Wharton Stories: Student Profiles

A group of dancers wearing black outfits performing on stage, each with one hand placed on their chest, set against a blue-lit background.
Sami Goel, W’25, balances her love for dance with her interest in business.

Making Moves

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Rising second-year Araash Ahuja, W’27, gives incoming students his advice to help them navigate their first year at Penn.

First-Year Advice: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

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In the wake of the SCOTUS ruling on Affirmative Action, Xavier Shankle, W’24, told the White House they needed to do something, and they did.

The Advocate: An Undergrad Fosters Educational Equity

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Anthony Yang, W’24, photographed the Successful Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) from fall 2022 through summer 2023.

Photo Essay: A Year in the Life of STEP

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Founded in 1975, Black Wharton Undergraduate Association is an undergraduate student club at Wharton with more than 150 active members from all four class years and Penn’s four undergraduate schools.

Black Wharton: Empowering Excellence at Penn

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“I realized how extraordinary the past several months have been. The people I’ve interacted with, the insights I’ve gained, and the places I’ve visited are simply remarkable.” – Julian Fields-Jackson, W’27

A Wharton First-Year’s Reflection

A group of hikers posing for a photo on a trail, surrounded by a lush green landscape and mountains in the background. They are wearing outdoor gear and backpacks.
“Many of my Wharton professors come from backgrounds rooted in real-world business experiences and thus they teach from real-world examples. The Leadership Venture was an opportunity to expand on Wharton’s other real-world opportunities.” – Jacob Pollack, W’25

A Wharton Undergraduate Leadership Odyssey in Patagonia

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“I met a lot of wonderful people, and the exercises in which we’ve engaged really broadened my perspective, even within my own Asian community. We share experiences…and recognize each other on our respective journeys.” – Winni Zhang, W’23

At Wharton, Three Students of Asian Heritage Found An Abundance of Community

A large group of people wearing red and white-striped hats holding wooden canes gather outside a historic stone building with arched windows and entrance, surrounded by trees.
“I’ve gotten involved in two healthcare startups, and have really come to appreciate the lessons you learn at such an early stage of a business. I’ve also taken entrepreneurship courses, and even got involved with Venture Lab, two things I never saw myself doing.” – Sahiba Baveja, W’23

A Senior Reflects on Her Wharton and Penn Experience

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“One of the reasons I love Wharton is because the School truly places value on experiences, and where education lies in those experiences.” – Ryan Torres, W’25

How Determination, Critical Thinking Helped This Wharton Undergrad Cycle the World’s Highest Volcano