FLY Zine 2021: Inspiration by FLY Cambridge

FLY PRESENTS:

Inspiration

2021

SEPTEMBER, 2021

CONTENTS All Things FLY

Foreword

FLY Committee 2020-21

Interview with Siana Bangura

Interview with Suhaiymah

Profiles

Manzoor-Khan

Anaya Guleid

Areeg Ashraf Emarah

Ema Banerjee

Submissions

Inspiration

Farzana Salik

Cambridge Photography by

Folu Ogunyeye

@theafroarab

Jungmin Seo

Because My Greatest Inspiration

Lati Gutta

Is From My Own Story

Lucy Hong

All The Words They Don't Say by

Maya McFarlane

Folu Ogunyeye

Nuvpreet Kaur Kalra

Hilltop Temple by Lucy Hong

Riva Kapoor

Mediations #16 by Delilah

Roshni Parmar-Hill

Dennett

Safa Al-Azami

Henna Designs by Safa Al-Azami

Savanna Patel

Graphic Art by Miriam Dzah

Tara Bhagat

Blackout Poetry by Nadia Singh

Tara Choudhury

Poems From Sanskrit by Vidya

Tonye Igali

Divakaran

Tyra Amofah-Akardom

Where Do You Get Your Brows

Vidya Divakaran

Done by Vidya Divakaran

Zara Salaria

I Once Dreamt Of Being Here by

Zarah Ali

13 16

38 44

Folu Ogunyeye

HI EVERYONE! We are incredibly excited to present FLY’s 2021 Zine: Inspiration! It has been such a tough year so we wanted to celebrate the fabulous achievements of women and non-binary people of colour at Cambridge. We hope this Zine uplifts our community and inspires all of us to continue being amazing! In this Zine you will find profiles of truly inspirational members of the FLY community, these lovely people were nominated by their peers and showcase the wonderful diversity of our community. Make sure to spot the quotes from our members highlighting the fabulousness of the nominees. We also are so proud to exhibit the beautiful artistic creations of FLY members about what inspiration means to them. Please continue to support their incredible work, we were so blown away by them all. We want to thank everyone who contributed to the creation of this Zine and we hope it will serve as a wonderful artefact of the brilliance of our community.

FLY has had an ‘unprecedented’ year creating new ways to bring our community together through the pandemic. We have been really proud of our weekly forums and fortnightly CARE sessions giving a much needed space for our self care during a particularly difficult time. Some highlights of the year include; our panel with women and non binary academics of colour at Cambridge which certainly provided plenty of inspiration for us all. Our gigantic forum on social media feminism. Our panel for International Women’s Day celebrating the work of women in our community. A special highlight was our first in-person event in over eighteen months being a very special forum on ‘Taking up Space’ where we took over The Cambridge Union chamber. This event was an incredibly emotional, affirming and inspirational chance for us all to finally connect and share in person then have fun together at our social after. Looking to the next year, we can’t wait to introduce our new committee and are so excited to see where they will take FLY as the world starts to open up again. FLY love,

Savanna & Lati FLY Co-Facilitators 2020-21

FLY COMMITTEE 2020- 21

Savanna Patel Co-Facilitator Lati Gutta Co-Facilitator Amaka Udeagbaja Campaigns Maha Husain Campaigns Maryam Mahmood Secretary Faridat Abdulsalami Publicity Maya McFarlane Open Portfolio Anaya Guleid Open Portfolio

SIANA BANGURA Over a Zoom call with one of the founding members of Cambridge FLY, Siana Bangura, she and I spoke about various things such as racism within her university experience, the evolution of her work and common experiences and ideas she and I shared. Read on to learn more about the incredibly talented writer, producer, campaigner and get a glimpse into our lively conversation. What was your upbringing like?

Siana: I grew up in South East London and attended St Saviour’s and Olave’s Secondary School for Girls in Elephant & Castle. Although I’m very much from ends, I’d say my dedication to school and focus on my education kept me ‘sheltered’ from engaging in any of the negativity I grew up around, even though there was ample opportunity to do so if I was that way inclined. Especially coming from a single parent household, my mother was keen that my brother and I did not become another statistic. I was also fortunate in that the school I went to, despite being a state school, provided me with the opportunities to help me study at Cambridge, such as interview prep at the relatively close private school, Dulwich College. What

was

your

university

experience

and

what were the events leading up to the formation of the Cambridge FLY forum?

