Why I Love M&T: Ameya Shiva and Michelle Chan
Ameya Shiva, M&T Class of 2019
The warmth of the students and incredibly supportive community are surely the most salient characteristics of the M&T Program. I fondly remember the numerous emails and messages upperclassmen sent me when I was first accepted into the program, introducing themselves and sharing their candid experiences. From that moment, I was able to feel the friendly and supportive nature of the M&T community. Being a part of this tight-knit group is not just a perk – it is an essential part of being an M&T student. The program is highly rigorous by design, and I have faced no shortage of challenges, be they in or out of the classroom. Having a small group of students pursuing broadly similar studies has made it much easier for me to collaborate and learn challenging material, allowing me to gain a better handle on my studies. Additionally, the level of comfort and familiarity that I have developed with other M&T students has enabled some of my most valuable college experiences thus far – grabbing coffee with graduating seniors, replete with advice on college life and beyond, or exploring Center City Philly with my classmates. By virtue of being an M&T, we are in a unique academic setting. But for me, having a community of outgoing and supportive students, and more importantly, the ability to easily engage with them, is truly special. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Ameya, from New York, is a member of the M&T Class of 2019. He studies Computer Science in Penn Engineering and has yet to declare his concentration in the Wharton School.
Michelle Chan, M&T Class of 2017
Although it may sound cheesy, to me, the people are the best thing about M&T. At the beginning of freshman year, it was a huge relief to already have a community of others who were either in the same boat as you or had been in your shoes before and were happy to help. Many of my closest friends and some of the most influential mentors I’ve had at Penn are in the program. Plus, M&T alumni love helping other M&Ts and are always willing to lend a hand to undergrads. I’ve really enjoyed learning from and getting to know the people in this community!
Michelle, from Monument, Colorado, is a member of the M&T Class of 2017. She studies Systems Science Engineering in Penn Engineering and Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) in the Wharton School.
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