Advice to a student entering his first year at the University of Pennsylvania where my father was a trustee for 45 years!!!

This Summer has been a good one watching Athen learn incredibly quickly and create money making listings for me on ABE. She is professional, thorough and effective My feeling is that she clearly enjoys what she is doing and that is the reason she is doing so well.  In fact she is the best intern to work here ever!!  My commitment to have her create the job she truly will thrive at is strong. So the best answer to your question about entering your Freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania is to seek out work that you enjoy greatly.  Penn is a red hot school and you are going to have a large number of opportunities to be mentored. The best mentors will be professors, associate professors, assistant professors, curators, Librarian and NOT your fellow student.  Friendship with students is fine but it does not compare to having a PhD who has made it all the way up to Full professor with Tenure at a top Ivy League School. The problem is that they are incredibly busy and have been approached by students for over 30 years. So do whatever it takes - sit down with them during a meeting, bring a book they have written and ask them to sign it for you, get involved with a charity they care about, write to them. It is absolutely the most important part of any University.  You are NOT getting your money's worth if you miss this opportunity. You will be shocked at how much they will be able to help you with your dreams Truly Graham