Amanda Cui, W’25, started Humans of Penn as a way to have numerous conversations and capture the various perspectives across Penn’s campus.

Humans of Penn, started in 2023, is a project of The Signal, a student organization that explores the Penn experience through creative passion projects, including the Anti-Resume Project, Confessions on Locust, and Dear Penn Freshmen.

What inspired you to start Humans of Penn?

In high school, I spent a lot of my time canvassing, door-knocking, and interviewing people, and I found myself growing with every subsequent conversation. I would exit these encounters with excitement and a yearning to learn and do more.

I first stumbled upon Humans of New York when someone sent me a post that was taken at the train station near my home. For months, I wished that I could meet Brandon Stanton on the streets of New York so that he could interview me. I also wanted to start a Humans of Flushing (my neighborhood) or Humans of Hunter (my high school), but I never got around to it. I made it a goal to start one at Penn, however, and I’m glad that it has actually happened.

What aspects of Penn did you hope to showcase?

Penn is insanely multifaceted, and I think a lot of people’s unique experiences get muddled up because of the pre-professional and busy culture. My negotiations teacher said the biggest flaw about Wharton is that students are too busy to process, explore, and reflect. I hoped to highlight the niches that make Penn special and inspire individuals to look beyond their bubble. Humans of Penn will never capture the many individuals that make up this beautiful campus, but I hope to do something near that, one story at a time.

“I want Humans of Wharton to continue for as long as Penn exists. There is such beauty in amplifying narratives, and the space should exist as long as people have stories to share.”

What was most challenging?

The first impression always matters. Sometimes, I get really nervous when I approach people–so I usually interview with a buddy in case I get too in my head. There have been many instances when the interviewee shrugs and walks away, and that really hurts because I just want to learn about them! These experiences have made me extremely good at taking rejection and approaching people. I also realized that people love talking about themselves. I have had some interviews last for almost an hour because we both got so into the conversation. I love it though!

What did you learn about Penn or yourself?

Amanda Cui is seated on a red couch with a guitar nearby in a warmly lit living room filled with houseplants. She gazing calmly at the camera and is framed by a large window with stained glass accents and soft natural light pouring in.
Photo Courtesy of The WALK

My interviews have completely shifted my outlook. One interview that really stood out to me was Jamel, a worker at Pret. I don’t think Penn students recognize that they exist in this space with other people–for a while, even I forgot that people served me in dining halls and cleaned up my classroom spaces. Speaking with him reminded me that Humans of Penn extends beyond the student body, and maybe sometimes even beyond Penn’s campus.

I’ve also learned a lot about what excites people and what makes me smile. I’ve realized that I love speaking with others and see myself doing something that requires a lot of interpersonal interaction in the long run.

If you did Humans of Penn as a participant, what would you share?

I would discuss my identity as a first-generation, low-income college student. A lot of my fundamental beliefs and values revolve around my upbringing, and I think that has shaped my high school and college experiences. I would share my story in hopes that it resonates, or someone is inspired by it.

What do you hope others get from the series?

I really like when people are vulnerable, which is a very tough ask. People are like onions. Some have really easy-to-peel layers while others are very tough and hard. I think this initiative seeks to unveil some of those layers so that the interviewers and readers feel some level of discomfort. Whether it’s a very happy and jolly memory or exposure to something entirely new, I hope that conversations spark some sort of change. I want conversations and moments together to stick.

I want people to read through the interviews and get excited about the fact that all of the people in the series are within arm’s length. I want people to meet others and take advantage of the limitless conversations and stories. I want readers to challenge themselves and maybe even start their own Humans of ___.

What’s next for you?

I’m honored to share that I’ve been awarded a Fulbright grant to teach English in Taiwan for the 2025–2026 academic year!

As part of this opportunity, I will be deferring my start at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). While I was looking forward to joining the firm this year, I’m equally excited to embark on this next chapter. I can’t wait to return from my fellowship with new perspectives, stories, and experiences.

—Sara Hoover

Posted: May 7, 2025

Undergraduate Program

Amanda Cui, W’25

Amanda on Locust Walk
Photo by Weining Ding, W’27

Hometown: New York, NY
Concentrations: Finance; Marketing & Operations Management
Minor: Fine Arts
Activities: The Signal, Wharton Peer Advisor, Penn Civic Scholar, Wharton Research Scholar, Venture Lab Operations Intern, Penn Abroad Advisory Board, The WALK magazine, Chinese Student Association, Kappa Alpha Theta, Oracle Senior Society

(Mini) Humans of Wharton

Photos and interview excerpts by Amanda Cui

Belinda Kumi stands smiling in front of a large, stylized mural depicting a city skyline in bold red, black, and white geometric shapes. Radiating black lines in the background evoke a dramatic sunrise or spotlight effect. Belinda wears a light blue top under a black cardigan, with her long braids draped over her shoulders. Her relaxed pose and warm expression contrast with the dynamic, graphic mural behind her.Belinda Kumi, W’25, from Georgia

In my time at Wharton, I’ve enjoyed making the most out of the opportunities I’ve been given. Before Penn, I’d never traveled, given my first-generation, low-income background. One thing that I’m really proud of is that I’ve done a Penn Global Seminar, Wharton International Programs, GRIP, and studied abroad.

Favorite study spot? This is strange but the phone room in the Academic Research Building.

Dylan Kang stands smiling. He is wearing a dark padded jacket with his hands in his pockets. Behind him, an interior hallway features a display with historical information and images, including the Wharton logo and a portrait of an academic figure.Dylan Kang, W’27, from Los Angeles

I want to build lifelong friendships with people at Penn. It doesn’t need to be 30 people, but as long as I find a close community that I know will extend after college, then I’ll be very happy.

If you could ask another Wharton undergrad anything, what would it be: What would you have done differently during your time at Penn?

Salem Fitwi and Nathan Otchere sit side by side on a wooden bench in a sunlit park area, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. Dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, casting natural light and shadows across their faces and clothing. Both are smiling and relaxed, dressed in casual dark shirts and sneakers.

Salem Fitwi, W’26, from South Bend, Indiana & Nathan Otchere, W’26, from Houston

Salem: I enjoy Wharton’s academic programs and the opportunity to explore anything I’m interested in.

Nathan: Here at Penn, everyone is super smart and that sometimes fosters a fast-paced, competitive environment. It makes it seem like you can fall behind rather quickly. So, I’m trying to be intentional about how I spend my time.

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