in Spring 2019.
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Museum Attendant and Communications Assistant at The Allen Memorial Art Museum
Grade Level Coordinator with Spanish in the Elementary Schools
Favorite Place
My favorite Oberlin space is the Language Lab in Peters - it has beautiful light, comfy couches, and is a peaceful place to do homework.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Profesor Ana Mar's Saints, Sinners, and Cursed Women seminar. I learned about fascinating women and our class always had engaging discussions.
Athletics
Quidditch
Clubs & Organizations
Club Sports Council
Marching Band
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
Oberlin Young Educators
Spanish in The Elementary Schools
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My most memorable moment was when I meet Haley Gee during Orientation Week freshman year. Haley sat down next to me when I was eating alone in Stevie, and we quickly became friends and proceeded to eat almost all our meals together for the rest of semester. We later became housemates during out 3rd and 4th years!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I hope to teach English abroad for several years and later attend graduate school to pursue a career in education.
I like to learn (or at least tell myself that). Oberlin was hard. A lot of studying but also fun. During my time at Oberlin, I was busy trying to have a social life while studying enough. Ill remember my time at the Fencing Club, meeting great people and making great memories fencing at fencing tournaments. I was a bit anxious throughout the college, worrying about grades and the graduation plans. Still, in the end, I treasure the memories of those unproductive and unplanned late midnight chats with friends at Mudd or dorms rather than the exam materials.
Campus Jobs
Philips Gym Staff
Favorite Place
Mudd. Lot of actual studying was done there, but also the fun "studying" and chatting moments.
Favorite Class
Chinese 101-102. The class wasn't related to my majors or minors. Very caring teachers, and I felt relieved to learn something I want instead of completing a major.
Athletics
Fencing
Notable Quote
"The more you suffer, the stronger you get." I said it randomly when someone was complaining about his work. I wasn't thinking as much while saying that quote, but it wraps up my experience at Oberlin. I would rather suffer earlier so that I can make use of that experience and improve in the future. One more: when someone reminds me of other upcoming due-dates while I'm working on a homework or a project, I would say "Ok. One hell at a time."
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Studying with friends. Those all-nighter moments when we couldn't stop laughing because we were drunk on lack of sleep.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Work at an insurance firm located in Houston while studying to finish all my actuarial exams (probably have 7 more exams to go as of this writing).
Hello ! I use she/her/her and I majored in English with a minor in Environmental Studies. I worked at multiple different places on campus for the Student Union Wilder Desk (rip!), the Sco, and the Cat. I was involved in multiple theatre productions, including a play that I wrote. I also worked as a Course Writing Associate, edited and wrote for Wilder Voice, played clarinet in pit orchestras, and made my own music. Oberlin is a special place and I'm so grateful for my time there.
Study Abroad
Wellington, NZ, Spring Semester 2019
Campus Jobs
Writing Associate
Student Union staff
Favorite Place
The Cat <3 Also Peters! Good energy & fond memories :')
Clubs & Organizations
Cat in the Cream
Multi-
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Wilder Voice Magazine
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
"These are just words existing in space" - someone from my Creative Writing class whose name I don't remember
Abby captained the Women & Trans Ultimate Team for four of my five years on it. She also performed in various operas and musicals, such as Cabaret, The Medium, and A Bernstein Revue.
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
Libraries Student Staff
Secondary Voice Teacher
Ensemble Manager
Math Grader
Favorite Place
North Fields because that's where I practiced with my team (Preying Manti)
Favorite Class
Analysis & Performance with Brian Alegant. He taught me how to be my own artist.
Athletics
Women & Trans' Ultimate Frisbee
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Attending Bard Conservatory for graduate school (M.M. in Vocal Performance)
I was already quite interested in studying (and confused by) politics before coming to Oberlin, which I did and had a really great experience from it, with the help of so many wonderful people. I declared the other major, economics, in my second year, for more "practical" reasons; I also enjoyed learning it with equally incredible people. Unfortunately, after four years at Oberlin, one of the "Oberlin things" I actually learned well is keeping being idealistic. So, here I am, learned a bit about myself as well as the world yet still (probably even more) confused just about everything, with two majors and lots of ideas but no particularly strong prospects for a job. I am more than ready for the COVID world! To be serious, the four-year experience at Oberlin was unparalleled; it indeed empowered and will keep empowering me when facing the unpredictable in the future.
