Anthony Aderogba, MCR Ethnic Diversity Officer
Anthony Aderogba is Ethnic Diversity Officer for the MCR at Trinity Hall. Anthony is studying an MSt in Social Innovation and is a recipient of the CJBS (Cambridge Judge Business School) and CURUFC (Cambridge Union Rugby Union Football Club) Studentship. The University’s men’s rugby club celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021.
What do you enjoy most about studying/living in Cambridge?
I enjoy the fact that there is so much on offer here. I really feel stimulated by both the rigour of my course, and the intelligence of those around me. Being in the rugby club, and having the camaraderie and access to facilities, training and Varsity has literally made my Cambridge experience.
Why did you choose to study Social Innovation?
I chose the MSt Social Innovation because it was the best course to allow me to be who I always wanted to be: a social innovator! I have always cared about social entrepreneurship, and in my career in government policy at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and as an officer in the Metropolitan Police, I have endeavoured to create positive change for the lives of the most needy. This course is showing me how I can do just that and more, and with the CURUFC Studentship, it has allowed me to do that through sport, such as charity events like playing tag rugby in special schools, or raising money to tackle cancer with our exhibition games.
What drew you to your role as Ethnic Diversity Officer for the MCR?
I felt that Trinity Hall needed more diversity simply, and I felt that I was the one to do it. I’ve been busy trying to organise more awareness of social issues in Cambridge, and am trying to advocate for more social cohesion amongst races here. We have all come from different races, creeds and backgrounds, but Trinity Hall and Cambridge unites us, so I want all of you to learn more about what life is like for a British Nigerian, and more about your own unique life too!
Who are your role models and why?
As clichéd as it is at this point, from an aspirational perspective, Barack Obama is quite inspiring as someone who, above all odds, succeeded in being the first Black or Minority Ethnic President of the most racially divided country on Earth. I want to be able to rub shoulders with the upper echelons of this world, and change it for the better. For this reason, it’s important to not lose yourself in the process, and remain humble, faithful, loving and gracious. So, on that, I believe Jesus Christ of Nazareth is a role model for me as, if I could emulate his example, especially while on my mission, I can achieve the most good and help heal this needy world.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Continue what you are doing and keep saying yes to every opportunity you can! No honestly, I have always bitten more off than I could chew, but as a result I believe I have become more well-rounded, well-travelled and diverse in my life experiences.