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Magdalene Telephone Campaign
Telephone Campaign

Meet the 2023 Telephone Campaign Callers

Our amazing team of students will be picking up the phones to talk with Members across the world!

This year, the campaign will run from 20 March – 3 April.

Each year we reach out to our Members as part of the Telephone Campaign, it is a fantastic opportunity for students and alumni to share experiences. We contact Members around the world, updating you on College news and asking for your support towards Magdalene’s fundraising goals. Our students gain a huge amount from the advice and life experience from those who have gone before them and enjoy hearing your Magdalene stories.

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 2023 Student Calling Team

Harry

HarryWhat subject are you studying?

Biological Natural Sciences

Why did you choose to study your course?

I always enjoyed science but quite frankly didn't know what direction to go in. The Natural Sciences course allowed me to experiment with a few subjects, eventually leading me to Zoology which I would never have expected to end up studying but am now thoroughly fascinated with.

What made you choose Magdalene?

I applied to Trinity and got rejected after which I took a gap year and applied to Clare who pooled me without telling me. Hence I was very surprised when I got an offer from Mag-da-lene College. I now view the whole proceedings as a lengthy upgrade process. ;)

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The student community.

What is your favourite place in College?

The Fellows' Garden during the summer months and probably the Bar with the fire going during the winter months.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

During the summer there is no better place to be than punting down the river.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

I'm in most of the Science/Biology societies, the Expedition Society and the Cambridge Union. I was president of the Magdalene JCR last year.

What do you like most about Cambridge?

Nobody is normal. Everyone has an interesting story, is passionate about their subject and/or in many cases are a bit bonkers. Across the university, in any College bar, you can bump into folks who will share with you discussions on science or humanities (often an eclectic mix of both) with a level of enthusiasm I have not witnessed anywhere else.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Community, allegiance, inexplicable.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Enthusiastic, helpful, optimistic.

What is your favourite food?

Banoffee Pie

Maria

MariaWhat subject are you studying?

Medicine

Why did you choose to study your course?

I found it difficult to choose a single subject area: languages, history, sciences- I enjoyed them all. I chose medicine, because of the rewarding and giving nature of the profession that had a challenging academic side to it as well. At Cambridge there are lots of opportunities to go beyond the scope of the course, get involved in policy, global health and research and it's been such a privilege to be part of it over the past couple of years.

What made you choose Magdalene?

The lavender colour scheme. Just joking. I heard about the tight-knit community in this beautiful riverside College and decided to apply. There is no place I'd rather be!

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The people! The Magdalene community and the sense of belonging you have here are very special.

What is your favourite place in College?

Really can't choose, so will have to give you two. The first is our beautiful river walk through the Fellows' Garden that has a special sense of peace and tranquility. The second would be our candle-lit Formal hall- I have so many incredible memories from College dinners with my friends here, both in complete darkness in winter or with sunlight seeping through the stained-glass windows in the summer- it's gorgeous!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

Coffee walks with friends around Cambridge. Watching sunrises and sunsets. Playing tennis on a warm summer evening or reading by the river to get away from the Cambridge chaos.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

I did lots of rowing with MBC over my second year and decided to try something different, so I joined the university Korfball team this year and I've really enjoyed it! I also play in intercollege tennis and lacrosse leagues, had a Welfare role on the JCR last year and now on the Magdalene May Ball committee for 2023. On the medicine side of things, I've been involved in 'Students for Global Health' movement and Medical Humanities Society, organising speaker events and panel discussions throughout the year.

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 and it's something very special to be a part of.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Beautiful, vibrant, welcoming.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Honest, giving, determined.

What is your favourite food?

All things seafood and Russian/Ukrainian food that tastes of home.

Sameeah

Sameeah Ahmed-AraiWhat subject are you studying?

MPhil English Studies

Why did you choose to study your course?

The English Faculty at Cambridge offers inter-disciplinary and experimental seminars rather than traditional English courses. For example, it's closely linked with the film studies MPhil and I have taken seminars involving various media including song, film, graphic narratives and games. My supervisor's research interests are in spatiality and literature, much like my own, which is a rare and niche area that is under-explored.

