I’m a senior at Penn studying Economics with a minor in Math, and I love sharing what the Penn experience is actually like beyond the brochures and campus tours. I’m happy to talk about academics, student life, choosing classes, internships, favorite spots on campus, and anything else you’re curious about. My goal is to give you an honest, personal perspective and help you get a real feel for life at Penn.

Hometown

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Major(s)

Economics

Minor(s)

Mathematics

Describe your college experience

My college experience at Penn has really been about finding my people and finding the intellectual curiosity I was always looking for. I have met so many people who are genuinely excited to learn, debate ideas, and pursue completely different interests, and that energy has pushed me to be more curious myself. One of the things I love most about Penn is that you can study almost anything. I have taken classes across economics, math, history, art, philosophy, and negotiation, and I have never felt like I had to limit myself to one narrow path. The most overwhelming, but also most amazing, part of Penn has been the sheer number of resources and opportunities available. There is always another class to take, professor to learn from, club to join, speaker to hear, or path to explore. It can sometimes feel impossible to take advantage of everything, but that abundance has also been one of the most formative parts of my experience. Penn has given me the freedom to explore widely while also surrounding me with people who make me want to keep learning.

Tip for future students

Don’t limit yourself. Talk to everyone, take the class that sounds even remotely interesting, and ask questions about everything. College is one of the few times when you are surrounded by so many people, ideas, and opportunities at once, so take advantage of that. Some of the best experiences come from things you never originally planned to do.

Favorite class

During my sophomore year at Penn, I took Negotiations, a class recommended to me by both mentors and friends. It quickly became one of my favorite classes because it changed how I thought about communication. I especially enjoyed learning structured frameworks for navigating difficult conversations and realizing just how much of everyday life, from relationships to business decisions, ultimately comes down to negotiation.

Career goals

My career goal is to build a career in wealth management, where I can combine my interest in finance with my love of working with people. I am especially drawn to the relationship-driven side of the industry and the opportunity to help clients think through important financial decisions while continuing to learn about markets, investing, and business.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is pretty simple: good food, good people, and nowhere I need to be afterward. I love trying a new restaurant or cooking with friends, then spending the rest of the night talking, watching a movie, or just hanging out without a schedule. Some of my favorite nights are the ones that are completely unplanned and end up lasting much longer than expected.

High school or secondary school

Moravian Academy

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the BioPond by the Biotech Library. It feels like this little hidden pocket of calm in the middle of Penn, and I love going there when I need a break from everything. It is quiet, green, and completely different from the energy of the rest of campus, which makes it one of the places where I feel most relaxed.