When considering Cambridge, Erin kept her mother’s ethos in mind. “My mum told me to always do what you enjoy as then you’ll end up somewhere you love.”

Erin envisioned being surrounded by other students who shared this mindset. “I wanted to be where everyone loved their subject as much as I did.”

Despite feeling academically suited to Cambridge, Erin was uncertain as to whether she would fit in. “I didn’t know if it was the place for me. I had no idea what the environment or the people who studied there were like.”

‘Apply: Cambridge’ made a pivotal difference to Erin’s confidence by providing student insight into life at the University.

Her visit to Newnham for the open day cemented her decision. “The students there spoke so positively of their experiences, and it was clear that the College had high levels of student support.”

Arriving in Cambridge was initially daunting for Erin. “Like many others, I felt a strong sense of imposter syndrome.”

But Cambridge’s diversity and her peers’ openness made her feel at home.

She’s also made the most of Cambridge’s eclectic range of societies. “I was the Newnham Netball Vice-Captain, which was such a fun way to spend the weekends.”

As Erin saw her degree in History facilitating a future career in law, she got involved with the Law Society at Newnham. She was able to access the support available at the College to enrich her understanding of the field.

“I was awarded the Laidlaw Scholarship, which enabled me to volunteer for 6 weeks in Melbourne, Australia, at a women’s legal.

"I was in the policy advocacy and communications team, focusing on structural changes to family law. This experience has inspired me to go on to work in advocacy in a similar field.”

Beyond this scholarship, financial support has allowed Erin to make the most of her time at Cambridge. “I’ve been able to enjoy life and focus on my studies without having to balance my degree with a job.”

Pastoral support has been just as vital. “I was worried that coming to Cambridge would stir up past issues with anxiety I’ve suffered with. But I’ve been managing really well thanks to the help of Newnham’s welfare officer.

As a student, Erin champions equality and inclusion. “As Gender Equality Officer at Newnham and president of the Feminist Society, I helped to organise the International Women’s Day formal and invited Newnham alumnae to come and speak at the event.

A particularly impactful guest was Jane Hyung, founder of Becky’s Button, a global charity dedicated to ending violence against women.”

The formal enthused Erin at both personal and professional levels. “I was inspired by these Newnham alumnae who had gone on to a diverse range of careers.”

Erin has also directly contributed to the system that helped her. “I became an Apply: Cambridge mentor because of how much it had helped me. I wanted to give back in any way I could. I had six mentees last year.

“I was also a CAMbassador, where I helped at outreach events, because widening participation is so important to me. "

Her work is informed by the invaluable support she gained from ‘Apply: Cambridge’.

In Erin’s words, her Cambridge experience has “opened up a new world for me, which has made me feel more confident that I’ll succeed in my studies, career and life.”

It’s also a new community of like-minded yet diverse individuals. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to talk to people from different backgrounds and interests whom I would’ve never met without studying at Cambridge.”

Most importantly, Cambridge has nurtured Erin’s self-belief to effect change where it matters most, in her own life and beyond.