Siana: One of my first memorable moments in Cambridge was when one of my supervisors abruptly ended my Freshers’ Week by handing me a Reading List with almost 100 books on it for an essay I was due to write and hand in the following week. I visited the UL (University Library) right away, which I remember I thought looked like a prison, and ended up standing between the shelves of books crying from the overwhelm. And I rarely cry. What became clear to me was that the private school kids that surrounded me at Peterhouse had educational backgrounds where institutions such as Cambridge were intimately familiar. I’d spent much of my university experience navigating be an outsider at Cambridge.

In my third and final year of uni, however, we founded FLY as a ‘safe’ space for the women of colour at the university after realizing the Women’s Campaign didn’t totally reflect our needs and our experiences. FLY was founded by Robyn Taylor, Priscilla Mensah (first Black female president of the Cambridge Union) and Justina Kehinde Ogunseitan (Director of the first allBlack female casted play at Cambridge University, ‘For Colored Girls’). Founding members included myself, and people like the playwright and founder of Chuku’s (London-based Nigerian Tapas restaurant), Ifeyinwa Frederick, Samara Linton (Editor of collections such as ‘The Colour of Madness’) and Lolia Etomi (actress and lawyer) to name just a few. We all met up weekly at Waterstones in the town centre and came to offload our shared experiences. It was an important and productive space for healing and relationship-building. When I finished university and graduated, I remember feeling a deep anger. In fact, my mother noticed that I had changed a lot when I came back home after University. It was imperative I channelled that anger into something positive, so I founded the Black British Feminist platform, No Fly on the WALL in 2013.

What

kind

other

extra-curricular

did

you

get

up to? Were you a member of ACS for example?

Siana: I wasn’t a member of the ACS but I knew lots of people involved in it. At the time, I didn’t want to just be part of a society because I was Black (that was a futile and problematic way of seeing things back then I might add!).

I spent a lot of time doing extra-curricular activities though in order to avoid my college, Peterhouse, as I hated being there. I wrote for The Tab and Varsity, I did photography at The ADC theatre, and I was the Chief of New Music at the university’s radio station, CamFM. I definitely made the most of my uni experience in that regard. What

kind

events

immediately

followed

graduating?

Siana: I graduated in 2013 and began and founded No Fly on the WALL, a platform for Black British women and Black women living in the UK. It was an online zine as well as a community-focused projects. We organised events across the UK that enabled conversations that were taking place online to take place in person – lots of people met their Twitter friends in real life at our events and monthly community circles.

As well as being a nod to FLY, the name referred to refusing to be a fly on the wall, watching the world go by without intervening. My aim was always to intervene and disrupt the status quo with all my work, including this project. Over the years, brilliant people such as Chante Joseph, Kelechi Okafor, Tobi Oredein, Jendella Benson, Liv Little, and Guilaine Kinouani came through our doors and worked with us in one way or another. They have all since gone on to do brilliant things out here in the world. I’m very proud of being able to create a space like that, through which people have built lasting relationships and connections even after we closed our doors in 2018. Aside from founding No Fly on the WALL, I’m a writer, an author, a producer of political film and theatre and I’m working on plays, podcasts and other projects. I have a successful portfolio career which includes working in the Arts, Media, and across different Campaigning issues, including the arms trade, environmental justice, gentrification, and police brutality. I also found the time to co-found a groundbreaking research project called The Black Cantabs, along with three other people, including Dr. Eva Namusoke-Nsubuga. Although it seems the shape and focus of the society has now changed, when we founded it the intention was to document all of Cambridge University’s past (and present) Black student population, tracing as far back to its first (recognised) Black student, Alexander Crummell.

What would you like for the future of FLY?

Siana: I’m very pleased to see that FLY is still going strong and that the foundations we laid have been built on. It’s been great to see former FLY members and co-facilitators such as Lola Olufemi and Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan go on to be great writers, poets, performers and academics.

It would be great for FLY alumni and newer members to be more connected through some sort of alumni network and/ or mentoring scheme so we can learn from each other’s experiences. The original Facebook group, created sometime in 2012, is still running and is a great way to find the original members of FLY. It’s important that the history of this group is not lost and that it is remembered and reported accurately as it’s one of the first of its kind at Cambridge University. Interview by Amaka Dominic-Udeagbaja

Find out more:

Below are links to interesting resources to look into that were mentioned in the interview: No Fly on the WALL: https://noflyonthewall.com/ Courageous Films: https://www.courageousfilms.org/ ‘1500 & Counting Film’: https://www.1500andcountingfilm.com/

The Black Cantabs Research Project: https://www.blackcantabs.org/ Black Power: A British Story of Resistance: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m 000tj50/black-power-a-british-story-ofresistance And find out more about Siana’s work here: www.sianabangura.com @Sianaarrgh across socials