Study Abroad
Yes. Oxford, the UK, in the spring of 2019.
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
Student Assistant at the International Student Resource Center (ISRC)
and International Admission Intern at the College Admission Office
Favorite Place
Finney Chapel. Always has great music for joy, relaxation, and sometimes eurekas.
Athletics
Table Tennis
Club Tennis
Clubs & Organizations
Chinese Students Association
International Student Organization
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Notable Quote
"Being a good time manager is a capitalist invention." ----Prof. Marc Blecher, during one of our FYSP 094 classes, who later became my incredible politics advisor and who taught me a lot but that.
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Too many. The most recent one was sliding down the snowy hill near the tennis courts, an experience never possible in my hometown.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Finding a job related to my majors, preferably having something to do with my politics thesis.
My name is Dulce, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am a Chicana from Chicago. I am a Posse Scholar that majored in Anthropology and spent most of my time at Oberlin dancing and caffeinating. As a FLI student, this college experience was a real struggle, but I am grateful to leave with wonderful bonds that came out from participating in various orgs, working at the Multicultural Resource Center, and learning from amazing professors and peers.
Campus Jobs
Program Associate at the MRC & Student Assistant at Donor Relations
Favorite Class
HISP 417 Saints, Sinners & Cursed Women with Prof. Ana Diaz Burgos
Clubs & Organizations
And What!?
La Alianza Latinx
Movimiento
Obies for Undocumented Inclusion
Posse Scholar
Notable Quote
"I WENT TO COLLEGE" - Plankton
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Being DJ Candy Beatz at the 'Sco and house parties.
Johan (he/him) is a Hispanic Studies and Economics major from Minneapolis, Minnesota. On campus you can find him studying by the fireplace in Peters Hall, cooking pizza at Pyle Inn Co-op or biking around wearing a warm Norwegian sweater. He enjoyed teaching local Kindergarteners at Eastwood Elementary through the SITES (Spanish in the Elementary Schools) program and hosted a roundtable radio show and podcast, about local and national news on WOBC. Interviews with David Sedaris, Robert Krulwich, Peggy Orenstein, Alex Blumberg, and President Ambar were journalistic highlights. A committed environmentalist, he served as sustainability liaison for Student Senate and was a proud member of the Green Edge Fund Board. He studied abroad in Cuba during Fall semester 2018 and in Amsterdam as a 2019 Humanity In Action Fellow. Many thanks to the wonderful friends, professors, and staff at Oberlin who made four years so special!
Campus Jobs
Green Edge Fund Board Member
Spanish in the Elementary Schools (SITES)
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Young Educators
Student Senate
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
Being generous of spirit is a wonderful way to live - Pete Seeger
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
This coming year I will be working at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota as a legal assistant supporting the cases of immigrant detainees and asylum seekers.
I had the chance to study the intersections of psychology and the environment at Oberlin, which sort of happened naturally, but it really helped me find my vocational calling! I worked at the Philadelphia Zoo as a Sustainability Intern and afterwards decided to dive into the environmental sector. I was able to turn my interests into research at Oberlin, and then an Honors Thesis about the psychological impact of thinking about apocalypse. I'm thankful for the great mentors I found at Oberlin and the dorky friends I'll keep up with forever. I lived in a house called the Shack, caught a turtle and was lucky enough to have writing published with the help of great professors.
Study Abroad
I studied abroad in England to take classes at Oxford
Favorite Place
Crow's nest on the athletic fields
Favorite Class
Environmental Psychology
Notable Quote
beep boop
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Fellowship in MA exploring the impact of environmental storytelling
My name is Nathan! My four years at Oberlin have been truly wonderful and I deeply appreciate all the people I've been able to meet along the way. I did so many things at Oberlin that I never thought I would do, and have loved this ability to step outside of my comfort zone. I'm excited t stay in Oberlin as a staff member post grad and to see what the future holds!
Study Abroad
Oberlin-in-London program, Spring 2018
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Research Assistant
Resident Assistant
Writing Associate
Favorite Place
Definitely the Review office in Burton basement, with the AJLC atrium and Decafe tied for a close second!
