Page 13 - Luce 2020

J unior C o mmon Ro om

Reflections on a

‘life-changing’ three years

Our 3rd-year I first arrived as a timid, seventeen-year
biomedicine old, who thought she knew exactly what
student, she was going to do with her life and
Ella James, exactly how she was going to get there.
shared this I was so certain about the path that I
Valedictory thought I would take. But I was wrong,
Speech at the Trinity-JCH Joint so incredibly wrong. Intercollegiate table tennis
Valedictory Chapel Service.
I have learnt that being set on one
When I look back on my time in path is not the most important thing.
College, I am reminded of how College has taught me to value the
humbling an experience it has been. little moments, the experiences and the
After having friends older than me friendships that shape a future you may
go through the College environment, not have even known you were ready
and describe their experiences as life- for.
changing, I couldn’t wait to feel the
same. College sets you on a journey of self-
exploration – on which the people
And let me say, it hasn’t disappointed. you surround yourself with every Intercollegiate mascot race
With home being so far away, College day, challenge you to become a more
has become my family. A place of complete version of yourself. Through
support, where I know there are people the laughter and tears, you uncover such
with whom I can share my happiest a remarkable amount about yourself.
moments and my deepest concerns. I For me, this journey has reinforced
started out knowing absolutely no-one the importance of remaining morally
and, three years later, I am blessed to grounded in everything I do, the need
have many deeply empathetic friends for integrity and honesty and the value
who have seen me in all my different in taking each day as it comes. It has
states, and a group of tutors and shaped me into who I am today.
staff who are always present to offer
advice and support. These people are The lessons you learn during your time
what make College such a personal at College prepare you for when you That’s Incredibles!
experience. They build the culture that leave. They equip you with the skills
enriches the College and its residents. to face the next chapter of your life. A it so special. The friendly faces to
College is all about being part of a team. former JCH student once said to me come back to after a long day at Uni,
When one person is successful, as a during my first year in College that I the dinner conversations, all the cards,
College we all celebrate. Likewise, when would know when it was finally time puzzles and pool-playing enjoyed with
someone is struggling, we are all there to to leave. I would be ready to move out. friends. These are the aspects of College
offer support where we can. It is through She encouraged me not to leave until that I will miss the most.
being a part of this support network that that time came. It has taken three years,
College has become such an embedded but that time has come. It has been a completely humbling
part of my life. These friendships are journey and I am incredibly grateful
ones I will treasure for a long time after I More than anything, I will miss the for the opportunity to have spent three
leave JCH. simple things about College that make years in such a supportive place.

Hot summer night

J anet Clarke Hall 13