Category Archives: Student Perspective

September 20, 2013 · 4:39 pm

One Heart, One Way

Author: Carolyn Grace, C’16

Hey there past and present Quakers!

Today, I officially assume my role as both a work-study student at Alumni Relations and a sophisticated writer in the blogsophere.  We’ll see how well that second job goes.

Needless to say, I am extremely excited to share with you all my sophomoric experiences as a sophomore here at Penn!  Whether it’s late-night study sessions in Van Pelt or early morning brunches at 1920 Commons, flinging toast at football games or jamming during a cappella rehearsals, I will try my best to capture the many facets of campus life that remind me why I chose this incredible institution.  So, here goes nothing!

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At 9:00 PM on Tuesday night,  a to-go box of pasta and green beans in hand, I made my way to room F95 of Huntsman Hall with another 120 girls or so.  It was time for the weekly chapter meeting of my sorority, Sigma Kappa!

Since I was given a bid to join last February, I have loved every minute of my time in SK.  The motto for the sorority is “One Heart, One Way,” a phrase that rings true to its members.  I had the amazing luck of getting into the same sorority as three of my other very close friends.  What was even more amazing was the number of close friends I made over the course of the semester.  Formals, philanthropy events, retreats, through it all I have met girls with interests and ideas that really intrigue me, regardless of whether or not they were similar to my own.

Bid Night 2013 - I am officially invited to join SK!

Bid Night 2013 – I am officially invited to join Sigma Kappa!

Wing Bowl - SK's Spring Philanthropy Event

Wing Bowl – SK’s Spring Philanthropy Event

Although the school year has only just begun, Sigma Kappa is already up and running with events!  Two weeks ago, the girls and I went on a boat cruise for our Sisterhood retreat.  All aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, we were treated to brunch, dancing, games, and a breathtaking view of our fair city.  For this week’s chapter, we started planning our fall philanthropy event, Quizzo.  Ranked last spring by 34th Street magazine as the best trivia event of the year, SK’s Quizzo is packed with fun facts and prizes!  The money we raise goes towards our national  Alzheimer’s Disease and Research Grant Program, one of the many charities we support.

S(K)ailing at our Sisterhood Retreat!

S(K)ailing at our Sisterhood Retreat!

Finally, today is the beginning of our annual Moms and Special Women’s Weekend!  We’re kicking off these next few days with a Meet the Moms dessert reception at City Tap House tonight at 8:00 PM.  Other activities will include dinner in Center City, brunch at the Sigma Kappa chapter house, and both the Memory Mile Walk and Penn’s Second Annual 5K for the IOA (Institute on Aging). This weekend looks pretty packed, and I can’t wait to spend it with my mom and my SKisters!

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September 19, 2013 · 11:35 am

My Second First-Year

Author: Rachel Stewart, C’16

My first day of college didn’t begin with a walk down Locust to Huntsman or a long trek to the labs in DRL. I didn’t have breakfast with my hallmates in Hill or use dining dollars to grab some sushi in Houston.

On my first day of college, I woke up on the eighth floor of a dorm building on 116th and Broadway in Manhattan. I crossed the street to take a class in Kent, had lunch in Hewitt, and then on to more classes in Altschul and Barnard Hall.

As a sophomore transfer, I have a different perspective on Penn than most first-years. I appreciate much of what most freshmen take for granted: that laundry is free, that I can get Insomnia Cookies delivered to my room, and that Starbucks accepts dining dollars. More importantly, I appreciate the sense of community and interaction in my hall, classes, and on campus in general. At my school last year, I could walk from one end of campus to the other without spotting a friendly face or someone who wasn’t engrossed in reading their e-mail. When I walk down Locust to class, I say hello to my friend on her way back to Hill for a nap, run into the President of the cooking club I just joined (and briefly ask her about our next meeting), give an awkward wave to one of my TA’s, and finally sneak into class where my friend is saving me a seat.

