A Passion for Change
Ellen’s engagement in student issues began last year when she served as the Welfare Officer alongside Angelo Smith. Together, they achieved tangible results, such as securing more welfare lockers for different accommodation sites. Ellen emphasises the concrete impact the JCR can have on students’ lives: “The way everyone experiences College day to day is what we want to improve. Trinity Hall – the Collegiate University has a strong effect on people’s lives which is unique to the Oxbridge system, and we want to enhance that experience.”
Regarding her motivation for joining the JCR, Ellen, now a second year, said: “Most roles had multiple people running for them, and everyone applying was really passionate about making a difference. That passion is what I want to support and foster during my term.”
Choosing Trinity Hall
Ellen’s journey to Trinity Hall began with a map of Cambridge and a circle drawn around a small, central area. Her decision was influenced by a family friend who spoke highly of Trinity Hall, and a mentor Zero Gravity UK: a programme that supports state school pupils with their educational ambitions. She recalls her first impressions of the College during a stormy visit in year 13, noting the warmth of the community and the homely atmosphere that set Trinity Hall apart from other colleges.
Rowing: A Surprising Journey
Outside of her studies, Ellen found a passion for rowing, a sport she had never considered before university. She said: “It’s now one of the biggest parts of what I do here. Rowing for Trinity Hall Boat Club gave me something to enjoy, a new skill outside of the academic side of life. It was something new to learn from scratch whereas I’ve been working hard at my academic life for years.” Ellen’s experience with rowing began as a novice, and she has embraced the challenge, even joining the Leeds town club over the summer. “I had no idea there was rowing in Leeds so that’s really opened up a new side of things for me,” she added.
Building Community and Opportunities
As the new JCR President, Ellen emphasises the importance of connections within the JCR, particularly roles such as the Liberation Officers, which focus on building community and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. She believes in fostering both the emotional and practical aspects of community building: “It’s about people, their connections, and creating opportunities for everyone.”
As she takes the helm of the JCR, Ellen encourages prospective students not to rely on stereotypes and to explore the diverse worlds within College life: “There is something for everyone at Trinity Hall and the wider University.”