Favorite Class
ENVS 230: Environmental Justice and Community Knowledge with Professor Jay Fiskio. Jay is such an incredible mentor and role model — both academically and personally — and this course introduced me both to her and to the community of Africatown, where I would travel seven times over the course of three years.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin College Democrats
Oberlin Student Theater Association
The Oberlin Review
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Staying in Oberlin to work as the Director of PAL and SOAR!
My dorm. Cuz I can sleep here. Its hard to find a place to sleep once I step into the society.
Favorite Class
My favorite class is history departments Senior Honors. The reasons are a lot. Mainly because I spent a year and finished writing a really long research paper. Also because my professor from that class are awesome.
Andr(Dre) Campbell was a four-year starter on the Oberlin Mens Basketball Team and 1,000+ point scorer that majored in Anthropology. During his time at Oberlin, when he was not in the gym, he ventured off to the Studio Art depart where he would work on his paintings, enjoy time with other artists, and complete his minor. You could always find Andrenjoying a local coffee at Slow Train or burger at the Feve with fellow basketball teammates. One of Andr proudest memories is having his art displayed at the Feve his senior year. Andralways took pride in making sure to say hi to everybody he passed on campus. To this day he will never let go not finding an albino squirrel!
Study Abroad
No
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
The Feve. The Feve was the restaurant where my teammates and I would go win or lose! The staff took us in as one of their own. We enjoyed the food, but most importantly the company. We always left the Feve with a full stomach and smile. I will always remember that place and look forward to when I can go back!
Favorite Class
During my freshman year, I took Astronomy with professor Dan Steinberg and I can not think of a more passionate man talking about the universe. His passion for teaching astronomy made me excited to come to class every day. I can not forget the time he showed us a videotape of him with his family watching a solar eclipse! What a great man and class.
Athletics
Men's Basketball
Clubs & Organizations
Heisman Club
Notable Quote
Don't get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. - Bruce Lee
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Senior year is a great year as you are able to live in village housing. I was able to live with four of my best college buddies and make funny videos with them. Those memories are all archived online. On a nice sunny day, the four of us would go out on the porch and enjoy the nice view and talk. It was therapeutic and made us even closer. 45 North Cedar till the day I die!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I plan on playing basketball overseas and enter the entertainment industry. Few years down the line achieving a masters in business administration.
I spent my third winter term studying climate change in Chiapas, Mexico.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Lifeguard
Favorite Place
My favorite place in Oberlin will always be my first off-campus apartment. I created many unforgettable meals in that kitchen!
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Samba with Alysia Ramos. I took the class during my first year with my best friend. Performing in the Big Parade together was an awesome experience and memory I will always cherish.
Athletics
Women's Basketball
Notable Quote
"Courage is the most important of all the virtues. Because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." -Maya Angelou
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
My immediate plan is to take the next few years working in my field before applying to graduate school.
I am an artist and storyteller with specific interests in the visual arts, screenwriting, filmmaking and directing. I spent most of my time at Oberlin working on different projects with Black students and professors on campus. Some of those projects include stage plays, creating an original radio show that I co-hosted with Jaris Owens called Fly in the Buttermilk, and two OCRF research projects: one which focused on Afrofuturism and the other which focused on colorblind casting in classical theater.
Campus Jobs
Communications Intern at the Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue
Favorite Place
Warner Studio 3 - where I got my start in Oberlin Capoeira Angola and became a capoeirista. It will always be a sacred and special place for me!
Favorite Class
Something From Something (Prof. Johnny Coleman) and Blues Aesthetic (Prof. Johnny Coleman)! I found my own voice and style as an artist in these two courses.
Clubs & Organizations
ABUSUA
Capoeira Angola
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Completing my first Capoeira intensive and learning how to play the berimbau, OUR research symposiums, The Bluest Eye opening and closing shows, and shooting the Nice 4 What video with Oberlin alum Kiela Nelson!
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Join the art community in Cleveland, start working in theater, and maybe even go to art/film school!
Throughout these four years she has appeared in many of Oberlin's opera productions including Cendrillion, A Salute to Leonard Bernstein, Dialogues of the Carmelites and also appearing as Hermia in a Midsummer Night's Dream. She also tutored at the Elementary school through the America Read's Program. Also teaching voice lessons to students on her free time.
Campus Jobs
America Reads tutor
Favorite Place
Tappan Square bench
Favorite Class
Theory IV with Arnie Cox because he made it interesting and accessible to all of his students.
