Meet the 2021 Telephone Campaign Callers
This year, the Telephone Campaign will run from 14 - 28 September.
Our students gain a huge amount from the advice, stories and life experience from the Members that they talk with and we are immeasurably grateful to all of our alumni who are willing to participate by receiving a call.
You can meet the student calling team below. We hope their call is as enjoyable for you as it is for them and that you will appreciate the chance to find out about the latest College news whilst potentially choosing to support Magdalene’s resident Members of today and tomorrow.
Meet the 2021 Team
Floss (2017)
What subject are you studying?
Engineering
Why did you choose to study your course?
I always had a knack for science and maths, but particularly enjoyed it when I could apply it to real life situations. Solving problems creatively and efficiently is what engineering is all about - I love it and it has always been the course for me.
What made you choose Magdalene?
Admittedly I was pooled to Magdalene, but now if I had to choose again, I can't imagine myself anywhere other than Magdalene. I've had the best academic support, incredible opportunities and the College's location is perfect for me.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
From the moment I joined the College I felt instantly at home. Every face is friendly and every place in College feels familiar. I have been presented with so many opportunities at Magdalene and I have been able to seize every single one.
What is your favourite place in College?
The bottom of the Scholar's Garden by the river where you can look out across Jesus Green and watch the swans and punts go by.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I hate spare time! If I have ever spare time then I will find a way to fill it; I love nothing more than being busy and buzzing with activity. I like to go out exploring Cambridge with friends, getting involved in College activities, planning events and trying new things.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am a member of Magdalene Boat Club and have been Captain, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, I am President of the Magdalene Engineers' Society and Captain of the Magdalene Ladies and Mixed Netball team. I am also a member of Voxsoc.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
It's a beautiful, friendly, safe city where everything I need is at my doorstep. Lovely green outdoor spaces, fun bars and restaurants, easy transport links and many wonderful friends.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Friendly, family, home.
Describe yourself in three words.
Enthusiastic, optimistic, determined.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
A Secret History by Donna Tart.
What is your favourite food?
Pick n Mix!
Edward (2019)
What subject are you studying?
Politics and International Studies
Why did you choose to study your course?
I have always enjoyed politics and thinking about issues that affect people in their everyday lives. As such, choosing politics is a way to improve my knowledge so that I can contribute to these debates.
What made you choose Magdalene?
It was the location and also the potential for a scholarship (I eventually got the scholarship).
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
One thing I like about Magdalene is the sense of community. From the choir, the MCR, JCR, the pub - you name it, there is always something to look forward to in the College.
What is your favourite place in College?
The New Library. I always think that I am privileged to have studied here at a time when the library was being constructed and finally having its doors opened while I am still here. A place to be.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
Cooking - I think and I have been told that I make some of the best dishes. Try me!
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am a member of Cambridge University United Nations Association (CUUNA).
What do you like most about Cambridge?
The architecture of Cambridge is breathtaking. One cannot help but marvel at all the wonderful buildings and the rich history of Cambridge.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Place of Wonder.
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, Considerate, Jovial.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
Left Alone by Munyaradzi Huni.
What is your favourite food?
Give me any form of pasta and we are good to go.
Jess (2020)
What subject are you studying?
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences (PBS)
Why did you choose to study your course?
I have a real interest in understanding people's everyday behaviour which is what drew me to psychology initially. Understanding human behaviour is often applicable to many aspects of life, from business, to policy to health and social care, to teaching, so I think it's a really useful subject to study. The course at Cambridge was particularly attractive as it provides the opportunity to study other, related disciplines, through the optional papers. I really liked this variety and flexibility as I enjoy a range of different subjects and found it hard to decide what to study at degree level.
What made you choose Magdalene?
I liked that it is a relatively small College, which I feel ensures that students don't get lost in a crowd and that there is always a friendly face around the corner. I also really liked its location, being right by the river and close enough to the centre that I can easily get around, but not too central to avoid being too busy or touristy.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
Definitely the community - I love the relatively small size and family-atmosphere. You always see someone you know when walking around and everyone will stop to say hello as you pass. It really helps to make students feel valued and a sense of belonging.
What is your favourite place in College?
Definitely the new library!