Photo by Susuana Amoah

Inspiration

What does inspiration mean to me? Inspiration is remembering the sacrifices my mother made for me. Inspiration is pumping Hamilton in my ears to get me through GCSEs. And hoping one day I could feel an ounce of the determination he had, and succeed. Inspiration can be found everywhere, even right by your feet The cobbled stones that line up Cambridge’s streets The first daffodil bulb emerging from soft grass, Which exhales the fresh air, breathing Spring After the endless winter of dull dark skies. It is the caress of the sunrays On the river currents Tangerine oranges and pinks bleeding with my rowing oar I find inspiration in the endless tessellations of ad-hoc scaffolding, Like a distant descendent of the Eiffel tower. Even the cacophonous hubbub of construction work Gives way to new possibilities, hopes and dreams, chance meetings, In a building that is yet incomplete. Inspiration lingers in the materiality of historical bricks Weaving with our present, As my foot casts echoes in the stone where many others have strolled before. It lilts in the innocent melody of the bird perched outside my window at dawn. It can be found in the rhythm of Georgian brick housesA complex labyrinth that collides with the adjacent ketton stone colleges And the undulations of the streets. The constant rattle of cyclists Pumping through the arteries of our rich, complex city.

ANAYA GULEID Hi, my name's Anaya. I'm a second year HSPSer at Downing! What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

My time at Cambridge so far has been really incredible because of the spaces and communities that I’ve been able to be a part of! I’ve been involved in the BME Campaign as both Events Officer and LGBTQ+ Officer, which was an amazing experience. I was also the President of FUSE, a society for queer students of colour that is focused on creating a safe space and community for those who are part of that community. I was also the Vice-President of ACS which was a really rewarding experience because ACS played such a massive role in me coming to Cambridge in the first place! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Cambridge has taught me the importance of community and solidarity. Being in Cambridge as someone from a underrepresented community can be really taxing because it often feels like Cambridge still isn’t for you. There is so much more that needs to be done at the university but that burden often times falls on those students who bear the brunt of its exclusionary nature. That’s why community has been so important because in spaces like FLY and FUSE, that pressure isn’t there and it feels like you can just be! What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement has been trying to continue the work of those who came before me. There have been so many incredible people who came to Cambridge before me and who worked really hard to create space and build communities of care. So continuing that work through different committees and societies has been really rewarding! What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

To try and be your most authentic self and not let the pressures of Cambridge change who you are! What is your biggest source of inspiration?

Definitely my friends! I feel really blessed to have been able to meet so many incredible people who are each so inspiring in their own ways.

'Anaya is a lovely person continuing the immaculate vibes of FUSE whilst cohosting a bomb podcast on Spotify.'

AREEG ASHRAF EMARAH

Heyya! My name is Areeg Ashraf Emarah and I love humans! I am an Egyptian girl from Kenya who has an extra finger called Bubbles. I studied Engineering at Trinity College during my time at Cambridge and honestly I just can’t believe that my time here has come to an end! I love hugs (COVID has been a nightmare), late-night chats and a good golden hour.

What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I sometimes jokingly say I did my degree on the side and focused on everything else (I promise I worked too). Being a Beacon Scholar inspired me to help make Cambridge more accessible to both home and international students who wouldn’t usually consider it as an option. I have thus served as Access Officer for several societies and participated in the Shadowing Scheme every year. I was also part of the founding committee of May Week Alternative, a student movement that aims to change how we view giving for the better! Finally, I cofounded the Women In Engineering Society! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Humans are beautiful! You just need to give them a chance. I have also learnt that one of the best ways to change a system is from the inside. What is your biggest achievement?

Moving to the silent section of the Engineering Department library. (For context, I always sat in the library’s collaborative space and not much work was done there. Thus, my biggest character development was moving to the silent section in my third year!) What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

YOU DO YOU HUN!! Cambridge can be quite a scary space and it takes some time to navigate and find out where you fit in. BUT there is a reason you are here. Don’t let impostor syndrome get you! Just take baby steps, one day at a time. And remember to look up when this place is letting you down. There is so much beauty around us that passes us by because we are too busy rushing. You got this!! What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration would hands down be my family and friends. Losing my father to COVID earlier this academic year made me realise how much of his philosophy I take into life without having previously realised it. My mother inspires me with her endlessly positive attitude. And my friends – I love them. It’s just crazy meeting so many amazing people here who have helped me embrace myself while also helping me to grow! e people I've had th st ie el v lo d an t friendlies e's 'She's one of the te a tough year sh pi es D . ge id br am g at C an pleasure of meetin y, continuing to be it v ti si po d an h gt stren d so much to the demonstrated such te u ib tr n co as h any. Generally t initiatives. An n inspiration for m re fe if d in ts en arious involvem uni through her v e ever was one!' er th if e in sh n su actual ray of