Clubs & Organizations
Christian Fellowship
Notable Quote
"I'm disappointed, but not surprised."- Aviana Burkepile, most days
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Freshman year sitting in my Barrows room watching a movie with my new friends who would be my friends for the rest of undergrad.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Pursuing a Master's degree at the Shepherd School of music of Rice University
Highly skeptical upon arrival, deeply nostalgic upon departure...I guess I learned to like it here.
Study Abroad
Berlin, fall 2018. Where I learned how to get into the club, and how to love espresso
Campus Jobs
Curatorial Assistant at the Allen
Favorite Place
Slow Train (on those days when it feels like the bar in a sitcom), sco ramp (liminal space where anything is possible), bench on the southeast side of Wilder Bowl (best place to watch everyone go by)
Favorite Class
Nonfiction with Lynn Powell (where I learned to write), Puppet ExCo (where I learned to play), Death and the Art of Dying (where I learned to brood)
Clubs & Organizations
Bike Coop
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
The Oberlin Grape
WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio
Notable Quote
"Burn-out, Ohio. It wasn't me this time, letting you go." -Liz Phair
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Singing in the cover band showcase as The Flaming Nips, that time Frankie Cosmos played a surprise house show on a weekday night early freshman year, the time our floor broke when "I Follow Rivers" came on, Jonathan Richman, playing dress up
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Frolic around Oberlin for a while, move (back) to Chicago, live in an apartment with friends, get published, start my dollhouse project.
I will always be appreciative of the memories, great friends, and experiences I made throughout my time at Oberlin. Ill dearly miss getting to ball with the intramural basketball squads, going for runs throughout town, and sharing time over a beer at the Feve or a marg at Lupitas. I want to give a special thanks to the Professors in the Africana Studies and Economics Departments for going above and beyond in providing an excellent education and facilitating my growth as a student. The friendships Ive made here will last long after graduation. As our time at Oberlin ends and I am forever grateful for the support system of friends, professors, and Oberlin community members that have surrounded me for the past four years. Thanks to my parents, grandparents, and siblings. I could not have done all of this without your constant love and support.
Campus Jobs
Research Assistant
Office of the President Student Assistant
Favorite Place
I love Talcott for its long history and beauty. I'll always have memories of waking up with sun peeking through the windows and having a great view of King and Tappan.
Favorite Class
The Africana Studies junior seminar with Meredith Gadsby stands out in my mind because of the freedom it gave us as students to pursure an extended self guided research project.
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My favorite memories of this place will probably be the small moments shared with my closest friends. Sharing a beer, going for 'walks', kicking back.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be joining BlocPower, a New York City based tech company focused on growing sustainability and cleaner energy systems to American cities' aging infrastructure, as a Financial Analyst.
I majored in physics and minored in Jewish studies. I taught an exco on lace making. I built sets in the theater department. One of my favorite parts of Oberlin was being in Kosher Halal Co-op. I also loved playing d&d and going to concerts.
Favorite Place
The arb - very peaceful on weekend mornings, once I made some good prolonged eye contact with a deer
Favorite Class
Jewish Mysticism - Sam Shonkoff was a wonderful professor. We read super interesting texts and the class was really special
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Summer internship in physical oceanography at UNC Wilmington (remotely)
I have Religion and GSFS majors, with minors in CAST and Theater. At Oberlin, I sang with Nothing But Treble, ate in OSCA, and have worked with the Annual Fund, America Reads, Oberlin Community Services, and the Peer Support Center. It has been a pleasure learning with many communities and I look forward to fostering those relationships beyond Oberlin.
Study Abroad
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Fall 2018
Campus Jobs
Peer Listener
Annual Fund Student Supervisor
Oberlin Community Services Intern
America Reads tutor
Favorite Place
Dascomb dining hall, cause, you know, nostalgia
Favorite Class
Religion, Gender and Sexuality in India with Professor Bachrach because the professor was phenomenal and it brought together my interests from both my majors.
Clubs & Organizations
Bonner Scholar
Nothing But Treble
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Peer Support Center
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be working in healthcare for the next 6 months and then traveling to Bulgaria for a Fulbright fellowship.
