Telethon 2012

Heewoon Bae

I am currently in my second year studying History at St Hugh's. I have met so many friendly people here and I enjoy singing with the chapel choir and rowing for the College in the women's second 8+. I have also become involved with indexing the patient files from when St Hugh's was used as a military hospital for head injuries in the Second World War, which has given me an interesting and alternative insight into the College's past. Outside of College, I have an interest in archaeology, and I have participated in several excavations in the past four years. After my degree, I hope to become involved with the TeachFirst programme, to help level the academic achievement gap between schools. During the telethon, I very much look forward to speaking to Senior Members of the College and hearing about their experiences.

Laurie Blackman

I am in my first year at St Hugh’s, studying Modern History. I must admit I did not know much about St Hugh’s when I first applied, but stepping into the JCR for the first time made me feel totally at home, and I haven't looked back since. I love the relaxed and approachable atmosphere that permeates St Hugh’s, as well as the great sense of community that exists in College amongst all years. My main interests are sport and music. I enjoy playing rugby for the college team in any position I can be slotted into, and moving into the city that birthed Radiohead, Foals and Hot Chip has really fired my passion for the local music scene. I look forward to the opportunity to give a little back to the college that has introduced me to some of the nicest and friendliest people I could imagine meeting.

Carys Evans

I am in my final year of studying Music, and have had the most fantastic two and a half years already at College. Between getting involved in the amazing musical world of Oxford, and making wonderful friendships, St Hugh's and Oxford have given me brilliant opportunities. I am looking forward to the telethon, so that I can actively feel a part of the St Hugh's legacy: by speaking to the St Hugh's Senior Members and finding out about what St Hugh's has done for them, as well as helping to ensure the continuing good work of St Hugh's for future students.

James Evans

St Hugh’s has been a fantastic place to live and study with such a friendly, relaxed atmosphere built into its heritage. As a 3rd year PPE-ist, I feel privileged to be part of the college ethos. I am currently president of a student-run charity I re-launched – Oxford Aid to the Balkans – which sends volunteers to projects across the Balkans, as well as funding long term educational projects in Bulgarian orphanages. Over the last three years, the charity has tripled in size and we’ve set up new projects in Albania, Bosnia and Serbia which is really exciting to be a part of. I’ve spent the last two summers in Shanghai teaching English and working with the UNDP which has allowed me to learn Mandarin and take a strong interest in China. After my finals, I’m hoping to return to East Asia and possibly study for a Masters degree in International Relations and Development. I’m also a keen rugby player for St Hugh’s and avid Bath rugby and Wales supporter, so I’m hoping for a successful Six Nations!

Kirsty Flanagan

I am currently in my second year at St Hugh’s reading for a degree in French and Ancient Greek. In my time at Oxford I have volunteered at a primary school on Iffley Road, written for the Cherwell student newspaper and now play for the St Hugh’s Netball Team. In light of my experiences within the city, university, and College community, I wanted to be part of the telethon to do what I can to help the development of St Hugh’s both for my peers and for the generations which will follow.

Eliza Grimond

I am a first year historian at St Hugh's, which I applied to because I was promised that it was the friendliest college in Oxford, with pretty grounds and that the walk into town would not be too prohibitive. The first two proved very true and I've settled in here really well. I had less luck with the last one, but on the plus side, my levels of fitness have markedly increased from frantic runs to Tesco to vary a diet of dry cereal and pasta. Last year I took an Art Foundation course at Camberwell College of Art, and although I decided to change my focus to history, being here has helped me develop and maintain my other interests in drama and poetry as well as broaden my interest in art. I look forward to helping the college and finding out more about the Senior Member community along the way.

Catherine Hodgson

I am in the first year of an MPhil in Modern British History, looking at the shape and form of the London crowd at the end of the eighteenth century. Coming to St Hugh’s from another university, I have been extremely grateful for the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that has made settling in to Oxford and making friends vastly easier. I joined the telethon team as I thought it would be a great chance to talk to Senior Members who share similar experiences of St Hugh’s, as well as giving something back to the college, which has done so much to help me feel at home here.

Marta Machala

I am in the second year of a DPhil in Slavonic Studies in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages. I have been privileged to benefit from St Hugh’s Rawnsley Graduate Scholarship, which has made my dream of research studies at the University of Oxford come true. St Hugh’s is an extremely warm and friendly place where one can feel at home, and, as a Polish student, I feel privileged to experience it in every possible way. I am very happy to be involved in the telethon and I am looking forward to getting to know Senior Members to share the experiences of belonging to the St Hugh’s community and to ensure its future development.

Melvin Mezue

I am a second year DPhil student in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. I am also half-way through a medical degree, from which I am intercalating on an MBPhD programme. I have lived on three continents, thus far, which has given me an appetite for travel. I am also a fan of all sports, particularly football (Arsenal) and basketball (Celtics), and have been involved in student politics and a number of sport clubs. I was a telethon caller last year, thoroughly enjoyed it, and am back for more! It is a wonderful opportunity to gain useful insights from Senior Members, help to support worthy causes in the College and build lasting relationships with fellow callers.

Gemma Robson

I am a first year student studying Archaeology and Anthropology. Although I have only been at St Hugh’s for a short time, I feel it is a fantastic place to study and live, with a warm and friendly atmosphere. I am a keen member of the Oxford University Mountaineering Club, and Oxford Millennium Orchestra, in which I play the violin. I applied to take part in the telethon because I want to ensure that future students continue to receive a high level of personal and academic support through the tutorial system and student hardship fund. I am looking forward to hearing about Senior Members’ experiences of St Hugh’s, and finding out about their lives after university.

Swati Seshadri

I am a third year Engineering student. I thoroughly enjoy my subject and look forward to another incredible year and a half at Hugh’s. I applied for the telethon so that future students can have all the opportunities I've had in college (and hopefully more) and enjoy being at Hugh’s as much as I currently am.

Tom Wilson

I am currently in my third year of studying Archaeology and Anthropology. I've really enjoyed being part of College and my course has been fantastic, allowing me to travel extensively with generous financial support. The College has a great fun and relaxed atmosphere and I'll be sad to leave! I applied to take part in the telethon because I've benefited so much from being a part of St Hugh's and wanted to help ensure that the support it provides continues after I've graduated.