As Anthony Wong (C ‘25) puts it, he’s a “certified yapper” who loves connecting with others. Now preparing to speak at college graduation as a senior, Anthony reflects on how Penn helped him grow, become a leader, and form meaningful relationships. From leading Penn Mock Trial to  the Kite and Key Society and much more, Anthony’s voice had been heard in every room, hall, and corner of campus. Anthony uses his voice to make a difference each and every day. 

Anthony’s journey from memorizing Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway maps as a child to studying urban systems at Penn reveals a throughline: his fascination with how people navigate spaces, both physical and social. This Hong Kong-born, Bay Area-raised urbanist reflects on how Penn transformed his natural gift for gab into meaningful leadership and connection.

Name: Anthony Wong

Hometown: Piedmont, Calif. 

Major: Urban studies, minor in Hispanic studies

Activities: Class of 2025 College Graduation Student Speaker, Penn Mock Trial, Kite and Key Society, Residential Services Advisory Board, Urban Studies Undergraduate Advisory Board, Marks Family Center Fellow for Excellence in Writing, Teaching Assistant for Critical Writing Program. 

Can you tell me a little bit more about where you’re from? 

I was born in Hong Kong but grew up in the Bay Area of California, where my family still lives. I’ve always lived in cities, and urban environments have shaped much of my life. I have very distinct memories of riding the MTR—the subway system in Hong Kong—with my family and driving through the concrete jungle of Hong Kong Island. I remember memorising the lines and colours of the MTR map as a kid and my parents taking me to ride the double-decker buses around the city. I think it was this childhood fascination with trains, trams, buses, and cars that eventually led me into urban studies once I got to Penn.

What would you first think to offer/share about yourself, when asked “tell me about yourself”? 

I’m a people person. I really value relationships and love meeting new people. I think this is what drives my interests and has shaped my experience at Penn,  from giving campus tours to working as a writing tutor.

What is your favorite extracurricular activity that you are a part of? What has been the most meaningful? 

My most meaningful experience has by far been being part of Penn Mock Trial. Coming into Penn, I knew I wanted to do something related to public speaking, like speech and debate or mock trial. From the start, the Penn Mock Trial community stood out. I didn’t know that many people at Penn, but the moment I joined the team, I suddenly had upperclassmen who genuinely wanted to be my friends and helped me navigate the transition to college. In the last few years, I’ve been lucky to pay it forward and mentor some of the “Freshmock” newcomers as they’ve joined the program. Many of the most meaningful friendships and memories I’ve made in college came through Penn Mock Trial—whether it was flying across the country to compete in Los Angeles for a weekend or grabbing food in Houston Hall with my teammates between classes.

As the graduate speaker for your class and the College, what is the process and preparation for the speech? 

This was not something that I ever thought about doing until I saw an email about it and decided to spontaneously apply. The process was pretty straightforward—I submitted a written draft and auditioned. I am really excited about this and am super grateful to have this opportunity. I know it will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it! It definitely certifies the idea that I am a true yapper. 

What has been your favorite class at Penn and why? 

My favorite class is probably HSOC 0313: Cane and Able: History of Disability with Beth Linker. It was a freshman seminar, so it had people from all majors, interests, and academic backgrounds, making it a strong and diverse community. The course changed the way I approach urban studies and urban spaces. I learned about the disability community in the United States and the Disability Rights Movement—which I knew nothing about even though it happened in California. It deepened my understanding of how cities can be made more accessible and inclusive, and made me more aware of the barriers many people face. Ultimately, it taught me the idea that the more accessible something is, the more people can experience and benefit from it.

Do you have a role model, in any field? 

My sister—the most thoughtful, level–headed, caring person I know. The kind of sibling who lets you take over AUX on a long drive and steal food from their plate when you regret what you’ve ordered at a restaurant. A true giver. 

As you reflect before graduation, what was your favorite Penn memory?

My favorite memory isn’t one that took place on Penn’s campus, but it did involve my friends from Penn Mock Trial. Over fall break of my sophomore year, we went on our annual “glamping” trip and stayed in a cabin at a state park. It was such a meaningful experience that we’ve continued the tradition every year for the past three years. There are five of us who go annually, and even after some of them graduated, they still return for the trip. It really highlighted the sense of community I built at Penn despite — even when we were far away from campus. 

What advice would you give to Freshmen at Penn? 

One piece of advice I would give would be to overall just try to go with the flow and be chill. Many freshmen have the tendency to have a very specific vision for how college will go, but it is important to be flexible and optimistic because, in college, there are so many twists and turns. In Cantonese, there is an adjective—睇得開—that essentially just means being able to see more broadly and positively. One small example of this is that in high school, I was very involved with journalism through my school paper. When I got to Penn, I thought I was going to be a journalist here too. Ironically enough, I was rejected from 34th Street my freshman fall. I was a bit sad, but I  realized pretty quickly that journalism wasn’t my calling, and there were so many other things that I found more fulfilling for myself. It all happens for a reason, and your idea of what Penn will look like will constantly shift and change. 

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? 

In ten years, I will be almost 32. It is hard to say exactly what my life will look like because five years ago, I never would have known where I would be today. Again, it really goes back to just trying to go with the flow and adjust to new things as we are all always learning and growing. I hope to have completed law school and be a practicing attorney, but who knows—people can always change. 

Lightning Round:

Favorite restaurant right now: Dim Sum House 

Favorite thing to do in Philadelphia: Long walks with friends 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go: Probably California, because I need to move out of my apartment and want to teleport there with all my stuff.

Favorite dessert: Black sesame ice cream 

Favorite song: “Supercut” by Lorde 

There are two types of people at PennThose who walk down Locust Walk and those who walk down Spruce Street. 

And you are? I prefer Locust Walk, 100%. 


This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 




Do you know that one senior who brings a smile to everyone’s face or always has the craaaziest stories? It’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. Ego of the Week seeks to showcase seniors not for their grades or any other academic construct, but for who they are as a person and the joy they bring to the people around them! Nominate your favorite Penn rising seniors for Ego of the Week!