"Better than God" In a biography that has caught national attention and praise, Professor of Urbanism Witold Rybczynski examined the life of Frederick Law Olmsted, a man who devoted his life to improving society — and nature. Buildings bloom in building boom Student spotlight: Roller girl: A champion takes on the world - again Staff Q&A: Brian Abrams talks about the healing power of music Research: Little flies suggest big cures A headline-grabbing architect comes to Penn Nobel for alum Good work rewarded Art fans Shake, rattle and roll Researcher "reverse engineers" the mind The first DuBois Scholar speaks out For What It's Worth: Child welfare's dirty secret Happy family day Event Listings Editor's Pick What's on WXPN Readers' Best News Briefs Bookquick Quoted Recently Conference Call Campus Buzz

October 28, 1999 READER'S BEST First lessons They came full of anticipation and excitement, not knowing what to expect from college life. But our respondents from the Class of 2003 have already learned plenty in the two months they’ve been on campus. Most of it, though, isn’t what their professors have told them. Some have found the local cuisine difficult to swallow. Others had to adjust to the climate and the demands of course work. And then there were those who seized the opportunity to meet new friends and expand their horizons. Amanda Jones, College ’03 “Don’t get into econ three weeks into the start of the semester!” Caroline Aiello, College ’03 “I’ve learned the art of smuggling whole meals out of Stouffer.” Theresia Laksmana ’03 “If you are a West Coaster, nothing can prepare you for the cold.” Keke Zhao, College ’03 “I’ve learned how to fall asleep even with my roommate snoring really loudly.” Young Lee, College ’03 “There ain’t no Southern food in Philadelphia.” Andrea Houston ’03 “Study everything in the textbook despite what the professor says. The library isn’t necessarily a better place to study -- they’re noisy in there. And if I don’t watch my eating, I will gain weight!” Kun Hsu, Wharton ’03 “I learned how to read. . . a lot of books!” Chris Suh, College ’03 “Don’t eat the food here.” Tamas Gal, College ’03 “Homesickness sucks. There’s too much homework here, way too much. And never eat hamburgers here.” Ryan Harwood, Wharton ’03 “How to be on my own. How to do my own laundry.” Suzanne Friedman, College ’03 “I have learned that there are so many people out there that could potentially be my friend. I feel it’s almost a challenge to meet them all and discover to which ones I can relate.” Greta Pane, College ’03 “I have learned two-and-a-half Japanese alphabets.” Patrick Herald, College ’03 “The importance of personal responsibility. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned.” Fotini Xydas, College ’03 “I learned how to live away from home.” Jennifer Valentine, College ’03 “College isn’t what I expected it to be. It’s not all fun and games. Definitely not.” Misha Deshmukh,Wharton ’03 “I learned how to do my own laundry.” -- Katie Alex, Grace Enriquez and Laura Spadanuta