Legacy Perspectives

MEET CURRENT LEGACIES    Christina | Laura | Jenna

These legacy students serve as the current board for Linking Legacies. Read on to learn more about the exciting experiences they have had at Penn and what advice they have for prospective legacy students!

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Christina Lomax, C’11 Biological Basis of Behavior major with a Health Care Management minor

Extra Curriculars: Linking Legacies (VP Technical Chair) and BWUA (Black Wharton Undergraduate Association)

Favorite Class: STAT 111

Which Penn professor has inspired you the most? Robert Aronowitz has inspired me the most. He taught my Freshman Seminar entitled What Is Cancer: Disease, Society, and History. We read his book called Unnatural History: Breast Cancer and American Society. It was such an honor to be in a seminar with a professor that wrote the text from which we studied.

What motivated you to become involved with Linking Legacies? I thought it would be a great way reach out to prospective students and give them some of the advice that I wish I had received during my application process.

Why did you choose Penn? I decided to come to Penn because as soon as I stepped onto the campus I felt at home, and I truly believe it offers one of the best all around college experiences. From the strong academics to the thriving social scene, Penn is everything I ever wanted in a college.

What advice would you give to prospective legacy applicants? I would say in order to succeed at Penn, time management is crucial. There are so many distractions on campus, and it’s key to find that ideal study place. My favorite are the lounges on the first floor of the high rises.

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Laura Malta, C’11 Philosophy major with a possible Cinema Studies minor

Favorite Class/Most Inspiring Professor: My favorite class to date was the writing seminar I took my freshman year, American Film Renaissance in the 1970’s.  My professor for that class, Prof. Gregory Wolmart, was definitely my most inspiring professor so far; he really pushed me to improve my writing.

What motivated you to become involved with Linking Legacies? I got involved in Linking Legacies because as a legacy student, I thought it would be a great way to reach out to other legacy students and to share my experiences at Penn.  I was not aware of the program when I was going through the application process, and looking back, it would’ve been great to have a current student’s brain to pick. 

Why did you choose Penn? I chose Penn not only because of the close ties I felt because of my legacy connections, but also because I felt that Penn was really the perfect fit for me. 

What advice would you give prospective legacy applicants? I would advise prospective legacy applicants to visit Penn’s campus, as well as other schools, take lots of tours (as tedious as they can sometimes be), and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

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Jenna Stahl, C'11 Undeclared

Extra Curriculars:  Fencing team, Wind ensemble, Penn Singer Pit Orchestra, Penn Environmental Group, Linking Legacies, Penn Museum Student Advisory Board, Kite and Key Tour Guide

Favorite Class:  Too many to choose!  Stand outs have been my Freaks and Geeks fan culture writing seminar, Ancient Greece, and South Jersey Archaeological Dig

Which Penn Professor has inspired you the most? This is very difficult!  A Penn professor that has inspired me is probably James McInerney, who teaches Ancient Greece.  He is so passionate and an amazing speaker!  I would go to his lectures even if I wasn't enrolled in the class.  However, many of Penn's professors could make this list.

What motivated you to become a part of Linking Legacies? A friend actually invited me to go to the first info session when I was a freshman.  I loved the opportunity to help and mentor others in a situation similar to what I had been through.

Why did you choose Penn? I chose Penn for several reasons.  First, it is strong in so many areas, including all of the possible majors I am interested in.  I like the fact that the curriculum is structured to give a sense of direction, but also incredibly flexible when it comes to classes that fulfill requirements.  Also, I love that Penn has a definite campus, yet benefits from being in Philadelphia.  The city is very college friendly and is also only a short train ride from Washington D.C. and New York City.

What advice would you give prospective legacy applicants? Do not let your parents completely sway your opinion of the school.  It was nice to grow up hearing stories about Penn, but my parents were far from persuasive, which I found helpful.  Research Penn, visit Penn, ask questions about Penn, and do anything else to help you determine for yourself how you feel about the school.  Also, very importantly, be passionate and demonstrate this passion in the application.  Admissions wants to see you for who you are and that is much easier for them if you talk about things that excite you.

To get an email buddy like these fantastic current legacy students, please sign up for Linking Legacies!

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FOSTERING LEADERSHIP

Julie Perilstein, C'08, daughter of Jayne and Ronald, both W'80,was raised on the Red and the Blue. "I grew up coming to Alumni Weekend every year, marching with the Old Guard through campus, absolutely loving the place," she says. When she found herself following in her parents' footsteps, Julie worked with the Alumni Council on Admissions to create a student-buddy system as a resource for legacy applicants. In February 2007, she gave a presentation on Linking Legacies — one of the only programs of its kind — at a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) conference. Soon her bright idea may be popping up at other colleges and universities.

Linking Legacies is a student-run program for legacies in high school who want to learn more about Penn. It enables a prospective legacy student to exchange emails with a current Penn legacy student and learn more about the Penn of TODAY! Visit our homepage to learn more and to register.