My VIPER Journey

As I stood behind my table during NSO this year, chatting with energetic students, I wassuddenly hit by a wave of nostalgia. It felt crazy to think that just two years ago, I was on the other side of that table—nervous, eager, and full of questions about Penn, about community,about academics, and about life beyond that high school that had been my entire living experience so far. Now, as a junior in VIPER, it was my turn to share my story. I realized just how far I'd come and how much VIPER, in the intertwining of its invaluable, rigorous program and its multitalented, tight-knit community, has shaped the formative early years of my college experience.

For a high school student who had never seen Penn before, I instantly found a home in VIPER.It was far more than an academic classification, but rather it was about being part of aclose-knit, supportive community passionate about making a difference in energy and theenvironment. This community aspect of VIPER has probably been the best part of my Pennexperience. From late-night exam cram sessions in the VIPER lounge (to let you in on a secret:

VIPER lounge is snack-stocked!) to weekly lunch hangouts over the summer, it's been amazingto be part of a group that's so close and supportive. As opposed to any other major community, VIPER is unique in its interdisciplinary nature: you find yourself working with people from all different backgrounds —chemists, physicists, mechanical, electrical, material engineers— all driven by a shared passion for solving big energy challenges.

Another thing I love about VIPER is how integrated it is with the broader Penn community. Looking back, I was admittedly slightly worried: would such an academically rigorous program allow me the opportunity to pursue my diverse other interests? It turns out the concern was completely wrong, for reality was clearly different: VIPER students were actively involved in all sorts of incredible activity groups across campus, from cultural to social to arts to professional.

Now, as the sitting president of MSE Society and one of the chairs of the Chinese Student Association, VIPER's openness encouraged me to jump into cool, fulfilling, and incredibly fun leadership roles all around campus. It is our strength in tightness but also far reaching individual branches that make VIPER such an impactful community.

As I spoke with potential students, I saw myself in their simultaneous mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I hope sharing my own VIPER journey, all the way from high school, helps them picture their futures here, and I cannot imagine the even tighter bonds and brighter horizons they will see as the new generation of VIPERs.

- Tony T.