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I love painting and art more generally, as well as baking and dancing. I really enjoy visiting museums and galleries, as well as watching theatre productions and like to make time for big walks in the countryside when I can. I'm also particularly interested in education and youth work so do lots of volunteering in my spare time – I do mentoring and tutoring, including programs for Cambridge applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, and I sit on an advisory board for the NCS Trust, which provides opportunities for personal development for young people across the UK.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
This coming year I will be Secretary for the Cambridge University Education Society, and Small Events Officer for the Raising and Giving Society (RAG) which raises money for a number of charities each year across the university. I also enjoy attending dance classes and taking part in Magdalene’s Mixed Netball on a casual basis. Finally, I am hoping to get more involved in Cambridge theatre productions – last year I assisted in the Fresher’s Play ‘No Quarter’ as the movement director which was a really enjoyable experience.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
I love being surrounded by such beautiful buildings and impressive history! I also enjoy the convenience of having almost anything you could need within walking distance: a wide variety of shops and cafes, whilst still being close to plenty of green spaces and places to go on pretty walks.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Friendly, pretty, relaxed.
Describe yourself in three words.
Approachable, hardworking, open-minded.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
Bill Bryson - specifically his book 'Down Under' about his travels around Australia.
What is your favourite food?
Pasta of any form, but particularly lasagne.
Alex (2018)
What subject are you studying?
Human, Social, and Political Sciences and History
Why did you choose to study your course?
I chose to do firstly, an undergraduate degree in HSPS, because I was fascinated by politics, but also a multidisciplined approach to learning. I thought it would offer an expansive and varied form of learning.
I then chose to do my current course, History of Political Thought and Intellectual History, because throughout my undergraduate degree I became drawn to political philosophy. Perhaps worn down by contemporary politics, I sought to look back at reoccurring problems, and solutions that political philosophers sought to provide, and in doing so became fascinated by philosophy. Within this, I decided that I wanted to become an academic and engage in the pursuit of truth wherever it may take me.
What made you choose Magdalene?
I chose Magdalene for my Masters (I was pooled as an undergraduate) because of the social atmosphere it has. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was overwhelmed with how unique Magdalene is concerning how every single year mixes with one another and has such a real sense of meaningful community.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
The best thing about Magdalene is the community spirit, and the genuinely priceless face-to-face encounters one gets whilst merely walking through the College, to and from one’s room via the library, or chapel, or any of the facilities. This is something which I personally value more than the quality of my room. It’s one of the main reasons I signed up to do the up-and-coming telephone campaign, as I genuinely believe that our College has something unique that many others cannot offer.
What is your favourite place in College?
The Beach on a summer evening: it is so beautiful just before sunset, and despite being in a busy city, often very calm and quiet.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I usually enjoy socialising as a means of relaxing, whether it be a pint at the Pickeral Inn, walks with friends, or just chatting in someone's room. I am also a fairly keen jogger and seek to utilise exercise as a means of relaxing.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I was a member of the University Sailing team for my first two years of undergraduate studies. I am a keen participant in Magdalene College Wine Society, attend the College Chapel and intermittently play College Badminton.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
Being small is the best thing Magdalene has to offer, or more so, being concentrated. Everyone is within a five-minute walk of one another creates a real college buzz and social atmosphere.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Quant, Community, Social.
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, humorous, obsessive.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
I and Thou by Martin Buber.
What is your favourite food?
Impossible!
Fran (2020)
What subject are you studying?
English
Why did you choose to study your course?
I’ve always loved reading and I guess studying English was a natural progression. I was torn with physics but the love of books came out on top. Also the flexibility of the course to coincide with my personal interests is amazing.
What made you choose Magdalene?
The people I met on the open day were so friendly and they loved Magdalene so much it was infectious.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
The people! Everyone is so lovely and sociable - such a good community.
What is your favourite place in College?
The bench on the beach. Amazing views and I love working outside. Also a perfect picnic spot, especially when the Pimms punt comes along!
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
Playing different sports or playing the piano in Benson Hall really helps me relax. Also the College Bar had a great atmosphere last year to wind down after coming back from the library.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I play university hockey and love it. I’m going to be the Social Secretary this year so will be getting more involved within the club. I am also involved in the JCR as Freshers’ Rep for Magdalene and a few College sports as well.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
How pretty the city is! Every street is so beautiful even when you take a wrong turn. Also punting down the river is really special, although I’m dreadful at it.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Friendly, welcoming, homely.
Describe yourself in three words.