Chapter 1: This is Terrifying and Id Like to Go Back Home, Please. Chapter 2: This is Still Terrifying But My Freshman Seminar is Kinda Rad. Chapter 3: My Freshman Seminar Instructor Liked My EssayMaybe Im Good at History Writing?! Chapter 4: I Declare a History Major. Chapter 5: I Join a Sketch Comedy Troupe. Chapter 6: I Abandon Sketch Comedy to Pursue Rugby (Go Preying Mantii!!). Chapter 7: I Immediately Abandon Rugby Because it Has Become Clear That I am Not Built for Speed or Feats of Strength. Chapter 8: Resurrecting the Mental Health Alliance. Chapter 9: Wait a Second, I Think I May Be Really Into Documentaries? Chapter 10: Producing a Podcast for StudiOCs Historical Justice Class. Chapter 11: I Apply for Documentary Production Class in the Fall. Chapter 12: Application Accepted! Im Going to Be Making a Documentary! Chapter 14: Everything Hurts and I Am Tired: The Making of a Documentary (Cat Fancy, Oberlin Production Workshop). Chapter 15: Podcast Receives the Friends of the Oberlin College Libraries Excellence in Research AwardWhat An Unexpected Honor! Chapter 15: Launching an Alternative History Journal: The Birth of On Second Thought. Chapter 16: My Distribution Requirements are Done or: How to I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Liberal Arts. Chapter 17: Pandemic Hits. Chapter 18: Zoom University. Chapter 19: Do I Still Have to Make a LinkedIn Even Though It's the End Times? Chapter 20: Zoom Graduation (Hey, At Least I Can Technically Say Obama Was My Graduation Speaker!)
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Favorite Place
Wilder porch on a sunny spring day. It feels great to soak up the rays after a long winter. Its also really fun to see Obies come out of hibernation!
Favorite Class
Beginning Voice with Dr. Stidham, because it taught me that self-consciousness isnt lethal, and that pushing past it is worth it. (Also, singing is just really fun!)
Athletics
Oberlin Arts & Sciences Orchestra
Clubs & Organizations
Mental Health Alliance
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Notable Quote
If every pork chop were perfect, we wouldn't have hot dogs! Greg Universe, Steven Universe S1 E2, "Laser Light Cannon"
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Seeing frickin LIZZO perform at Solarity (my friend Nia caught the bouquet!), doing the Maypole dance in Tappan at dawn after pulling a finals week all-nighter, shaking my stuff to the B-52s cover band at the cover band showcase, and late night conversations with friends.
Attending Oberlin was one of my best decisions, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me. It allowed me to pursue numerous academic interests, continue playing the sport I love, pursue my love of journalism with the Oberlin Review, and conduct my own research on a topic of great importance to me. Thank you to my family, OC Soccer and Oberlin Review support systems, Philosophy department, and everyone else who has helped me along the way these past four years.
Study Abroad
NA
Campus Jobs
Philosophy Tutor
Favorite Place
137 Elm Street, apartment 1B or The Oberlin Review office
Favorite Class
Latin 202! It blended my love of philosophy and classics. Also, the small class environment was great, and it's hard to not be enthusiastic when Profession Trinacty is teaching!
Athletics
Women's Soccer
Clubs & Organizations
Experimental College
Obility
The Oberlin Review
Philosophy Majors Committee
Notable Quote
Quodque initium novum alio initio finito eventi. -- Seneca
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Hearing the final whistle on Shultz Field after my last soccer game ever
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
I will be working for Lawyers Without Borders as a Legal Aid
Wilder Main, I was fortunate enough to direct four shows that were performed in this space.
Favorite Class
Capoeira Angola with Justin Emeka
Clubs & Organizations
Burlesque
Capoeira Angola
Musical Theatre Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Swing&Blues
ViBE Dance Company
Notable Quote
"Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog" Matilda, by Roald Dahl
Memorable Oberlin Moment
The entirety of Winter Term 2020. I directed my very last college show, Gruesome Playground Injuries. It was a truly magical time of friends and theater.