Penn is truly “the social Ivy,” and after about a month here I’ve an incredible array of people who are genuinely interested in discussing topics ranging from Obama’s next steps on the Syrian crisis to the best flavor at Capogiro. I’ve made Facebook friends, gained Twitter followers, added numerous numbers to my contact list, and managed to form a group of friends who I actually hang out with in real life. While it’s easy to complain with my friends and classmates about the high stress levels and competition at Penn, especially during midterm season, I try to take a step back and appreciate that I have people to complain with at all.

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View from my dorm room window last year.

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September 16, 2013 · 4:36 pm

Hellooooooo Penn!

Author: Edna Gonzalez, M.S.Ed ’14

This Las Vegan is officially a Quaker! I have a Penn email address, my new Penn t-shirt and my Penn card. I’m ready for this academic year! …Now if only I could remember to have my Penn card handy every time I have to swipe into a building.

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There are so many firsts on my Penn journey. New scenery, new people, new expectations! First time visiting Wawa, Kiwi, and walking down Locust walk! I was surprised by the friendliness of people. The campus was buzzing with students, parents, staff, and faculty walking around the campus. But there was a sense of laid back and openness.  I could see parents smiling proudly as they shopped with their sons and daughters. Others looked exhausted from pushing the move-in carts. But there was a pride and joy in the air. A new was about to commence.

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4(Have you ever seen these??? It’s my first time. But I love them! They’re super handy)

During my adventure to a Target and Ikea I took a slight detour to check out the famous rivalry between Geno’s and Pat’s steak places with my mother. You can see who won…
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But I’d like to think that I found a new winner.

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I’m all moved in and in full of swing of things now. But I’m still slowly discovering where things are; such as the Houston hall market and the fruit cart lady. Need I mention anymore? Its super convenient and delicious!

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I catch myself pondering how lucky I am to be in a program and course of study that I thoroughly enjoy. My cohort members are very different yet intelligent and capable peers who have a passion for higher education and will make an impact in the field. I can only imagine what the future holds for us. Wish me luck as I navigate my Master’s degree!

 

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September 10, 2013 · 10:44 am

A Hometown Adventure

Author: Jonathan Cousins, C’14

I spent this summer at home, in San Jose, CA. I was working part-time at a robotics company in Menlo Park and also volunteering part-time at Stanford University working in sports marketing.  Needless to say, I’m not really sure what I want to do with my life yet. But I’ll save that discussion for another post. Today, I want to tell the story of one specific weekend over the summer.

I got a text from Chris, one of my friends from the Red and Blue Crew at Penn, who said that he was going to be in San Francisco for the day and wanted to know if we could meet up. It sounded like fun, so I drove up to San Francisco and met both Chris and his friend. Now, the relationship between Chris and his friend is something that could only come from a place like Penn. Chris’ friend is from Australia, and they had met when they were both studying abroad in France, and now they were both vacationing together in San Francisco.  It was a cool opportunity to see how far Penn connections can really stretch.

What I thought was going to be an evening in the city turned into more as another friend Chris had planned to meet up with that night got stuck in the Madrid airport. Communication was few and far between, and eventually, I offered to have them stay in my guest room. The next day came, and without a definitive word from their friend, we needed something to do. We ended up at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, and had a blast walking around and going on rides. That evening, I took them back to San Francisco, where they planned to meet their friend who had finally made it to the U.S.

All in all, it was a really fun, unexpected weekend with friends who I never expected to see in San Francisco. Who knows how many of those experiences I can expect as I enter life as a Penn alumnus next year?

Santa_Cruz_Boardwalk_Pano

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August 29, 2013 · 2:44 pm

Nine Tips for New Students: Making the Most of Your Penn and Philly Experience

Author: Gabriela Coya, C’14

A week ago, I uttered the words “I’m a senior” for the first time and freaked out.

I don’t think I ever felt uncomfortable mentioning my sophomore or junior status, but something about saying the word “senior” felt overwhelming. The real world is officially looming in the background and I’m not sure what I’m going to do once I leave this place I’ve come to call home.