What made you choose Magdalene?

I liked that it had strong connections with my home country, South Africa. I was very happy to see Nelson Mandela's portrait up in the Hall. Magdalene was a reputable College amongst past students I spoke to who went to Cambridge University, most notably that it was a small, pretty college close to the city centre.

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The support that the College offers - particularly the welfare initiatives, College Nurse and the Chaplin. I've attended the inter-faith scripture readings with Sarah which was really interesting. The MCR has also organised initiatives, such as gardening, which I look forward to.

What is your favourite place in College?

The New Library and the grassy area outside it. Much of my research interest surround architecture having taken architecture theory courses, so I thoroughly appreciate the clever, unique architecture. The library definitely deserved the RIBA Stirling prize!

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I enjoy ice skating, going for walks in the park/gardens and reading or writing for fun. The Botanical Gardens and Jesus Green (especially when the weather is good) are some of my favourite areas. I also enjoy taking spontaneous day trips or longer planned trips to other cities and towns such as London, Nottingham and Southampton.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

Ice Skating Society, Engineers without Borders and Islamic Society

What do you like most about Cambridge?

The range of events that are on offer - through the Faculty, College and societies. Being able to attend lectures by incredible speakers such as Kwame Appiah has been one of my highlights. Attending inter-disciplinary research seminars in groups (with students from law, maths and humanities) was a new and stimulating experience.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Supportive, caring, aesthetic.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Enthusiastic, diligent, welcoming.

What is your favourite food?

Sushi

Ayomide

AyomideWhat subject are you studying?

Medicine

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study medicine after observing the way medical professionals assisted in the treatment of my youngest brother who has Down's Syndrome.

What made you choose Magdalene?

I chose Magdalene after spending a week here on the Cambridge University Student Union's Shadowing Scheme. I got to attend lectures, a supervision and stay in Magdalene for a week. I liked it so much that I applied here in autumn of the same year and got an offer.

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

I believe that one of the best things about Magdalene is the community. Its student body is the perfect size, such that you will get to know almost everybody in your year and the other years as well. There are also the many sports and society which allow you to meet new people and develop hobbies.

What is your favourite place in College?

The New Library and surrounding Fellow’s Garden.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I read books, play music, play chess, cycle and go to the gym.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

Magdalene College Chess Club, Magdalene College Football Club, Magdalene College Medical Society

What do you like most about Cambridge?

The city is extremely scenic and the collegiate system allows me to have a lot of friends who study other courses - an opportunity that may not be as available at other universities.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Community, lively, supportive.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Ambitious, approachable, energetic.

What is your favourite food?

Pepperoni pizza

Grace

GraceWhat subject are you studying?

Geography

Why did you choose to study your course?

I have always enjoyed learning about the different connections and processes that make up the world around us. It is also a highly relevant degree due to the current environmental crisis, and I feel that the content and themes covered will be invaluable to both my personal and professional life.

What made you choose Magdalene?

I was pooled, but had I applied, it would've definitely been for the New Library.

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The friendly and close-knit atmosphere. It feels very much like a community, not just a collection of buildings where people live.

What is your favourite place in College?

The Beach. I like to sit and watch the river, especially at sunset when the light reflects off the water and the buildings. It's the perfect place to sit and chat with friends, or take a break from work.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I spend a lot of time in various Cambridge theatres, either acting, costume designing or set designing. Other than this I am also learning Russian through the University Language Centre.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

I am part of the Magdalene Volleyball Club. I also participate in Magdalene's "Skinny Scarf Society", a weekly meet-up in Pepys Library where we sit and crotchet/knit whilst chatting. Most people have never knitted or crocheted before so it's nice to learn a new skill with people from all year groups in a relaxed way.

What do you like most about Cambridge?

I like the architecture and small narrow streets. I enjoy looking at the buildings, especially how even the most mundane building is still very old and beautiful.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Sociable, vibrant, warm.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Friendly, patient, energetic.

What is your favourite food?

Thai - Or anything spicy!

Joe

Jo - Magdalene Telephone Campaign 2023What subject are you studying?

