- Hometown & Region: Edgware, North London
- School: Compton High School
- A levels: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Politics, English Literature
- Course: Medicine
- Year of study: 6th year
I’m into…
Tennis, hill walking, mountaineering, politics, poetry, religion and Rumi
Who or what inspired you to apply to Cambridge, and why?
Several years ago I came for a summer school: it was so utterly wonderful that I decided at once that I wanted to study here. What really struck me was the diversity of this place. Contrary to what you may hear, I met people of all kinds of interests and backgrounds.
What do you know now about Cambridge that you wish you had known when you were at school?
What am I getting myself into? This is the question I asked myself several times over. I was worried about the volume and standard of work and how frightfully difficult it would be. Lo and behold! When I got here, I quickly found out that I had been fretting about nothing. You can do quite well and enjoy it; moreover, have a fulfilled social life and pursue all kinds of hobbies and activities.
What qualities do you think are needed to become a student at Cambridge?
Ah, many eons ago when I was at school, I was made to memorize Shakespeare. I still remember a smattering of that tome: ‘Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie’. Yes, I think you have to have confidence in your abilities (but don’t be overconfident) and have an interest in learning new things, be intellectually flexible …You get my drift!
What makes Cambridge so special?
In my first week here, my supervisor said: ‘You are part of a community of thinkers’ – people here think, about all sorts of things from astrophysics to human nature and beyond .I am constantly being inspired by meeting people who are passionate about what they do, and that eventually rubs off on you! Walking in Cambridge’s cobbled streets, you’re retracing history; in the footsteps of giants, those giants who continue to inspire a new generation of scientists, thinkers…..