Sociable, driven, sporty.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
Impossible to choose! But I’m really loving Woolf at the minute and will read anything of hers!
What is your favourite food?
Sushi.
Rosie (2020)
What subject are you studying?
Natural Sciences (Biological)
Why did you choose to study your course?
My favorite subjects in school were Chemistry and Biology so I knew I wanted to study science. However I wasn't sure which exact area I wanted to specialise in, therefore, the structure of Natural Sciences appealed to me. I'm really pleased that the first year makes you study multiple different subjects as it meant I worked out what I enjoyed and I could make informed choices for my modules this year.
What made you choose Magdalene?
I really wanted to be in a smaller College with a strong community and Magdalene's reputation for having a family like atmosphere instantly appealed to me. I also loved first and second court as well as the gardens along the river as they're so tranquil and pretty.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
My favorite thing about Magdalene is that the community is so strong, that there is a really great College spirt. I like the fact that it’s really easy to make friends as everyone is open-minded and approachable so that after only just one year I know people from all years already. It means that when you're in College, particularly over Easter Term when everyone spent time in the College bar and the marquees in Second Court, you can end up chatting to so many different people just when you're walking to the library.
What is your favourite place in College?
This year due to the pandemic, the first time I was able to go to Formal was in Easter Term. After a long wait to be able to take part in such a big Cambridge tradition it was really exciting to be able to go! I think it’s a really beautiful room and very atmospheric, especially when candlelit. I love the occasion of going to Formal and it reminds me of some very happy memories.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
Whenever I'm stressed or at a loose end I like to go swimming. It is a really good way to unwind and do something completely different from studying. In Cambridge I like to swim at the Jesus Green Lido as it’s such a novel experience in a very pretty location. And, of course, I love spending time at the Pickerel with my friends after a long day (it would be rude not to when it is so close!)
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am currently the JCR Secretary and also play for the Magdalene mixed and ladies netball teams. I also am looking forward to getting involved in Cambridge sailing next year.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
My favourite thing about Cambridge is the fact that so many people are incredibly passionate about their subjects and other interests. I love spending time with people and discussing so many varied topics, usually ones I am unfamiliar with. It makes for some very entertaining conversations and the opportunity to learn from others.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Fun, friendly, sociable.
Describe yourself in three words.
Positive, smiley, outgoing.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell.
What is your favourite food?
Nachos.
Chloe (2019)
What subject are you studying?
English
Why did you choose to study your course?
I loved studying English at A-Level, especially getting to discuss different types of literature. I found the course particularly interesting because of how it explores all of the ways in which literature interacts with the world around it. I was also keen to explore performance, something which I enjoy inside and outside of literature. At A-Level, my art coursework investigated performance art, and outside of my work, I performed in plays and dance pieces.
What made you choose Magdalene?
I was pooled to Magdalene, although if I'd been applying now, the library probably would've made me choose Magdalene.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
Magdalene has such a nice community atmosphere. The Porters are always joking with the students when you pop in to check your post, Sarah the Chaplain always offers a friendly hello when you're stressed, and the librarians have solved many of my book-related problems over the course of my degree. It is lovely to know most of the students in the College, and I was happy to become a College parent to help students in the year below me feel at home in Magdalene in the same way I do.
What is your favourite place in College?
The New Library! Nothing can beat a good study space, and the new library is perfect for working long hours. I'm excited to see the new social area when I return to College! It's so helpful to have a range of books so close to where I live, and I enjoy wandering around there and choosing a new desk to sit at.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
Outside of work, dance is my favourite way to de-stress. Ballet is my favourite style, though I also take classes in contemporary and jazz through the University's dance societies. This year, I'm going to be teaching beginner jazz/lyrical for Cutazz which I'm so excited for!
I also firmly believe in the power of taking a walk and chatting to a friend. I try and schedule time to talk to all of my friends during term so that we can both discuss our worries and enjoy the beautiful spaces Cambridge has to offer!
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am a member of Cambridge University Dance Competition Team, Cutazz Dance Society and Cambridge University Ballet Club.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
Last term I went punting for the first time and it has quickly become my favourite part of life in Cambridge. It is gorgeous looking at the colleges on the river when the sun is setting, and definitely worth the embarrassment of occasionally getting the pole stuck!
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Supportive, welcoming, tight-knit.
Describe yourself in three words.
