Cogno Interview Series: My Friend Michelle

One of my favorite things about Penn is being able to meet people from all walks of life. I met my friend Michelle at our annual Student Activities Council (SAC) fair, an event that exposes students to all the different clubs at Penn. We struck up a casual conversation at a club booth and became friends through that club. Like many students, her time at Penn has been unique, so I thought I would ask her a few questions.

1) What year are you and where are you from?

A: I am originally from Jackson, Tennessee and I am part of the Class of 2023.

2) Why did you choose Penn?

A: I chose Penn mainly because I fell in love with the city of Philly. Living in a city has enhanced my college experience, and I know I made the right choice. 

 3)  What are you studying?

 A: I am on the pre-med track majoring in medical sociology with a minor in neuroscience. 

 4) What is your favorite course that you have taken?

 A: My favorite course was a Poverty and Inequality freshman seminar with Regina Baker. I thought I wanted to be a neuroscience major, but taking this course made me realize my interest in sociology. I really want to learn more about the intersection of healthcare and inequality.

 5) What club do you enjoy the most?

 A: I really enjoy the new club of UNAIDS, which is a club I helped start with a girl that went to my high school. 

 6) What do you like to do in your free time?

 A: I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I love to exercise to work off stress, hang out with friends, listen to music, and bake.

 7) What advice do you have to give to incoming freshmen? 

A: The advice I would give a freshman would be that you need to learn how to be alone. There is a common feeling of “imposter syndrome” and “FOMO,”  especially among freshmen. However, a little bit of alone time can be good to recuperate and recharge. 

- Ami I.