I applied to Oberlin without ever having visited and wanted to dislike it based on how far away from my family it was. But the second I set foot on campus, I realized I loved it. Oberlin became like home to me and I found a family there. I came to Oberlin thinking I was going to be a Premed Biology major. On a whim, I decided to take Introduction to Cultural Anthropology my first semester. By my second semester, I had declared my Anthropology major and pretty much thrown out the plans for medical school (although I kept the Biology Major plans). Studying abroad in London second semester junior year was amazing. I got to go on Archaeological digs and worked at a museum in England for winter term. I met amazing scholars and touched 2,000 year old preserved wood, all because of Oberlin. This past year I also became one of the Biology Majors Committee Co-Chairs which was a wonderful way to interact with other Biology Majors and the Oberlin community. I grew so much at Oberlin, I hardly even recognize the person I was before I started college.
Study Abroad
Oberlin In London Program in Spring 2019
Campus Jobs
Peer Advising Leader
Chemistry Stockroom Assistant
Note-Taker
Admission's Overnight Host
Favorite Place
The Science Center, as a Biology major, I have spent a lot of time there and it became a kind of second (or third) home.
Favorite Class
Intro to Archaeology, this was the class that helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life.
Clubs & Organizations
Archaeology Society
Scifi Theme Hall
Oberlin Biology Majors Committee
ONESC (Oberlin Near East Study Collection) Initiative
Memorable Oberlin Moment
My first day on campus, visiting for the first time after having gotten in. It was pouring rain and there were people outside playing in the rain with no shoes on. It was a very Oberlin moment and one that helped me to decide that Oberlin was the place for me.
Grace Bohlsen hails from Indiana and transferred to Oberlin from NYU at the start of her second year. Eating in Fairkid, living in EARRTH House, and working as a PRSM Trainer stand out as the highlights of Graces time at OC. She will miss Outing Club trips and OSTA productions, too. After finishing classes in December, Grace interned at a farm on Maui for their final semester. She completed a B.A. in English and looks forward to continuing her education after a few years spent living and working in Chicago.
Study Abroad
I spent my first January term in Florence, Italy and my second in Puerto Rico!
Campus Jobs
PRSM Trainer
Favorite Place
North Quad on a clear night. It has a swing and a bunch of grass.
Favorite Class
My last semester, I took Intro to Shakespeare. Professor Hyman is such a stellar human and educator and being able to come at that content informed by the rest of my Oberlin education made for a unique experience that I learned a lot from.
Clubs & Organizations
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Oberlin Student Theater Association
Outings Club
Pottery Co-op
Memorable Oberlin Moment
I took a fall break backpacking trip with OCOC my first semester. It was so awesome to go on an adventure with my new classmates. It was also my first time backpacking, which is now one of my major hobbies.
Graduation Date
12/21/2019
Future Plans
I moved to Chicago with my partner and am hunting for a full time job and working on the board of Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center.
Hi, Im Grace Blinkoff. Im graduating from Oberlin with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in English. I know Im biased, but Oberlin has truly been the perfect fit for me. In simplest terms, this campus is an explosion of intelligence and creativity. Oberlin offers an incredibly well-rounded educational and college experience that leaves you feeling more confident, more competent (in a wide variety of fields), and most importantly, more complete. As an Obie, Ive been able to cultivate several different aspects of myselfmy love for running, writing, composing, dancing, performing, and so on. Im so grateful to have been able to take all sorts of wacky, diverse courses like The Psychology of Creativity, the Anthropology of Music, and Music and Embodied Cognition, as well as several classes in the conservatory. As a result, I feel much rounder and better equipped to apply my multifaceted self in the post-college world. I obviously wish I had more time here to become even rounder, but overall, I am more than happy with my Oberlin experience.
Study Abroad
Yes, this past summer in Stockholm, Sweden. I studied Affective Neuroscience and Lifespan Psychology.
Campus Jobs
CDS student staff
Research Assistant
Favorite Place
Honestly, fourth floor of Mudd (sad and deathly quiet, but plenty of natural sunlight).
Favorite Class
Literature and the Scientific Revolution--taught by the brilliant Professor Wendy Hyman. Taking this course was the best of both worlds for me (science and literature!).
Athletics
Cross Country
Track & Field
Tumbling
Clubs & Organizations
Choreo
Gender Inclusivity in Music
Girls in Motion
Oberlin College & Community Wind Ensemble
Oberlin Partner Acrobatics
OCircus!
Partner Acrobatics Club
Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra
Memorable Oberlin Moment
Winning cross country and track & field conference champs over and over again.
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
City Year in Manchester, NH...grad school after that likely for clinical counseling (what for and where remain unclear for now).