To the Editor:
A recent article, ("A truthful tour? Not all the time," DP, 10/9/05) which questioned the veracity of information presented by tour guides, sheds an unfavorable light on students who graciously volunteer their time to accommodate prospective students from across the globe.
The irony becomes apparent when the article distorts information about the tour guiding process and program, when the subject matter itself is critical of tour guides who present distorted information. The claim that the "Superblock ... and other older dorms such as Hill College House are systematically avoided" seems to imply that these areas are taboo and therefore strictly avoided. However, the fact is that most tour guides, including myself, will point out the locations and importance of these areas. To bring visitors to more sites would stretch tour times to unreasonable lengths.
While I disapprove of presenting inaccurate information, it is worthy to note that the five facts tour guides seem to distort probably will not affect a prospective students' college decision. It's the overall picture that counts. To indict specific tour guides of these petty nuisances shows ingratitude to those who, in good faith, mean only to spread Penn's name.
Randy Tang
Wharton and Nursing '07
The author is an executive board member of Kite & Key.