Organised, outgoing, passionate.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
What is your favourite food?
Avocado Toast.
Jacob (2018)
What subject are you studying?
Undergrad History / incoming MPhil for Early Modern History
Why did you choose to study your course?
In my humble opinion, History offers an understanding of the human drama better than any other subject.
What made you choose Magdalene?
It seemed to retain a sense of tradition and fun.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
The truly collegiate nature of the place, where various years from undergrad to postgrad are able to really get to know each other because of the College's friendly and not overly serious nature.
What is your favourite place in College?
The various rooms of First Court A and Old Lodge.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I enjoy a pleasant afternoon reading, a game of Fives, several pints at the Pick, and a boogie at one of Cambridge's choice clubs.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am a member of College Darts, Fives, History Society, University Challenge Society and the Jewish Society.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
The calibre of insanity on offer is second to none, and the people.
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Amusing, Port, Scholarly.
Describe yourself in three words.
Silly, sometimes serious.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
What is your favourite food?
White port and tonic.
Nina (2018)
What subject are you studying?
Law
Why did you choose to study your course?
I think Law is one of the only subjects where both practical and theoretical thinking is truly juxtaposed.
What made you choose Magdalene?
Magdalene being a small, central College that has retained some tradition (candle-lit hall!) was what won me over.
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
The way our accommodation is laid out means that everybody, regardless of what stage of their studies they are in, lives within a few minutes of each other. I don't think we realise how special and unique this is in Cambridge, and how most Colleges have their accommodation completely scattered around the city.
What is your favourite place in College?
The bench by the Beach.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I'm a fond reader, with a very poor concealed obsession for Russian literature. My favourite way to relax is heading down to the Pickerel, or to Wetherspoons if it has been a rough week!
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
I am a member of the Jewish Society, the Israel Society, and I co-founded the Magdalene College Philosophy Society.
What do you like most about Cambridge?
Definitely the people, who certainly lend credence to the saying that no great minds can exist without a touch of madness!
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Unconquered, unmistakable, unexplainable.
Describe yourself in three words.
Too easily amused.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
My favourite book is Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman and author is Leo Tolstoy.
What is your favourite food?
Wherry, salmon.
Maria (2020)
What subject are you studying?
Medicine
Why did you choose to study your course?
Medicine always appealed to me with its altruistic core and the challenge of academia within the profession. It's a path of constant learning but a very rewarding one! At Cambridge we can also intercalate in 3rd year giving us the opportunity to pursue a particular topic in more detail or go beyond the medical course and spend a year doing a different subject.
What made you choose Magdalene?
A small beautiful College on the river, notorious for its 'community feel' sounded like the best place to be :)
What is the best thing about Magdalene?
The sense of community you find here (even during a Covid year) is very special, the people you meet make it an incredible place to study and call your second home!
What is your favourite place in College?
The candle-lit formal hall in the evenings is beautiful, especially with sun shining through stained-glass windows as it sets. I also love the riverwalk from the library to Chesterton Road - it has a unique sense of tranquillity and the views are gorgeous.
What do you do in your spare time/what is your favourite way to relax?
I love a coffee walk with friends, especially a sunset/ sunrise one to re-energise myself and enjoy the beauty of Cambridge. Otherwise, you would find me reading, painting or playing sport, especially on a nice summer evening.
Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?
So far I've tried rowing with the Magdalene Boat Club for the first time (sadly missing the boat races in the summer due to quarantine), played a few matches for our College tennis and netball teams and enjoyed some speaker events run by the Cambridge University German Society. This year I hope to shape one of the campaigns of "Cambridge Students for Global Health" as co-chair and bridge my interest in humanities and medicine as Events Officer for Cambridge Uni Medical Humanities Society!
What do you like most about Cambridge?
It's a beautiful place filled with incredible people. Everyone you meet has their own ambitions and interests, passionate about anything and everything, so being part of this world is definitely an experience!
Describe Magdalene in three words.
Beautiful, vibrant, welcoming.
Describe yourself in three words.
Honest, confident, understanding.
What/who is your favourite book/author?
Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and War and Peace.
What is your favourite food?
Love Mediterranean cuisine and homemade Russian food too!
We hope you all enjoy talking with our callers and thank you all in advance for choosing to support the resident Magdalene community.
Every single gift to the 2021 Telephone Campaign will make a very real difference!