Oberlin vs. Occidental for Theater (acting)

rosenstockm
Sun, 16 Apr 2023 20:17:53 +0000

My son is an admitted student at Oberlin (not committed yet). Last week my husband and I participated in a virtual Oberlin event for parents of admitted students, and the topic of the political situation was discussed. The panel - one current student, one professor, and three other staff members - talked about some of the benefits of being in part of the country with a wide variety of political views, and the student talked about how that has made her more effective in her advocacy work. She's learned how to listen to and approach people with very different beliefs from her own. The faculty also described a collaborative and collegial relationship with the city of Oberlin. Residents do things at the college, and students participate in the community. In spring the community and the college join together to have a "silly parade" (their words) to welcome the season.
        This sounds defensive, now that I read my own words, but it didn't come off that way in the moment. The panelists were all open, thoughtful, warm, and enthusiastic. The professor has been there 25 years, and he kept dropping anecdotes about students, calling them "amazing" and "incredible". His love for teaching was obvious. I have deep reservations about my son living in certain states right now, but I also want him to be at a school staffed by deeply-engaged, nurturing, passionate professionals who will bring out the best in him. I do feel like Oberlin is that kind of place.