Two family members, Amanda Lo, an MBA alumna from 2001, and her nephew William Lan, a current Medical Sciences MPhil student, both chose St Catharine’s College, Cambridge for their postgraduate studies, despite the 20-year gap between their enrollments. They shared their reasons for selecting Cambridge and St Catharine’s College and discussed their academic and personal experiences there.
Amanda’s journey began with an economics degree from UCLA followed by a career in construction business before pursuing an MBA at Cambridge, influenced by its reputation and the vibrant academic community. William followed a similar path from UCLA, working in mental health before moving to Cambridge to specialize in psychiatry, inspired by Amanda’s stories and the college’s strong community feel.
Both lived in the same college accommodation, Russell Street, during their studies, experiencing the city’s compactness and the college’s close-knit community. While Amanda engaged in the MBA’s busy schedule and ballroom dancing, William has involved himself in fencing and serves as the Postgraduate Welfare Officer.
Their experiences at Catz, though decades apart, reflect a consistent theme of diversity and community, with traditions like Formal Halls and punting adding to their unique Cambridge experience. Despite changes over the years, particularly the increase in digital communication, both emphasize the importance of in-person interactions in building lasting friendships and fully engaging with the university life.
Amanda and William’s stories highlight the enduring appeal of St Catharine’s College and the transformative impact of its community and traditions on its students across generations.
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