I can’t believe my time at Penn is almost up, but this campus has so much to offer, and before I graduate, I want to be sure I share a few pieces of advice I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way).

1. Explore the campus. There are so many hidden nooks and crannies in this place that it’s easy to limit your knowledge of campus to your dining halls, dorm, and classroom building. But explore! Places like the newly remodeled sixth floor of Van Pelt are gorgeous, and the Penn Museum has awesome exhibits and events for just about anyone; you don’t have to be an anthropology major to enjoy what they offer.

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2. If you live in a college house, attend the house-wide events. I’ve lived on campus the last three years and would only sporadically go to a college house event until last year. I really regret this, as they’re often free and always turn out to be fun. While living in Rodin College House last year, I  had the opportunity to go to New York City for dinner and a show, venture into Old City, and even learn how to cook authentic Chinese food. Attending house events is also a great way to meet the people you live with.

3. Get tickets for the performing arts shows. Despite being best known for its academics, Penn has a vibrant performing arts community — you might be surprised to find out how many talented people are among us. During your four years at Penn, you must go to at least one Mask & Wig show at their clubhouse in Center City, and during the school year, make sure you check out productions of famous plays and Broadway shows (last year, they put on Legally Blonde and Next to Normal and both shows were amazing!). And best of all, you don’t have to pay Broadway prices.

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4. Read the DP (Daily Pennsylvanian) and Under the Button. Both formats offer great ways to find out what’s happening on campus and in Philadelphia, so make sure you pick up your copy from one of the friendly people handing them out all over campus or go online between classes.

5. Take part in restaurant week. Between September 15-20 and 22-27, some of the top restaurants in Philly are offering three-course lunches at $20 and dinners at $35. It’s a great chance to appreciate all the great food Philly has to offer without having to pay the normal much higher price tag.

6. Give back and do community service. Look into possibly joining Community School Student Partnerships (CSSP), Big Brothers Big Sisters, or even a community service frat like Alpha Phi Omega (APO). I was a “Big Sister” to a young girl at a school a few blocks away, and it was so nice to be able to meet people outside of the “Penn Bubble” and make a difference.

7. Join a club to enjoy yourself and meet great people, not just to put something on your resume. It’s great if you find something that’s both entertaining and resume-worthy, but don’t fret if you want to sing in an a cappella group and are not sure how that fits into your pre-med plans. I assure you that by the time you graduate, you will have more than enough things to put on your resume.

8. Get Venmo. It’s a phone app that makes splitting the bill at dinnertime or sharing costs for furniture with your roommate so much easier.

9. And lastly, have fun. Take school seriously, of course, but take the opportunity to meet as many people as possible. You are surrounded by such bright and wonderful people – professors and peers included – so try to learn as much from them, whether it be in office hours or during late 2 a.m. conversations.

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August 2, 2013 · 9:52 am

Calling All Quakers!

Authors:  Zack Seigel, C’14, and Taryn Williams, C’14

As supervisors of the Red & Blue Call Center, we maintain a staff of about 80 Penn students who help grow the University’s culture of philanthropy – one phone call at a time. Throughout the year, we speak with alumni, friends, and students’ parents for both the undergraduate and graduate schools.  While the main objective of our calls is to raise funds for the schools, we also update contact information and make connections with alumni who often have great wisdom and stories to pass on to us as current students.

StuCall 1

Zack (right) celebrating winning caller of the month in October with fellow caller Charles!

The efforts made by the callers have definitely paid off throughout the years. We consistently surpass many of our goals and expectations thanks to generous alumni, parents and friends. We have been doing so well, in fact, that last year we raised over $2.5 million from over 14,000 donors. We reached this right before ending for the year, and everyone was excited. Obviously celebration was necessary, so we marked this milestone at the end of the year with this custom-made pretzel (thanks Penn)!

StuCall 2

While raising money for the school is the primary reason that many of us choose to work here, there are other reasons why we love this job. Every evening we play a game together – often Jeopardy or Family Feud – that motivates everyone in the center. Friendships are made during the downtime when nobody is answering the phones – and it’s always a bonus when Staci, our boss, bakes us cupcakes!

