What are three words you would use to describe LSM?
Eye-opening, Rigorous, Ideal
What do you find most rewarding or enjoyable about the LSM program?
LSMP 1210 introduced me to the world of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies—industries I never considered prior to Penn. Through working in those companies, my work could directly contribute to drugs and therapeutic development to solve health issues on a global scale. Additionally, having never taken any business courses or activities in high school, it turned out that I loved it more than I thought, from my “Pricing Policy” class to the “Wharton in China” course where I was able to go abroad for the first time. The ambidexterity of the program opened doors for me. LSM has definitely introduced to me more industries and fields of study I would have never considered if I had chosen a single-degree path.
What is the favorite thing you’ve done at Penn so far?
I wish I knew about Penn Global Seminars (PGS) during my freshman year, because taking Wharton International Program’s China course single-handedly is my most favorite class I have taken at Penn. Born and raised in Philadelphia, I really never left the east coast or the U.S. because of financial constraints. Because of this, I am most grateful for the opportunity to go abroad for the first time through Penn, where I was able to visit companies, like JD.com, to learn about China’s business environments and also visit some cultural sites, like the Great Wall. At first, I was worried about how the trip would go, being extremely far from home for the first time without family and going with a group of 20 students I am unfamiliar with. However, my concerns were very short-lived as I got to know everyone, including the most amazing professors. Within the students, I still think about how amazing it was that we met each other and clicked so quickly. From playing Mafia together on 3-hour bus rides to exploring the city after a long day of business visits, I entered this course nervous but finished this class with 20 new friends. This experience was such an eye-opening experience, being able to see how different China is compared to the U.S. but also the most fun academic trip I ever had at Penn with professors and students I have never met before.
What main extracurricular activities do you do at Penn?
I love spending time with the girls in my sorority! I believe that in freshman year, we are constantly meeting and making friends but once sophomore year comes, that is when you realize who your true friends are. Wanting to establish better friendships and meet more fun people as a whole, I decided to formally rush during my sophomore year and ended up finding the sweetest, most supportive, and amazing group of girls at Penn. In my sorority, I found the most genuine friendships and love every second spent with them, from traveling together during Spring break to our Friday nights out after a long week of classes. They are the people that I can come to for advice, a hug after a brutal midterm, and even people I would count on to join me on my most spontaneous trips. I wanted to talk about my involvement with Greek Life because I already mentioned so much about academics and also to show you that even with LSM being so busy, it is still possible to be a part of fun clubs or organizations. I promise you that doing so will make your experience at Penn one thousand times better!