Why I Love the Dining Hall

Looking back at my Penn experience as a senior, I realized that one of the most special places on campus for me is the dining hall at Hill College House. It isn’t one of my favorite places because of the food, but because of all the great friendships I developed through it. 

The dining hall was were all of my friends connected after a long day of classes in different areas of campus. We had the opportunity to take a short break to get to know each other and each other’s company while sharing food. Every single day during the week, I looked forward to lunchtime to see all of my friends gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories. 

As my first year progressed, the dining table was witness to all of my best memories—whether they actually occurred at the dining hall or were merely shared through stories. At Hill, I laughed when my friends got busted for taking multiple cookies, shared the story of my first failed midterm, and jumped with joy when my friend got her first internship. 

So even with all the amazing and beautiful buildings at Penn, when I think back on my time here, the dining hall will always be one of my favorite places. 

- Fernanda B.