Apparently, kids in University City have to trick or treat in New Jersey because Penn students are too lazy/stupid to have candy on hand.

Article after article in The Daily Pennsylvanian tells us how Penn students should volunteer doing x, or how the University should sponsor initiative y in order to help the community. But the thing is, when I look back at the neighborhood I grew up in (which had considerably less shootings), I never judged the people based on how much they volunteered.

But I did judge people based on what type of treat they gave out on Halloween. It was always, “Oh, that’s the old lady that doesn’t give out candy,” never, “That’s where the witch lives that won’t tutor me in algebra!”

Trick or treating sounds like a great way for Penn students to truly interact with local residents as neighbors, not “saviors”. Believe it or not, not all West Philly residents need to be “saved” by bright-eyed undergrads. So go to CVS tonight and buy a bag of candy. Worst-case scenario is you have an excuse to eat 50 snicker bars by yourself. Just don’t be the guy who passes out sugar-free gum — I’m looking at you, dental students.