Cherlyn Tan
What subject are you studying?
PhD, Genetics
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
The campaign is a great opportunity to get in touch with alumnae, to discuss their time in College and to update them about the recent ongoings in College. In addition, I hope to be able to encourage alumnae to remain involved with College, and to support the College's vision and the development of current students.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards College is a modern and innovative College where I get to meet outstanding young women from various different backgrounds. It is an excellent platform for women to excel and achieve their full potential.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
I enjoy playing badminton. I took part in the College League and the intercollegiate badminton tournament (Cuppers) where Murray Edwards won the women's championship title this year. I also enjoy taking part in activities organised by the MCR, and gardening with my housemates as we are right by the lovely College gardens (Beaufort House).
Claire Shenfield
What subject are you studying?
English
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I'm really excited to connect with alumnae and hear about their experiences of Murray Edwards/New Hall. I wanted to be a part of helping the next generation of students get as much out of their time at the College as I have, due to the generosity of alumnae.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
I'm very sure that Murray Edwards is the reason I feel at home at Cambridge. The relaxed and supportive atmosphere means I feel a part of a strong community, which values and recognises everyone at the College; a rare quality to find in a place, academic or otherwise.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
I perform regularly across Cambridge's theatres in musicals and other projects. In the next year, I hope to be able to move into staging my own writing and work on even more exciting projects in theatre. I also produce videos for the student newspaper (Varsity) and create video content on a freelance basis around Cambridge as well as being on the committee for the Cambridge University Charity Fashion Show 2021.
Mkpouto Pius
What subject are you studying?
Genomic Medicine
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
One of the blessings of my year in Cambridge was being assigned to Murray Edwards. The first night I stepped into the College grounds I felt a sense of home, and 10 months later I feel an even stronger attachment. I want to make sure that many more young women can benefit from what the College provided me with and being part of this campaign is my way of doing that.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards has been a safe space for me. Having the company of other women like myself gave me a good environment to grow at my pace.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
I am a member of the Cambridge Union and have represented the Union as an adjudicator at the world universities debating championship in Thailand.
Roshni Ranasinghe-de Silva
What subject are you studying?
Law
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I believe it will be an eye-opening and inspiring experience to have the chance to talk so intimately with alumnae. Murray Edwards is an empowering College, which has produced some amazing, high-powered women in its time, and the opportunity to talk to them would be extremely insightful. Furthermore, the final donations go towards supporting students and this is a concept which I fully endorse. I believe students, as the core of any College, deserve all the support they can receive in order to make their University experience truly well-rounded and enjoyable.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards is a tightly knit community and it is this sense of camaraderie and friendship that means the most to me. Being an all-women's College, it is unfortunately subject to a degree of social stigma, but the atmosphere of the College from staff to students is so open, relaxed and friendly that it has positively influenced my experience at University overall.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
I am heavily involved in College life, mainly through positions of responsibility such as being the JCR Secretary, Communications and Computing Officer, and the President of Murray Edwards Law Society. I also occasionally play for Murray Edwards Netball Second Team.
Neve Atkinson
What subject are you studying?
History
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I'm taking part in the Telephone Campaign because I'm a recipient of the College top-up bursary, so I want to help provide the funds for people like me to enjoy the Cambridge experience as much as possible. I also thought it was a great opportunity to spend more time in College, which is obviously a wonderful place to be.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards is a very different place from where I'm from, and so it's liberating to go to College and find other aspects of myself than those I've explored at home. It's definitely comforting to be at a College that values your mental and emotional health as well as your academic achievement.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
I'm a part of the Inter Alios Choir that we share with Churchill, which is very fun, and definitely a departure from my degree. I'm also JCR Access Officer for this academic year, which is challenging but fulfilling.
Sophie Roberts
What subject are you studying?
History
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I'm looking forward to the opportunity to come back to College early (having been away for so long!) as well as being part of the wider College community through contacting alumnae - and seeing the way in which being a student at Murray Edwards/New Hall has affected their career paths and futures. Practically, I'm also looking forward to the Telephone Campaign as a useful way of developing my communication skills and as useful work experience.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
The community within Murray Edwards is extremely supportive and encouraging of students' diverse interests and aspirations. I have loved being a member of Murray Edwards College because of the focus on the future of students, and not just their time in Cambridge. I have felt really supported by the Gateway Programme, which played a big role in helping me get an internship this summer. For me, Murray Edwards is about inclusivity, diversity and holistically supporting students.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
Apart from my studies, I am involved in a number of extra-curricular activities. I play the violin in the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra which I really enjoy as an opportunity to meet people from other subjects and Colleges, and within college I'm also part of the Murray Edwards History society. I have recently taken on the role of a College rep for the Murray Edwards and Fitzwilliam Christian Union and am really excited about welcoming freshers this Michaelmas Term and helping them to feel included in Murray Edwards' community.
Natasha Partridge
What subject are you studying?
English
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I worked as a caller in the Telephone Campaign last year and loved the opportunity to talk to alumnae. Hearing about how both the College and University have changed over the years was so interesting, but it was also lovely to hear that so many student experiences at College have remained the same through the years!
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
College to me is such a welcoming place, and often feels a 'safe haven' at such a high pressure university. It is a very empowering and supportive space, and one I feel very proud to be part of. This was particularly highlighted to me last year on the Telephone Campaign talking to some very early female students at the University, and the challenges they overcame. This is a lovely reminder of the privilege of the accessibility of education we now have.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
In my spare time I enjoy playing netball in the winter and tennis in the summer. I also love spending time with my friends, catching up whilst cooking together is always my favourite time of the day at College.
Pippa Wonders
What subject are you studying?
MML
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I am taking part in the Telephone Campaign as I would like to help the College maintain alumnae relations, and think it will be a great opportunity to develop my own communication and telephone skills.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards has become like a second home to me; the supportive environment has really helped me enjoy first year as much as possible!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
In my spare time I enjoy rowing and playing netball, and am a member of the JCR.
Frankie Murgatroyd
What subject are you studying?
Law
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I am taking part in the Telephone Campaign because I have heard it is an enjoyable experience. I would also like to gain experience in fundraising and gain an insight into how Murray Edwards College stays in touch with alumnae.
What does Murray Edwards mean to you?
Murray Edwards is where I have met the people that make university worthwhile. Without the support network I have in College, an already challenging degree would be near impossible and for that I'm very grateful. It's also a very quirky building and has stunning gardens which I really appreciate.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends, going for runs and exploring Cambridge.
Freya Watson
What subject are you studying?
Economics
Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?
I think the Telephone Campaign is such a great opportunity to connect with alumnae and I'm looking forward to hearing lots of stories about Medwards! I also really think donations make such a difference to Murray Edwards students which is why I'm keen to be involved in fundraising. I just love chatting so I can't think of a much better job!
What does Murray Edwards means to you?
Murray Edwards is somewhere I can walk into and instantly feel good vibes – from the greetings of the lovely Porters to seeing friends in the corridors, I just think it's a warm place to live (in all senses – the heating is also excellent!) There is an abundance of support for us pastorally, academically and professionally – from friends, the student community and College staff.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?
In first year, I was involved in the university taekwondo club and volunteered in a local secondary school helping students with GCSE maths. In College, I really enjoyed going to weekly yoga classes and doing training and fixtures for the Medwards hockey team (joint with Emmanuel and Christs). I am also the President of the JCR so I spend a lot of my time working with students and staff around College!