The Penn Fund visits to celebrate $1,000,000 raised!

The Penn Fund visits to celebrate $1,000,000 raised!

We celebrate all of our accomplishments here in the center and we often have visitors from the University come to show their appreciation.

When we surpassed 1 million dollars raised for undergraduate education, staff from The Penn Fund came to visit and presented us with a thank you plaque for our efforts. They also brought us these cool mugs to show their appreciation. By the end of the fiscal year, we had raised over 1.3 million dollars for undergraduate education through The Penn Fund.

We had a fantastic year and are expecting an even better year in 2014. Thanks for your support and don’t forget to say “hi” if we call you!

Taryn (left) with caller Michael thanking The Penn Fund for the AWESOME coffee mugs!

Taryn (left) with caller Michael thanking The Penn Fund for the AWESOME coffee mugs!

 

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July 12, 2013 · 9:25 am

Museum Hopping on Constitution Ave.

Author: Gabriela Coya, C’14

I can’t believe I’ve been in DC for six weeks already and only have four more weeks to go.

Since I last checked in, I’ve made it a bigger priority to visit museums, as there are so many within walking distance that are so amazing. (And even free!)

My first stop was the Newseum. This one did have an admission fee, but it was definitely worth every penny. It was a blast to go with fellow Daily Pennsylvanian staff members whom enjoyed the exhibits just as much — and perhaps even more — than I did.

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The Newseum is also home to the largest display of unaltered portions of the Berlin Wall.

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After visiting the Newseum, I also made sure to go to the Smithsonian Museums, such as the National Museum of Natural History. My friends and I got to relive our childhoods and hold critters like this big grasshopper and caterpillars.

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After being there for a few hours, we visited the National Museum of American History a few blocks away, where we saw Michelle Obama’s Alexander McQueen inauguration gown and Dorothy’s original ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”

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Coming up this month: possibly a Nats vs. Mets game with fellow Penn students in Washington!

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June 20, 2013 · 6:52 pm

Penn Summer in D.C.

Author: Gabriela Coya, C’13

For the summer, I’ve left the former capital of the U.S. to intern at the current capital – Washington, DC.

While I’ll always be partial to Philly, these past three weeks in DC have been a blast and I can’t wait to fully explore what this city has to offer.

So far, I’ve gotten to opportunity to meet fellow Penn students in DC through Penn in Washington and the Annenberg Summer Washington Internship Program (which I’m a part of), as well as alumni who’ve already made their mark at places such as The Washington Post and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Although I’m still figuring out where I want to end up after graduation, it’s certainly nice to know that I’ll have good company if I do end up calling DC my home.

For now, though, I’m focusing on learning lots, visiting tons of museums, and meeting Bo Obama (and people too, I suppose).

Union Station. I indulged a little and Instagrammed this.

Union Station. I indulged a little and Instagrammed this.

The White House on a hot summer day.

The White House on a hot summer day.

 

I was hoping Bo Obama might make an appearance. No luck yet, but I’ll keep you posted.

I was hoping Bo Obama might make an appearance. No luck yet, but I’ll keep you posted.

Penn-in-Washington meet and greet.

Penn-in-Washington meet and greet.

I also experienced a derecho while in Bethesda. This was the aftermath of the thunderstorm.

I also experienced a derecho while in Bethesda. This was the aftermath of the thunderstorm.

Stay tuned for more adventures in D.C. over the course of the summer…

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Filed under Gabriela C., Student Perspective, The Arts

May 24, 2013 · 12:17 pm

A Penn Wedding to Remember

Author: Gabriela Coya, C’14

When 2009 College graduate Susan Garrigle got engaged to Hugh Mallaney last year, they knew they didn’t want to tie the knot in the typical Philadelphia wedding venue.

Like all newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Mallaney wanted to create a night to remember, but they also wanted to offer their family and friends an experience worth traveling across the country for. And when Atiya German, director of Facility Rentals at the Penn Museum, shared the possibilities at the museum where I’m a work-study student, they immediately knew it was the perfect fit.

