Zoya Yasmine: “Trinity Hall in one word is community”

What first drew you to Trinity Hall, and what were your impressions when you arrived?

I think what initially drew me to Trinity Hall was its rich legal history. I had previously studied law and intended to focus on this subject during my MPhil (in relation to AI), so it seemed so fitting to be in a college where legal scholarship was so foundational to its identity. I liked the idea of considering how the new harms posed by AI require us to reflect on old legal principles – Trinity Hall seemed like the perfect place to do this! I will also admit that I was drawn to the fact that the college had a cat, Silly, at the time.

What is one memory or experience that best captures your time at College?

One of my favourite experiences at the College was serving as an MCR Green Officer. It was an extremely rewarding role, and it helped me make friends with the college community, including not only fellow MCR members but also students from the JCR, college staff, and people involved in similar positions at other colleges. Alongside my co-Green Officers Lindsey (MCR) and May (JCR), we won the Gold award for Green Impact, which recognised all the different ways the college was striving to be more sustainable from its formals to conference policies, and of course, its wonderful grounds.

What impact did Trinity Hall have on your future?

I am now pursuing a PhD in Law at “The Other Blue” (!), and I wouldn’t have got here if it had not been for my time and all the support from Trinity Hall. I found such a supportive group of friends who encouraged me to pursue further research and funding from Trinity Hall enabled me to present my research during my MPhil, gaining valuable contacts and knowledge for my further studies. I learnt so much from conversations over dinner at a formal with incredible people during my time at Trinity Hall. In fact, some of these discussions inspired parts of the research that I am currently working on in my thesis!

As we celebrate 50 years of co-education, what message would you like to share with future generations of women coming to Trinity Hall?

Trinity Hall is a space where you are genuinely empowered to do your best. The college recognises the history and barriers faced by women (in particular those from marginalised backgrounds) in education and is working to challenge some of these impediments. Senior members of the college were always receptive to listening to problems faced by students on the ground and would try to support us if they could, or provide us with the support and direction to make wider institutional change where necessary.