Opinion

Jaden Cloobeck | “Slow Down” is my mantra. What’s yours?

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck writes about how he learned to be more mindful and slow down, making his college experience better and more intentional.

Artur Vllahiu | You should think about death more often

Guest columnist Artur Vllahiu writes about how death doesn't need to be a source of fear. Citing different existentialist philosophers, Vllahiu makes the case for how thinking about death can actually make us feel better.

Penn Leads the Vote | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 26th amendment — vote this fall

Penn Leads the Vote encourages students to vote on the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 26th amendment: the amendment that granted Americans 18 and older the right to vote.

Jaden Cloobeck | NROTC students take classes with exams. Why don’t they count for credit?

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck argues that it is unacceptable for NROTC students at Penn to have their naval science coursework go uncredited. 

Asaad Manzar | A letter to the new transfer class

Columnist Asaad Manzar writes a letter to Penn's new transfer class, offering advice to new students adapting to Penn for the first time. 

Andrew Dunn | A letter from a recovering achievement addict

Guest columnist and 2012 Wharton graduate Andrew Murray Dunn writes about the folly of achievement culture and blind pursuit of the rat race.

Jaden Cloobeck | Why Amy Gutmann was a transformative president, and what we need next

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck writes about how Amy Gutmann transformed Penn during her tenure at Penn, and how her successor should prioritize listening and open communication with Penn's student body.

Matthew Liu | No, a new president will not change anything

Columnist Matthew Liu argues that members of the Penn community should not expect significant changes with the University president that succeeds Amy Gutmann. He writes about how criticisms directed towards her often reference issues that are inherent to all large institutions. 

Andy Yoon | Why America is at risk of obsolescence

Columnist Andy Yoon writes about the folly of American exceptionalism and how the United States isn't always going to be on top — unless we do something about it.

Lexi Boccuzzi | Inside the importance of independence day

Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi writes about the 4th of July, and how celebrating it is not incommensurate with valid criticism of our nation.

Matthew Liu | The subverted progressivism of Thomas Paine

Columnist Matthew Liu writes about how one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Paine — was the surprise progressive at the heart of America's inception.

Surayya Walters | Why didn't I learn about the Tulsa Massacre in school?

Columnist Surayya Walters writes about the Tulsa Massacre and how important it is for Americans to learn about it in all aspects of academics, including business. 

Jaden Cloobeck | Constructive Patriotism is True Patriotism

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck writes about constructive patriotism and how criticism isn't a sign of disrespect — it's a sign of love for one's nation. 

Caroline Magdolen | So you want a third party? Support ranked choice voting.

Columnist Caroline Magdolen writes about ranked choice voting and how it is a better way of electing candidates compared to the standard winner-take-all system. She argues that we should include ranked choice voting wherever we can — starting with the clubs and organizations that we are a part of. 

Lark Yan | My tastebuds might never be bored again

Columnist Lark Yan writes about cooking, a habit she developed in the wake of COVID-19. She describes the excitement, friendships, and joy that resulted from her pandemic-inspired time in the kitchen. 

Maisy Sylvan | The Philadelphia Zoo is open for the summer — don’t go

Guest columnist Maisy Sylvan argues that despite being popular attractions, zoos are immoral in their violation of animal wellbeing and that we should avoid them. She offers animal-friendly alternatives to frequent during the summer as we decide on post-pandemic plans.

Asaad Manzar | We need to rethink our pandemic habits

Columnist Asaad Manzar writes about the habits — both good and bad — that we formed over the pandemic, and how we should use the summer as a chance to recycle our helpful habits and kick the negative ones. 

Matthew Liu | COVID-19 Vaccine Patent Protections and the Private Innovation Lie

Columnist Matthew Liu argues that profit-focused pharmaceutical companies undermine the humanitarian mission behind large-scale vaccination efforts that are needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Jaden Cloobeck | Honoring a Jewish watermelon merchant and a Canadian frontiersman

For Father's Day, columnist Jaden Cloobeck goes into family archives to celebrate two of his ancestors from centuries past.

Brian Peterson | Juneteenth and Critical Race Theory — a tale of two suppressions

In a guest column for Juneteenth, Brian Peterson, the director of Makuu, writes about the history of Juneteenth, and how critical race theory can help us understand the nuance behind emancipation.