̽��ֱ��

Every year, CUSU’s Shadowing Scheme offers an inspiring taste of life as a Cambridge student. Over three days, prospective applicants (‘shadows’) attend lectures and supervisions as well as getting involved with the ̽��ֱ��’s vibrant social life.��

��

CUSU received dozens of��entries for this year’s competition and after much deliberation its judges have selected the best.��

��

Winning the diary competition, Shabnam Tariq from , described going on a tour around Cambridge with her student��mentor:

��

“ ̽��ֱ��community was vibrant with people from all sorts of social and cultural backgrounds which I was not expecting.”

��

Shabnam particularly enjoyed dining in :

��

“ ̽��ֱ��architecture was beautiful and the ceiling was just as stunning. Being an A-level historian, I even spotted a portrait of Henry VIII, which helped me to understand Tudor propaganda even more. Who wouldn't want to stare at a portrait of Henry while enjoying a three-course meal?”

��

Shabnam also described in lively detail the academic components of her Shadowing Scheme weekend, writing:��

��

“I visited the beautiful and then went to a ‘Life as a medical student’ introduction at . Everything was very practical. I got the chance to test people's��blood pressure and do a cardiac examination which was very fun. We then received a talk from a consultant on medical school admissions. This was very useful because it made me realise that you need more than knowledge to become a doctor…”

��

Shabnam concluded: “I had an amazing time on the Shadowing Scheme and it has made me want to study medicine at Cambridge even more. I learnt that nobody is arrogant, obnoxious and has 20 A-levels. Well, most people are not! It has also made me realise that you do not need to come from a wealthy family or a private school to study there; if you are dedicated and hardworking, then it can be the place for you. It is now my aspiration and goal to study medicine at Cambridge!”

��

Runner-up, Dominic Crombie from , wrote:

��

“There are certain things a person can’t do in good conscience��anymore after having gone to Cambridge. They can’t be a cynic, seeing all the students will quickly dispel that. They can’t question the value of a university; it’s in every conversation on everything from [Nicki] Minaj to Marlowe. They can’t waste time; there are far too many plays to write and music-related debates to be had for that. And they can’t be satisfied with not knowing things, with not being curious …”

��

In the Photography category, Silas Hope from ��in Rochester��(Kent) took first prize with an atmospheric and brilliantly executed shot of taken from the Kitchen Bridge.

��

̽��ֱ��Runners-up were:

��

Mohammad Haris��Fazal from (Essex) whose decision to snap the view through the window of his room at resulted in a highly original photograph which captured the sense of becoming��a Cambridge student for the weekend;��

��

William Keeley from (Cheshire), who presented two photographs, one of & ��College, the other of , to create a striking collage effect.

��