Isn’t it great to be back on campus again? The hectic hustle and bustle of Locust Walk brings back fond memories of last year and excitement for a fresh new start. Thankfully, this time around we’ve become much more accustomed to the inner workings of Penn and college in general. Nevertheless, sophomore year beckons much more learning – not just education-wise, but in every aspect of our lives. Learning about what truly interests us, where we belong, and who we ultimately want to see ourselves become. And with all these areas, there’s no better place for learning than here at the University of Pennsylvania.
As one of the Benjamin Franklin quotes (a new addition to campus!) on 37th street tells us, “He that teaches himself, hath a fool for his master.” Thankfully, however, at Penn we never have to rely on teaching ourselves. On the contrary, with the multitude world-renowned professors and highly-acclaimed administrators guiding us for our four years, there’s no question that the amount of learning one can achieve here at Penn is endless. But in no way is our learning limited to the classroom – we learn just as much (if not more) from the peers who surround us. Within our Graduating Class of 2012 are among the world’s most outstanding scholars, artists, and athletes of our age. Individually, all of us contribute something unique to Penn’s campus. But as an aggregate Class of 2012, we are an absolute powerhouse force to be reckoned with. Come 50 years from now, and it is undoubtedly certain that the Class of 2012 will leave immense footprints in every part of the world, in every possible area of advancement.
This may be our second year, but as we realized at the end of last year, time flies at Penn like no other. Take advantage of every opportunity Penn throws at you this year. Try something you’d never imagine yourself doing. Study a subject you’d never see yourself studying. Meet and make new friends from places you’d never think you would visit. This is what Penn is all about – endless opportunity. I truly hope you have a phenomenal and memorable sophomore year. You’re only a Penn student for two more years after this one, so make the most of all endeavors you may pursue.
Best,
Jibran Khan
President, Class of 2012