Opinion Columns
Sophia DuRose | Being vegan is a privilege
A lot of people on Penn’s campus don’t need to think twice about an extra 60 cent charge, but that’s a privilege, not a given.
Christy Qiu | Quakers, don't skip class
College is an investment in yourself — one that should be managed carefully in order to see prosperous returns.
Sophia DuRose | Your parents’ politics don’t have to be yours
I am grateful to the city of Philadelphia for providing such a bustling and rich social environment from which I've learned more about my own politics as well as the politics of those I’ve always opposed.
James Morrison | Don’t leave your high school friends behind in college
In spite of this campus’ sometimes toxic culture, you will almost certainly make lifelong friends here. Just make sure that you don’t forget the lifelong friends that you already have.
Sophia DuRose | Stop talking about the freshman fifteen
The cyclical nature of disordered eating can be depleting, and when you’re adjusting to the new stress of tough college classes, it’s an extra barrier between yourself and your full potential.
Letter from the President | Class of 2023, don't let fear get in your way
My advice shouldn’t be taken as gospel, it’s certainly not earth-shattering, and may not even be applicable to you, but it’s what I wish I’d known as a freshman: Put yourself out there.
Bridget Yu | Just because you’re sad, does not mean you’re depressed
Mislabeling depression as mere sadness will only prevent or delay treatment of a serious mental illness that should be addressed and treated as such.
Alexa Rybicki | Penn students should make use of Pottruck
Just like you set aside time to eat, study, and see your friends, make exercise part of your routine. You will feel happier and healthier.
Ilyse Reisman | The Critical Writing Seminar needs to be looked at under critical review
Until the writing seminar curriculum changes, students will continue to feel that it is a waste of their time and money.
Bridget Yu | Here’s a quick list of Penn's most helpful resources
While Google searches and Wikipedia pages do have their benefits, Penn students know their campus and surrounding area best.
Ilyse Reisman | Take student-faculty ratios and class size statistics with a grain of salt
If you really want to get an accurate assessment of how big the classes are at any school, ask someone who is taking classes you are considering taking, or studying something that you may be interested in.
Alexa Rybicki | Penn students should dress for success
Dress well and notice the difference in both how you feel and how the people around you view you, speak to you, and respect you.
Maeve Masterson | Climate change is not a countdown to an apocalypse
While we fantasize about what the end of the world will look like, the true apocalypse has already hit home and is terrorizing hundreds of communities living on the frontlines.
Alex Silberzweig | Penn needs to be more cognizant of the opioid crisis
Just because we attend a world-class university does not mean that we are shielded from the horrors of the opioid crisis.
James Morrison | Amy Wax is part of the Penn community. She should start acting like it.
Amy Wax's views serve as a reflection of the character of Penn, both as an institution and a community. By taking a position at Penn, Wax has joined a community of students and scholars, that, although diverse in thought and culture, have agreed to abide by a set of guiding principles.
Bridget Yu | Take advantage of the support groups that CAPS has to offer
The best advice I have received has been from people who don’t just sympathize with me, but empathize with me. Though I had never considered joining a support group before, I am tremendously grateful for the sincere support of my fellow returning students and the empathic discussions that we’ve shared.
Ilyse Reisman | The limit on the number of interview rounds for clubs needs to be enforced
There are still clubs that have more than two rounds of interviews and require resumes, but they get away with it because students at Penn are often wired to work as hard as they can to reach their goals, even if it is not good for their mental health.
James Morrison | Joe Biden needs to earn his salary
If Biden is to return to campus at any time during these next few months, he should return fully prepared to put his talents to use for the good of the Penn community, or else the University should pay him a salary that more accurately reflects his contributions to this institution.
Alex Silberzweig | Penn students would benefit from reading for fun
We need to incorporate the act of reading into our daily routine. Even reading one or two full-length articles from a fairly reputable newspaper or reading a chapter of a book can make a difference.