Lily Mead attended a small state school in St Ives – one of the towns that surround Cambridge. She studied for an undergraduate degree in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds and this year, she started an MPhil in Gender Studies at Murray Edwards College.
Why did you choose to study at Murray Edwards College?
I visited the College on the postgraduate open day and, as clichéd as it sounds, I knew immediately it was where I wanted to be. Being in a supportive environment, surrounded by kind, intelligent women, is fantastic and I can think of no better setting to conduct my studies.
What made you want to study for an MPhil in Gender Studies?
My undergraduate degree was in Theology and Religious Studies, and although the subjects may seem unrelated, I think they complement each other perfectly. Gender has shaped religion in practice and religious institutions in profound ways, and continues to play an important role in religious debates.
Your parents have started degrees at Cambridge this year too. How did you feel about starting at the same time as them?
My mother applied to Cambridge before me and my dad. She joked that we were stealing her thunder when we both attended the postgraduate open day in November 2018. Safe to say, we were very relieved when we all got a place – it might have made for some slightly awkward family dinners if only one or two of us had got in!
What are your parents studying?
My mother is at Lucy Cavendish, reading for an undergraduate degree in Music. It's her first degree. My dad is at Darwin, reading for a four-year postgraduate degree, including an MRes and PhD in Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems.
What have you enjoyed most about your first few weeks in Cambridge?
I have met some wonderful people who have encouraged my research, questioned my thinking and helped me deal with that pesky 'imposter syndrome'. Despite the intense work schedule, I've also managed to find time to indulge in good coffee with my coursemates and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.