Opinion Columns
Sara Merican | Speaking a different English
Did people understand what I was saying? Were they too nice to say if they didn’t? Do they mind how I sound?
Carlos Arias Vivas | Penn should follow Harvard and Yale’s lead and offer ‘startup grants’ for FGLI freshmen
These startup grants are beneficial because they help FGLI students offset some costs such as purchasing a new laptop, buying winter clothing, and travel expenses.
Amy Chan | A significant life might look smaller than imagined
“Well, of course I am going to live a significant life,” we all tell ourselves. The only uncertainty is how we are going to do it.
Jennifer Lee | The costs of Penn’s pervasive ‘going out’ culture can add up
Being involved in various communities is an essential part of college life, but frequent social events can rack up tremendous bills.
Dylan Reim | Despite the skepticism, there’s hope for Fling
The negativity around Fling that has been on parade leading up to this week is palpable. Just because you don’t like the headliner doesn’t mean Fling is ruined.
Rebecca Alifimoff | Fling is a time for unity — don't forget your tank
I understand that Fling tanks are silly and seasonally inappropriate. But on an emotional level, I think they’re wonderful.
Jessica Li | How to deal with college as an introvert
It’s difficult to navigate this kind of lifestyle when you aren’t naturally a chatty, extroverted person, always ready to take on the day and deal with the people in your life with excitement and gusto.
Locust Talk with Lucy Hu (Episode 2) — Legacy Admissions
Columnist Lucy Hu takes to Locust Walk to get students' opinions on legacy admissions in the second installment of her video series, "Locust Talk."
Lucy Hu | America: Leading the world in holistic admissions
Some argue that the main crux of university is to take classes and earn a degree, and therefore, academic excellence is key to success. But, the purpose of university is to provide an education, and the purpose of education extends far beyond classroom learning.
Mateen Tabatabaei | Reconciling free speech with uncomfortable opinions
It’s easy to stand for a principle like the right to free speech when the speech in question poses no threat to oneself.
Dylan Reim | Greeks have a right to their own narrative
The sheer number of articles I’ve read against aspects of Greek life is surprising in itself, but even more surprising is how few of those writers actually experienced what they claimed to understand.
Jay Shah | The search for the perfect job can erase the traits that make us special
When did we forget to think about what we like to study and stand our ground? When did we forget to think for ourselves?
Guest Statement by Samara Wyant and Max Grove | Mental health, cost, campus, community: Samara and Max for UA
We are running for Undergraduate Assembly President and Vice President because we have the talent, vision, and perspective to represent and lead the student body.
Amy Chan | Dear baby Quakers, enjoy your acceptance to the fullest
I want to tell them not to give themselves so easily to others because they’ll disappoint you in the end. I want to say, prepare yourselves for the storm.
Isabella Simonetti | Keep Penn out of my bedroom
Let’s demand more effective policy change from the administration — Penn can combat sexual assault without treating its students like minors.
Spencer Swanson | Trump’s golden reunion is not worth celebrating
The controversies surrounding Donald Trump as a shady businessman, uncouth politician, groping womanizer, and increasingly failed president should be motivation enough for the University to take a bold stand.
Sara Merican | Having faith at Penn
Christianity for me was not the end to the search for meaning, but rather, something that pointed me to where I should search.
Carlos Arias Vivas | What Penn’s drag performers taught me about self-exploration
The night at the drag show showed me a new level of confidence I know I can adapt in my daily life.
Rebecca Alifimoff | Why study abroad shouldn’t count in your GPA
Penn students should be trusted to make the most of their study abroad experiences, both academically and personally, without being limited by the narrow metric of the GPA.