Wharton Stories: Students

Lush garden filled with colorful blooming flowers, including roses and foxgloves, with a white bench and wooden trellises in the background.
One student’s quest to help classmates see that the Wharton undergraduate experience is about more than grades and job offers.

Stopping to Smell the Roses

A large group of people in matching Wharton School t-shirts posing in front of a building sign that reads
“Don’t wait to be chosen—lead where you are. Wharton is full of stages. Sometimes you choreograph the routine. Sometimes you run the show. Either way, the spotlight’s big enough for all of us.” – Kelsey Spencer WG25

Leadership Evolution: From Dance to Design Thinking

Alex lying on a grass lawn, using a laptop while resting his head on a backpack.
Alex Zhou, C’25, W’25, explains how he merged his interdisciplinary education to become a more creative business thinker.

The Economy of Words

A group of hikers sitting on a grassy plain, resting and enjoying the view of a snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky
Jaein Kim, W’25, reflects on her weeklong Wharton Leadership Ventures Expedition backpacking in Ecuador.

A Step at a Time: From Cotopaxi to Antisana

Amanda Cui reclines on a red blanket, holding a square mirror that reflects her face and upper body. She wears a metallic, deep red pleated top. Her reflection in the mirror shows a composed, introspective expression.
Amanda Cui, W’25, started Humans of Penn as a way to have numerous conversations and capture the various perspectives across Penn’s campus.

Major: Economics. Minor: Humanity. The Storyteller behind Humans of Penn

Photo credits : Courtesy of Penn Abroad
PGS: Global Aging – Challenges and Opportunities

Visiting the Warm Heart of Africa

Wide-angle image of William’s Cafe's front area, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and a bustling coffee shop environment.
How Olivia Turman, W’26, found community, leadership, and clarity through Williams Café.

Brewing Business: A Wharton Undergrad’s Experience Managing Penn’s Student-Run Café

Group of students posing for a photo with a Wharton banner in front of the British Museum in London
How some students build their leadership, academic, and professional experiences by going even further into the classroom.

From Student to Teaching Assistant: Same Class, Different Takeaways

A small group of people in a meeting, gathered around a table with laptops, charts, and documents labeled with terms like
“The ETA community at Wharton played an enormous role in helping me pivot my career, so I’m committed to paying it forward.” – Jason Nguyen WG25

From Venture Capital to Acquisition: One MBA Student’s Journey to Entrepreneurship at Wharton

An assortment of traditional dishes on a wooden board, including rice, various meats in sauces, leafy greens, and small cups of sauce or condiments.
“One of the highlights of living in Philadelphia is its food scene. It’s a delicious microcosm of the city’s soul—a place where flavors tell stories, and every meal is an adventure.” — Vivian Tseng, WG25

A Wharton MBA’s Guide to Philadelphia’s Best Restaurants