Colin Kavanaugh

We all take different paths through Penn. Not only are we not going to be on the same chapter of our lives at the same time, we won’t even be writing the same book.

Unlike our counterparts stuck in college towns, we can learn more from Philadelphia than from any book or lecture given at Penn. The experience has the potential to change our lives.

Supporting the spirit of the DREAM Act is a noble cause. But the UA has been blinded by delusions of its own grandeur and efficacy if it thinks its actions will have any real influence.

The Philadelphia Orchestra is a unique and sacred gem in the midst of revitalization, is a flagship for this city’s long-term health and offers a stunningly low cost of admission for college students.

John F. Kennedy was elected President 50 years ago today. Though we tend to over-amplify JFK’s influence, we can still learn a lot from our 35th President — particularly his call for service.

We should all calm down about politics because there are bigger issues. Even after the “hope” of Obama’s 2008 victory, Muslims, gays, Latinos and, yes, still blacks and women are harassed on a daily basis.

Sarcasm aside, Penn seems to be doing a good job on the no-yelling front. Students could engage in legitimate discussion and debate policy issues — if only people didn’t write their opponents off as nut jobs.

Camping with friends engenders a sense of camaraderie and adventure that our generation has forgotten — particularly in a competitive environment like Penn.

Well, whether the University likes it or not, it is inherently political. Despite distaste for appearing partisan, Penn’s administration does not — and should not — excuse itself from the political process.

In the 2010 midterm elections, treating every Pennsylvania voter equally is a strategic mistake. For Penn’s Democratic students, time should be spent not in West Philly, but just outside the city limits.