Photography by @the_afro_arab

EMA BANERJEE I am Ema Banerjee. I’m a second generation Bengali immigrant, a linguist, and a

member of Emmanuel college. Current MPhil, ex BA, hopeful PhD. But I am so much more than that. I’m a published author, a feminist activist, an aspiring academic. A good cook, an occasional writer, an amateur makeup artist, an opinionated leftist. There is more to me than can possibly fit in a zine profile, just like everyone else. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Not as much as I would have liked to have been, in all honesty. I’ve never been too sporty or overly social, so I veered away from a lot of societies. But I marched with Reclaim the Night, became a makeup artist in the theatre scene (becoming a fan of the opera society in the process), spoke at vigils for Sarah Everard, performed at open mics, and that’s enough legacy for me. I stuck to what I was comfortable with and what I thought was important, and whilst part of me wishes I’d done more, I don’t regret that. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Despite periodically suffering Imposter Syndrome, the main thing I’ve learnt is self confidence. It took two years to feel like an authority on my subject, it took four shows and dozens of painted faces to call myself the ‘makeup artist’ and not just ‘someone helping with makeup’. It took time, but I got there. There are some perks to the harshness of Cambridge, and one is the sense of accomplishment for surviving and even thriving here. Cambridge didn’t make me better than anyone else, but it certainly helped me believe I am a better version of myself. What is your biggest achievement?

It’s a three way tie - publishing a book at 18, my Cambridge career, and saving a life (or more accurately, a couple). The last one trumps the others, in all fairness, it’s just not one I mention too often. No matter what academic or personal achievements I can put on my CV, my real life experiences of helping people will always be the thing I am truly proudest of. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Don’t forget yourself. Cambridge, with all its traditions, will build on who you are, it shouldn’t erase it. I have opinions on wine and multiple ballgowns these days, but I’m still a brown kid from SE London. Don’t water down who you are to try and fit in. You can be a Cambridge scholar and still say ‘ain’t’ (if anyone argues otherwise, send them my way), dye your hair, get lip fillers, cover yourself in tattoos. There’s no right way to be a Cambridge student, just be yourself. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My family, especially my grandad. Whenever I think things are too hard and lose my confidence, I remember that my grandad went from a widow’s son, a stereotype of abject poverty in rural India to the Director of his own company living in London, and I feel stronger. Life is hard for everyone sometimes, but I’ve never had to chew spices before a job interview because I couldn't afford toothpaste. He worked incredibly hard for his family’s sake. Above all, I want to take the world he built for me and make him proud with what I do in it.

erally being n ge by s u lo bu fa 'Ema is a PhD offer!!!' g in tt ge d n a y, el lov

FARZANA SALIK I’m a second-year Lawyer at Newnham College from Newham, East London. My way of life is guided by my faith, Islam. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Whilst serving as the Events Officer for CUISoc, I started the Newnham Akhawaat Society. The aim of it is to facilitate an open and supportive environment for students to develop spiritually, mentally, and academically. Beyond this, it’s a step towards representing women of faith on an institutional level and celebrating their achievements and contributions. Further, growing up in a poverty-stricken area, I recognised that socio-economic disadvantage continues to be a reoccurring driver of inequality. Consequently, my colleagues and I founded a social-mobility organisation, The Legacy Project, to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in entering higher education and professional spaces. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Cambridge has taught me to embrace and be grateful for my unconventional self. I mean, I fit almost every box there is: I’m a British-Bangladeshi, working-class, state-school educated and first-generation, Muslim woman. But instead of feeling ‘out of place’, now, I see every box as a root. Together, these roots ground me. They remind me of the experiences I survived before getting here and what I hope to achieve when leaving here. So, when I get caught up in the deadlines and never-ending workload, I remember to put my struggles into perspective; a world of suffering still exists beyond me. What is your biggest achievement?

