Opinion Columns
Isabella Simonetti | I was lonely at the ‘Social Ivy.’ My readers gave me purpose.
My column, my editor, and the friendships I made along the way, were my lifelines. They kept me here.
Spencer Swanson | What modern politicians can learn from the late President Bush
It sometimes seems as though the more reserved Bush is overshadowed by the larger-than-life personalities of the men who preceded and followed him: Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.
Julia Mitchell | Penn students are fascinating creatures — listen to their stories
You would think that it would be easy to just listen to each other. Yet, we’ve built up so many impulses to pivot away and check out when the subject gets intense or hits a nerve. Especially when it’s as easy as glancing down at our phones.
Lilian Zhang | STEM is sweeping through Penn, but the humanities deserve a chance too
Don't let the soaring number of STEM majors dissuade you from pursuing art history or philosophy.
Rebecca Alifimoff | Trying to focus on finals while Paris riots outside my window
This weekend I slunk around the city avoiding protests that I could only half understand
Sophia DuRose | Should I censor my social media to appease admissions officers and employers?
We’ve all heard the stories — someone gets accepted to the college of their dreams or to the perfect job, and then their position is revoked on the basis of a Facebook photo of them holding a Red Solo cup.
Christy Qiu | to all my 'convenience friends': thank u, next
Boiled down, the elementary characteristic of a friend is a person who cares about you. I had ignored this basic trait with my convenience friend.
Kaliyah Dorsey | At Penn, it’s not cool to love — but it should be
I’ve experienced the stress, even in my first semester, of thinking about majors in terms of potential income first and passion second.
Lilian Zhang | I’m tired of justifying why I don’t live in the Quad
I was immediately disappointed when placed into Gregory, a college dorm no one knew the location of — a place that received no frat party fliers under the doors.
Sophia DuRose | I couldn't afford to go home for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and I think all Penn students, regardless of financial background, would be grateful for a few more days of break.
Joel Lee | Don’t let your scary childhood piano teacher hold you back from pursuing music in college
I used to dread my piano lessons. Now, music helps alleviate my anxiety when school gets stressful and exercise my creativity.
Lucy Hu | U.S. democracy is stronger than you think
We live in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the world’s oldest democracy.
Michael A. Keshmiri | Nancy Pelosi is the right person to be Speaker of the House
After some internet research, I discovered Pelosi’s unforgivable crime: She has served her country honorably through government service for too many years.
Sophia DuRose | The Kelly Writers House isn’t a cult
Whether an Econ major, a friend of a Penn student, a traveling poet, or a visiting family member, please feel free to stop by and pour yourself a cup of coffee, of which we always have brewed.
Isabella Simonetti | Pay up, Penn: Student tour guides deserve compensation
Prospective students from underrepresented backgrounds deserve tour guides who they can relate to.
Jay Shah | Rediscovering my heritage inside a lecture hall
I started to fully appreciate the other part of my identity beyond boxes on the demographic section on an application.
Michael A. Keshmiri | Politicians have gotten too comfortable with racially coded attacks
We cannot let political leanings stifle our innate sense of decency.
Christy Qiu | Sleep should be a priority from your first night at Penn
It’s like a competition: whoever sleeps the least wins. Functioning with little to no sleep is like a badge of honor, a display of invincibility.
Kaliyah Dorsey | My truth may not be yours, but I still deserve to share it
It is your right, and this is what Laymon teaches me, to own your life.