Rachel Guan is a senior at Wharton studying Finance and Real Estate. Originally from New Orleans, LA, she grew up in a place where various cultures and perspectives all melted together, which helped foster her interest in learning about other communities and people. She is super excited and grateful to have the opportunity to travel to Uganda this semester as a part of the Penn Global Seminar for Global Jewish Communities led by Professor Decherney and Professor Byala, where she will learn more about the Abayudaya community, their role in the world of Jewish communities, and how to use storytelling and filmmaking techniques to amplify their voices.
At Penn, Rachel is involved in alpha Kappa Delta Phi (aKDPhi), the McNulty Leadership Program, and the Wharton Investment & Trading Group (WITG). She also loves photography, running on a crisp afternoon, exploring new restaurants and cafes, curating statement pieces for her wardrobe, and listening to podcasts.
Rachel is especially looking forward to...
- Visiting the Abayudaya villages, schools, and synagogues to hear stories of the locals and experience their cultural traditions
- Trying the local cuisine
- Exploring the landscape of Uganda with new friends/classmates
- Using/learning about cool film techniques
- Spotting the various wildlife in the area
- Documenting the history and modern-day life of the Abayudaya community through film projects to share with the broader Penn community and beyond