Ideally, I should say it’s meeting the Queen, right? But, truthfully, it’s watching my character develop. Newham, my hometown, is the third most deprived area in England. Throughout my life, I have either been related to or acquainted with those subjected to gang violence, criminal offences, and poverty. Beyond the black-and-white articles and judgments, I’ve learnt to see a story behind every offence – the untold childhood traumas, wrongful treatment, and unjust convictions. To see through the title of a marginalised minority requires compassion. I’ve grown from a ‘misbehaving nuisance’ to an empathetic adult – one that can selflessly give, and love. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

First, know that it’s ok to struggle. Cambridge is hard – the environment, ‘academic rigour’ and expectations. But remember to be present and truthful to yourself. Hold yourself accountable by your standards. Cambridge will continue to run, irrespective of how you feel. So, you need to learn when to slow it down, for you. Secondly, reach out to people. Be vocal about your trials, and let others lend their ear. Constantly being stuck in your head will cloud your judgment – allow them to rationalise your thought processes and help you find your feet. Your mind matters. Your health matters. You matter. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My parents are my inspiration. After my grandfather passed, my father, age 10, began working multiple jobs and became the sole provider for his family. From working in a factory to building a business from scratch, in his 20s, he was comfortable enough to travel the entire globe. Yet, the money and success never fazed him. He never stopped giving, be it wealth, time, or love. He devoted his entire life to building ours. Similarly, my mother left her homeland and sacrificed her ambitions to be there for every step of ours. Together, they are the coolness of my eyes.

so, I’ve at Cambridge and ed ht lig gh hi ly re ra e arm hearted 'Women of faith ar the most humble, w of e on e’s sh e us ca na be her because she nominated Farza ss. I’m in awe of ro ac e m co e ’v I en the forefront!' and inspiring wom her faith being at ith w ay w e th d isn’t afraid to lea

Because My Greatest Inspiration Is From My Own Story

He is breaking you to heal you From the perfection of Allah’s ihsan is that he allows his slave to taste the bitterness of the break before the sweetness of the mend. He does not break his believing slave except to mend him And he does not withhold from him, except to give him And he does not test him, except to cure him -Ibn Qayyim AlJawziyyah It is 2015 and I look at the girl in the mirror All tan skin brown eyes Skinny limbs fading smile She is forgetting the ayats of surah she learnt at the age 5 Struggling to pray on time Choosing to just give up instead she is forgetting all the lessons she learnt during Saturday mosque Forgetting herself in the process And I can’t seem to work out why It is 2016 and I look in the mirror A blue-haired girl with sorrow and guilt stares back at me She doesn't look anything like me I thought that maybe if she didn’t look anything like me I could forget her roots and leave behind her sincerity this girl is a slave not to God, but to her impulsiveness and misery

It is 2017 And I barely see the girl in the mirror She sleeps during the day and wanders the streets during the night Surrounds herself with people who show her the meaning of life Is found in the rim of bottles that will make her hazy Make her forget to look at her own reflection when she goes home The girl in the mirror is full of anger and confusion Holds up all of her broken pieces Begs the girl staring back at her to fix them Curses God for making her pieces so fragile, so weak

It is 2018 And the girl in the mirror has just started school again Her hair is no longer blue and she doesn't pierce herself with holes to feel pain Because she doesn't feel anything anymore She has stopped looking for the meaning of life She has stopped cursing God I look at her through the mirror She no longer stares back at me It is 2019 And the girl in the mirror finds a friend A friend who teaches her about the words of God she had once forgotten Says ‘Stop cursing him for he is breaking you to heal you, Don’t you see when you look in the mirror?’ I go home Look in the mirror This girl I barely recognise looks at me teary-eyed, she says Look I found the meaning It was resting inside of me all of this time It was the ‘bismillah hirrahman nirrahim’ that was whispered in my ear at birth It just got lost amongst all of the noise It is 2020 I look at the girl in the mirror She looks exactly like I imagined myself to be Unapologetic and confident in her skin She smiles at me a sign of modesty wrapped around her head A commitment to her Raab And a gratitude for finally realising He does not break his believing slave except to mend him

FOLU OGUNYEYE I’m a final year sociology student at Fitz and a social entrepreneur. Outside of the Cambridge bubble, I live in Milton Keynes and love to spend my free time solo travelling, reading, writing poetry, and (more recently) gaming on my Nintendo Switch in order to escape this pandemic. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

In my first year, I mentored three Black female students through the ACS, helping all to gain offers. Then I joined the ACS committee as Welfare Officer, as well as the Cambridge Hub committee as International Development Officer. In the summer, I volunteered in Tanzania for two months on the Entrepreneurship Project with the Cambridge Development Initiative. In my second year, I founded my social enterprise, Vamos Careers, and worked with 6 friends to take it to the final round of Downing Enterprise, where we pitched to investors. Follow us on Instagram @vamoscareers — we’re recruiting for new team members! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Being at Cambridge has taught me the importance of putting my needs and interests first. Self-care (in the form of chocolate and face masks) simply isn’t enough when so much is expected from you. Instead, I have been learning how to practise self-love, which means intentionally taking time to reflect on what matters most to me right now — and it turns out that writing the umpteenth essay is not always the top priority for me. What is your biggest achievement?