Modern and Medieval Languages - French and Spanish 

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study Modern and Medieval Languages because I thought it would open up a multitude of possibilities in the working sphere, giving me the chance to communicate and interact with different cultures and people abroad. I hope the year abroad experience, which I will be taking part in next year, will give me invaluable memories and open up a variety of paths for when I leave University.

What made you choose Magdalene?

I chose Magdalene because of the community and its location. The College is in one of the best locations in the whole of Cambridge, positioned overlooking the river.

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

I really like the close-knit community which Magdalene has to offer, which is something the much larger colleges at the University do not have. This allows you to get to know people across all years and form friendships with people who you wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to.

What is your favourite place in College?

The New Library is incredible. Not only is the architecture extremely impressive but the space inside is the perfect environment to study, with social spaces to relax in also.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I am a keen athlete and enjoy playing lots of sports. I play football regularly as well as rugby. I have played tennis since the age of 3 and competed in county competitions in the past.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

I am the Magdalene College Football Team captain. Being the captain of this illustrious club has increased my love for the College and has taught me a lot over the last year. We have a strong community of players and we are currently battling it out at the top of the table for promotion next year into Division 2 of the Cambridge University League.

What do you like most about Cambridge?

Cambridge is a beautiful city which is steeped in history. Going to this university is an experience that very few people get to do, so I feel very fortunate to be part of this community. The city is small, quite like Magdalene, but this gives a feeling of a much closer community and means I have met hundreds of different people.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Picturesque, homely, charismatic.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Sociable, driven, versatile

What is your favourite food?

Chinese

Alea

AleaWhat subject are you studying?

Natural Sciences

Why did you choose to study your course?

I always liked science and maths subjects but couldn't pick a favourite, so Natural Sciences was an ideal choice. This year, I am specialising in Chemistry because I love how it bridges the gap between the physical and biological sciences. Plus, I get to make some cool chemicals in the lab!

What made you choose Magdalene?

I was unable to visit Cambridge before coming to university so I picked my College based off a Google search. I was sold on the Pepys arches and Magdalene's central-but-not-too-central location (proximity to Sainsbury's was a big win).

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The Magdalene community is so warm and welcoming, and being in a small College means you to get to know everyone.

What is your favourite place in College?

The Fellows' Garden riverside path in the spring/summer, when the flowers are in full bloom! Definitely one of the prettiest sights in Cambridge.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

Cooking is my go-to activity. It is always exciting to try out new recipes and nothing beats the joy a good meal brings. The kitchen is also a great social space. In my (limited) spare time, I enjoy running, reading and playing the piano.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

Over my 3 years here, I've had a chance to try out a wealth of different things. Being part of the netball team and VoxSoc in College was great fun, as was joining the committee for SciSoc and CUMaS (CU Malaysian Soc). A highlight was organising the Cambridge Climate & Sustainability Forum (CCSF). Recently, I have taken up dance and volleyball and look forward to participating in Cuppers next term.

What do you like most about Cambridge?

The opportunity to study at a world-renowned institution with such a beautiful setting is something I am forever grateful for. Everyone here is so incredibly talented, brilliant and interesting - I have been able to learn so much from people and make some amazing friends.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Award-winning library.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Hardworking, personable, patient

What is your favourite food?

Any form of noodle!

Albi

AlbiWhat subject are you studying?

Asian & Middle Eastern Studies - Arabic and Spanish

Why did you choose to study your course?

I wanted to learn more about the history and culture of the Middle East and Latin America.

What made you choose Magdalene?

It has a Fellow for both Spanish and Arabic. Alongside the location and the history of the College.

What is the best thing about Magdalene?

The community.

What is your favourite place in College?

The Village.

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

Spend time with friends. Running or swimming. Take a nap.

Are you in any College or University clubs, societies or sports teams?

Modern Pentathlon; Cambridge University Horse Racing Society; Cambridge University Middle East Society. I play for the Magdalene College hockey, football and cricket teams.

What do you like most about Cambridge?

The friendliness of everyone.

Can you describe Magdalene in three words?

Welcoming, charismatic, fun.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Smiley, light-hearted, organised

What is your favourite food?

Chinese