In addition to already holding some sentimental value (it was the setting of one of their first dates), the museum provided a dazzling reception area just a quick jaunt from Center City.

After their wedding ceremony at St. Agatha – St. James Church at 38th and Chestnut, the couple headed to the Penn Museum to celebrate. I recently caught up with the bride who told me about the new memories she formed at her alma mater.

The bride and groom arrive at the Penn Museum. Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

The bride and groom arrive at the Penn Museum. Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

The night started off with a cocktail reception in the Egypt (Sphinx) Gallery, where guests mingled in the presence of the third-largest sphinx in the world and explored a royal Egyptian palace.

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography.

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Dinner under the 90-foot dome in the Chinese Rotunda followed, with family and friends surrounded by ancient Chinese art including the world-renowned Crystal Ball.

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

The 55-pound quartz crystal sphere, dating back to the Qing dynasty, was part of the backdrop.

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Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Even walking around the reception venue was a bit of a history lesson for the youngest of guests.

The flower girl and her father take in the many artifacts. Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

The flower girl and her father take in the many artifacts. Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Afterward, the newlyweds danced the night away in the Egypt (Mummies) Gallery, amidst pharaohs and mummies of Egypt.

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Photo credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing details and pictures from your special day! It was a pleasure to learn more about how Penn’s beautiful campus can be utilized even beyond graduation.

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Filed under Gabriela C., Penn Museum, Student Perspective

May 16, 2013 · 6:09 pm

Memories of Penn

Author: Rebecca Eckart, GEd’ 13

Well, I can finally say it: I’m officially a proud Penn alumna!  I graduated from the Graduate School of Education this May, and as I packed up my apartment, I couldn’t help taking time out to browse through the hundreds of pictures I’ve taken of Penn this year.  As I’m sure all of you would agree, Penn’s campus is incredibly beautiful.  Inspired by Casey R.’s top ten posts, I’d like to share ten of my favorite places with you, in no particular order.

The Love Statue

Love statue

I can’t count the number of times I’ve posed next to this statue with classmates and friends.

Graduate Student Center

Grad Student Center

The Graduate Student Center (GSC) is my favorite place on campus to study or grab lunch.  Several of the friends I made outside of my cohort I met during the first few weeks of school at the GSC.

Locust Walk

Locust Walk

Locust Walk is beautiful all year round, but especially in the spring when all the trees come back to life and form a perfect arch for graduates as they process down to Franklin Field.  Walking through all the class flags with friends and classmates is definitely something I won’t forget anytime soon.

Graduate School of Education (GSE)

GSE

This is the building where I took most of my classes.  I made friendships, established lifelong professional networks, and learned from some of the most innovative faculty in the field of education here.  Penn GSE was founded in 1914 and will celebrate its centennial next year—hopefully I’ll be back to celebrate!

College Hall

College Hall

College Hall is one of my favorite buildings on campus, especially when the sunset hits the west side of the building.

Van Pelt-Dietrich Rocking Chairs

Van Pelt

You can find these great rocking chairs on the first floor of Van Pelt facing College Green.

Covenant

Covenant

Covenant by Alexander Liberman is one of my favorite pieces of public sculpture on campus.

Penn Park

PennParkRainbow

Not only is Penn Park a great place to run or take a walk, it also boasts a fantastic view of downtown Philadelphia.

Franklin Field

Franklin Field

I took in a number of Penn traditions at Franklin Field this year, including the post-third quarter toast toss during home football games and the Penn Relays.  My final trip into Franklin Field this year was for the 257th Commencement.

Sweeten Alumni House

Sweeten

Finally, last but no means least, Sweeten Alumni House.  I was incredibly lucky this year to work as a graduate assistant in Alumni Relations. Not only did I learn a lot, I also got to work with a great staff and meet talented and proud Penn alumni from all over the country.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Campus Life, GSE, Memories of Penn, Rebecca E., Student Perspective