I would say it’s got to be a tie between two things: being selected for the 2020/21 Innovate UK Young Innovators Award for my work on Vamos, and helping to secure a £40,000 grant in emergency COVID-19 funding for SIEVEMK Gateway, a charity in my local area that has been hugely influential in my life. For both cases, it was incredibly rewarding to see hard work pay off and be able to have a positive impact on others. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Pause. Take a moment to step back and breathe. I know you’re probably overwhelmed by all the academic and social pressures of ‘being a Cambridge student’, but there really is not a singular correct way to go about Cambridge. The best approach is to discover and pursue what you care about the most. This could mean banging out top quality essays, but it could also mean making memories and discovering who you want to become. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t manage to write every single essay — it doesn’t get you any extra brownie points! What is your biggest source of inspiration?

Quite simply: Black women. To be so multifaceted and innovative in spite of the *many* intersecting negative forces against us is a huge flex. I love seeing us and other women and non-binary people of colour thriving in so many different spaces. It’s beautiful. I also love to see Black women putting their needs and desires first. It’s not everyday secure the bag!

'She's just so inspirational in all senses of the word. Not only does she have the biggest heart, but she always works towards uplifting others, and showing you her love in all ways she can. She's started an enterprise in the midst of her Cambridge studies which has also been so amazing and I'm just proud of all she does.'

All The Words They Don’t Say Folu Ogunyeye

I formed my identity through the contours of all the words they don’t say The perception of my reflection shaped by innocent schooldays Moving between cliques, searching for my place in a space that was never constructed for someone like me Playing games with boys, yet never experiencing the joy of being teased and pictured sitting in a tree Then I grew up, and I mastered the art of being whoever others wanted me to be Diluting the intensity of my authenticity into portions pleasing to their palate yet leaving my heart empty Now I look into the mirror and see: a woman in the process of transforming her identity I draw new lines and enforce my own boundaries And in the middle, I fill in the gaps of unsaid words with affirmations of who I am, and who I hope to be

JUNGMIN SEO

Hi, I'm Jungmin, a third-year English student at Jesus College. I’m Korean, but I’ve been living in the UK since 2005. I like travelling, reading, enforcing socials in my

friendship group, taking polaroids – some of these are pretty standard, I suppose. It’s really strange to think that I'll be graduating this summer – the three years have gone by so quickly. I'm getting nostalgic about it already. Thank you to FLY for giving me this opportunity to talk about my experiences – what a treat! What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

'Everything apart from my degree' is not going to be a very original answer, but I stick by it. In first-year, I was very involved with TCS, and in second-year, I took my extra-curricular activities (or rather, my quest for stash) to new heights, sitting in on five committees, including Watersprite Film Festival. I had always intended to actually start studying in third-year, but I was very lucky to be offered the position of Vice President at the Cambridge Union, so the juggling act began. It’s been an incredible experience that I'm immensely thankful for. I’ll miss the jovial chaos of it all – it’s a Union specialty. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

To be open-minded, to say yes to things, to take on new opportunities. What I'm essentially getting at is enthusiasm. At school, especially during my mid-teens, I was a bit reserved and hesitant, so at university, I wanted to change that. I wanted to be more involved. And what a great place Cambridge is to do exactly that: everyone is so different, with different ideas, interests, and backgrounds, and there are so many things to learn from and about each other. I'm very grateful to my housemates for giving me the confidence to start embracing that energy. What is your biggest achievement?

For a long time, I toyed with the idea of writing something funny or seemingly insignificant for this question. I think I’ll go with the obvious instead. I never thought I would be Vice President of the Cambridge Union. I’m not the first person to be saying this sort of thing, of course, but I mention it here because for a long time, I thought you had to be the right ‘type’ of person to join a certain society, to study a certain subject, to have a certain group of friends. I never thought I was the typical Union ‘type’, in the same way that I never thought I was the typical English student ‘type’. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize that ‘types’ don’t matter, and oftentimes, they don’t even exist. For me, that’s an achievement. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

