What Penn Taught Me That Wasn't On the Syllabus

Penn has taught me a lot academically, but some of the most meaningful lessons I have taken away never appeared on a syllabus. They came from navigating day to day life here and slowly learning how to take care of myself in a fast paced environment.

One of the first things Penn taught me was how to advocate for myself. No one is constantly checking in to make sure you are okay, and that can feel intimidating at first. Over time, though, you learn how to ask questions, go to office hours, speak up when something is not working, and reach out for help without feeling ashamed. That process of learning to speak up for yourself is uncomfortable at times, but it is a skill that stays with you long after college.

Along with that comes learning how to sit with uncertainty. At Penn, you will not always know exactly what you are doing or where you are headed, and that can be unsettling. Being in an environment where there is no clear roadmap forces you to trust yourself a little more each day. You learn how to keep moving forward even when things are unclear, and that lesson becomes one of the most valuable ones you carry with you.

Penn also pushed me to rethink how I define success. Being surrounded by ambitious people can make comparison feel unavoidable, and for quite some time I measured myself against others. Over time, I learned that success at Penn looks different for everyone. Sometimes it is landing an opportunity, but other times it is choosing rest, protecting your balance, or simply getting through a difficult week. What made all of this manageable was community. The people you surround yourself with shape your experience more than any class ever could. Friends, mentors, and small pockets of belonging are what make an intense environment feel supportive and human.

If you are considering Penn, know that what you learn here goes far beyond academics. Some of the most important lessons happen quietly, in moments you do not expect, and they stay with you long after you leave campus.

- Tsering S.