St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, has been a shared academic home for two family members, Amanda Lo, an MBA alumna from 2001, and her nephew, William Lan, a current MPhil student in Medical Sciences specializing in psychiatry. Despite the two decades separating their studies, both Amanda and William found their experiences at the college remarkably similar.
Academic and Professional Backgrounds: Amanda started her higher education at NYU before transferring to UCLA to major in Economics. After her graduation, she worked in the construction industry while applying to top MBA programs, including Cambridge Judge Business School. William, also a UCLA alum, studied microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. Before coming to Cambridge, he worked with autistic children and as a crisis counselor in California.
Choosing Cambridge: Both were drawn to Cambridge for different reasons. Amanda chose Cambridge for its growing reputation and fell in love with the city during her interview visits. William was influenced by Amanda’s positive reviews and his own desire to study at a prestigious location known for life sciences.
Experience at St Catharine’s College: They both lived at the same college accommodation on Russell Street, albeit years apart, enjoying the compact and community-focused environment. Amanda was particularly drawn to Catz due to its friendly atmosphere, while William appreciated the college’s reputation for fostering a close-knit community.
College Life and Extracurricular Activities: Amanda enjoyed the vibrant social life and academic rigor during her time, while William has engaged in activities like fencing and served as the Postgraduate Welfare Officer. Both appreciated the unique opportunities to immerse in traditional Cambridge experiences like formals and punting.
Reflections on Community and Changes: Both reflected on the strong sense of community at Catz, noting the ease of making friends from diverse backgrounds, which was a contrast to their experiences at UCLA. They observed that digital technology has changed how current students interact, though the essence of community remains strong.
Amanda and William’s story illustrates the timeless appeal of Cambridge’s academic and social environment, highlighting the enduring value of education at St Catharine’s College across generations.
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