When I first came to university, I remember feeling an odd pressure to make the next three years the ‘best three years of my life’. I felt it most during my Freshers Week. Once that pressure dissipated, everything naturally fell into place. Don’t worry: you’ll find your group of friends, you’ll (eventually, if not sooner) enjoy your course, you’ll have a really special time. It’s good to be patient, to take things a bit slowly. And it doesn’t have to be the ‘best’ – just enjoy what you can. One more thing: have fun in first-year. Honestly, that essay can wait. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I’m not always the best at being thankful for what I already have, but I think that’s also why it’s my biggest source of inspiration. Gratitude helps me to put things into perspective, to stop comparing myself to others, to stop feeling the constant pressure of an endless ‘ladder-to-thetop’. I don’t always know how to balance gratitude with modesty – I often confuse modesty with excessive self-deprecation that can make me, ironically, even more self-obsessed. There’s something very humbling about inspiration through gratitude, and I think this must – in some part, at least – stem from my faith. 'Jungmin exudes brilliant ene rgy and makes the Union an incredibly welcomi ng place by making everyone feel included and tha t it's their union she's also an amazing friend and never fails to make you laugh one you're ha ving a bad day'

LATI GUTTA

I’m a Third Year HSPS student at Downing, and I’m from

London. You can usually find me curled up with my nose in a book, or curating Spotify playlists (mostly to procrastinate). What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I’ve been a part of FLY since my first term here, and I am currently a CoFacilitator on the Committee. Before that, I was President of the Blake Arts and Humanities Society at my college, the BME Officer for WomCam, and one of the New Writing Officers for Downing Dramatic Society. I also dabbled in some theatre productions in my first and second years. More recently, I sat on the JCR committee as an EMC (Ethnically Minoritised Communities) Officer, and was also the Musical Ents Officer for Downing May Ball 2021. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

I learned that I need to let go of the notion that I have nothing valuable to offer. When I got here, I quickly realised that Cambridge was already going to be quite an uncomfortable space to exist in, so pushing myself out of my comfort zone was no longer as daunting. Turning that discomfort into something special has been so empowering, and I think it’s something I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. What is your biggest achievement?

This must sound so corny, but I think my biggest achievement is getting into Cambridge. As someone with a long history of doubting myself, I never expected to get in, and I really just took a chance on myself. Being here has allowed me to meet some truly amazing people, and do things that I never thought I would, and none of it would have been possible without that first leap of faith. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

IT’S OKAY TO REST. There is a culture of toxic productivity here, and it will make resting feel like a luxury - I promise you, it isn’t. Also, if you are part of any minority group, you may come across people who expect you to be a ’spokesperson', and you are under no obligation to do that if you don’t want to. Preserve your energy for the things you want and need to do. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I draw inspiration from queer communities of colour - it is so uplifting to see people living their truths in a world that is so hostile towards our existence, with a commitment to supporting and affirming one another. overall

incredible and an ne hi ns su of y ra a 'Lati is such . She's nt and well spoken ge lli te in e, tiv ea cr ning person. She is EMC officer at Dow as job le ib ed cr in done such an lenging. even when it is chal ile m a tr ex e th g always goin LY this co-facilitator for F le ib ed cr in an en And has be a better mbridge is definitely Ca at ity un m m co year. The by her.' d I am so inspired an r he of e us ca be place

LUCY HONG

Hi! I’m Lucy, a third year medic, born and raised in Stratford (think Shakespeare, not the Olympics!) by Chinese parents who worked their socks off for my sibling and I. I like to think of myself as a wannabe doctor and astronomer with an eclectic taste in music, who has great plans to travel the world accompanied by a stethoscope, telescope and my trusty Spotify, alongside plenty of quali-tea time spent with friends and family. Certainly a challenge in these unprecedented, academically rigorous times! What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I’ve been a student Pembassador since my first year at Pembroke: engaging with prospective students by giving tours of college, answering ‘flowers and food’ when asked about why I applied to Pembroke (I am a simple being), participating in Q&A sessions and BAME panels and being there as an approachable, friendly figure are all opportunities I’ve enjoyed so much. Weekly CUAS (Cambridge University Astronomical Society) talks and regular observation nights at the telescopes have been a highlight of my time here, and despite my two left feet, salsa classes added lots of spice to my Monday evenings in second year! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Cambridge has taught me that things don’t always go to plan, whether a shoddy essay or interpersonal relationships. Embracing change in myself and others is a way to grow, and although I can only alter the way I respond to a situation, knowing when to back myself and what I stand for is tough but so important. I’ve also learnt that it’s essential to have a safe space that belongs to me and sharing it with the friendship and wisdom of what I call (excuse the Miranda reference) ‘golden nuggets’ is something to be treasured. What is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement to date is making it through two (almost three) whole years of the medical course here and having a good laugh along the way! What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Try not to compare yourself to others, in the academic, social, or any other sense. Do give yourself the time and space to meet new people, try out new ways of working and have fun navigating your way through a much more independent life! Please make sure to take breaks and to be kind to yourself, even if this place often makes it so hard to prioritise the things that will enable us to thrive in the present and future – i.e. our health and happiness :) What is your biggest source of inspiration?

