Opinion Columns
Tyler Larkworthy | Your four years at Penn don't have to be the best of your life
So, instead of trying to make the most out of Penn, just try to make it through. That is an accomplishment in itself.
James Morrison | Pay the Penn band
Because of the band’s integral role in publicity initiatives undertaken by the University and its highly visible presence on campus, the University should divert more funds to support the band’s efforts, and perhaps even pay its members for their services.
Zuri Robinson | Low-income minorities deserve their spots at Penn
On Decision Day, my teacher made a point of looking directly at me, decked proudly in my Penn hoodie, as he told us why he considered affirmative action to be reverse discrimination. The message was clear: my spot in Penn’s Class of 2022 had been given, not earned.
Sophia DuRose | Frontera should be replaced with a 24-hour diner
One thing college campuses tend to lack is comfort; they are chasms full to the brim with diverse people, backgrounds, and stories, but they don’t always radiate the feelings of warmth and support that people need.
Catherine Qiao | Benjamin Franklin isn't the best role model for us to follow
There is certainly merit in our pursuit of a higher education and a better life — both spiritually and financially. But there are also costs to consider.
Joel Lee | You know someone who needs help, so reach out to them
The point is practical: Everyone knows someone who is in need of help. Rather than waiting for someone else to step up to it, act upon it yourself.
Sophia DuRose | Penn students need to be more politically engaged
We can do more. And we should.
Lucy Hu | Cheating is as unfair as admissions bribery
Putting yourself ahead — whether through bribing coaches, doctoring resumes, or using unethical means to get extra time on exam — is destructive.
Hadriana Lowenkron | The admissions scandal shows us the importance of affirmative action
While Penn is undoubtedly patting itself on the back for not getting wrapped up in the current college admissions scandal, it still has a long way to go to ensure that its affirmative action policy benefits its students.
Sophia DuRose | Facetune isn't always a bad thing
The insecurity I feel about my body is mine, meaning learning to be comfortable with my appearance is an internal journey. And yes, it is immensely discouraging to be bombarded with images of models who seem so picture-perfect.
Christy Qiu | College admissions will never be perfect, but we need reform
The college admissions process might always have broken aspects, but one doable reform is to make time for fact-checking.
Ana West | Christians at Penn have a responsibility to stand by the LGBTQ community
When I came to Penn, I saw explicitly inclusive congregations and met accepting faith leaders for the first time, and it made me genuinely optimistic for the future of the Christian church. But there is a massive amount of progress that needs to be made — and recently, some of that progress has been reversed.
The college admissions process is under nationwide scrutiny. We want your take.
We are looking for guest columns that make compelling arguments from the Penn community to gauge a variety of different perspectives.
Michael A. Keshmiri | Stop asking female candidates to smile
Women candidates are already fighting this uphill battle in ways that male candidates are not.
Ton Nguyen | Don't be ignorant of others' cultures on your next spring break trip
Traveling can have a lot of benefits and encourage people to immerse themselves in exciting settings and engage with vibrant cultures. But there is a difference between being appreciative of cultures and being ignorant of the harmful effects of your presence.
Hadriana Lowenkron | Students of color need to give back to the Philadelphia community
Penn needs more students of color to join not only the Tutoring Project, but any type of community service that focuses on helping Philadelphia’s children and other indigent residents.
Ana West | Loneliness at Penn is rampant, and it’s time to stop hiding it
Admitting that we feel alone can be scary, but we absolutely have to.
Sophia DuRose | Recognize the dangers of unprescribed adderall
The abuse of this drug by students who simply want to cram for their upcoming midterm or pump out a paper at four in the morning is what I take issue with.
Urooba Abid | Why I'm grateful for Wharton's presence on campus
Wharton is consistently ranked one of the best business schools in the world. Attending a school like Penn gives us an unparalleled opportunity to learn from elite business professionals, in the shape of both peers and faculty.