This is such a difficult question… I’d say that I don’t have a singular ‘biggest’ source of inspiration, but instead I am inspired and motivated by so many people in my life. I think there’s a certain truth to how we surround ourselves (both in the literal and non-literal sense) with those we want to be a little more like, and that encourages us to work on becoming a kinder, more authentic and resilient version of our current selves :)

'Lucy is a ray of s unshine and has a heart o f gold.'

A hilltop temple I once saw on a long road trip in China to visit my nan - I have no idea where the temple was, how it was built, or whether I’ll ever be able to find it again, but I have this one photo to remember it by.

Lucy Hong

MAYA MCFARLANE

My name is Maya (she/her) and I am a second year HSPS student at Pembroke College, specialising in sociology! I’ve grown up in South-East London but my family are from Jamaica. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I have dabbled in just about everything I can think of. In my first year, I acted in a play called Blue Stockings which was so much fun and allowed me to meet a range of really inspirational people! I have also enjoyed playing netball with our college team as everyone is super friendly, rather than being uber competitive. I’ve dabbled a bit in student journalism, which is something I never expected to do in a million years! The response to each article I have put out has been overwhelming love and support which I will always be thankful for! I fell into doing quite a bit of student advocacy, being Ethnic Minorities officer for my college and Women’s and Non-Binary officer for the SU BME Campaign. Doing these roles simultaneously was a lot of work, but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. From organising a year 12 BAME access day, to founding the Big Sib scheme, I am immensely proud of what I have been able to accomplish. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Cambridge is an odd place. It is at once full of a huge range of people with vastly different passions and interests, whilst also feeling quite exclusionary if you do not fit a particular mould. It sounds super cheesy, but above all my time has taught me that you can only ever be yourself. You should never shrink your voice or your personhood to fit palatably into a space- you should mould that space to work for you, or create alternative spaces that empower you. What is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement has been how much I have grown as a person since being here. Each of the roles and spaces I have inhabited have taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. Cambridge can seem super intimidating due to the constant façade that everyone is always doing the absolute MOST (the LinkedIn-comparison complex if you will!). This environment can feel so crushing that you often feel put off applying for roles/entering societies for fear of not being qualified or good enough. I am so proud of myself for ignoring those discouraging internal voices and diving into new experiences regardless! What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

I did not expect the social justice work here to be so student led, which is at once tiresome and hugely empowering. My advice would be to ensure that regardless of the work you engage inyou apply the same welfare principles to yourself. It can be so easy to feel that you must put your advocacy roles above all else, including your own mental wellbeing. You will know instinctively which committees only serve to drain your energy, rather than being productive. The trick is to listen to that instinct and walking away when you feel that your worth and personal integrity is being compromised. You also do not have to do any of these roles in the first place! There are myriad of ways that you can contribute to the student community in a positive way while still prioritising your wellbeing. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration is my mum! She’s never had anything handed to her and had to work extremely hard to give me the start in life that she never had. Growing up, I never felt like being from a single parent household was anything to be ashamed of, because she was somehow able to do it all! I never felt like anything was missing. Now that I’m older, I realise how much she has sacrificed over the years, but the fact that I was never aware of this as a child shows just how incredibly selfless she really is. at the heart of many

'Not only has Maya been en a truly one-ofbe so al s ha e sh s, ve ti ia wonderful init me that thinks they're an st ju t no s t' I d. ien fr a-kind official BNOC!' an so al e ar ey th as on awesome pers

NUVPREET KAUR KALRA I'm Nuvpreet! I am into all things creative, particularly music, art & fashion. I currently study HSPS at Newnham, which I am constantly inspired by and which simultaneously inspires me to want to do more to change things. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I’ve been involved in my college’s feminist society, which has been an incredibly insightful experience in a ‘women’s’ college. I have been part of the university rent strike campaign which has been an huge force resisting the marketised higher education system and unequal impact of the pandemic. I was on my college JCR as ents officer and got to put on some really meaningful events over the summer. I have also been part of the OBR collective (a collective for women of colour and people of colour of marginalised genders) which has been intriguing as both college-and student-facing. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

I’ve learnt much more than I could have ever imagined, and I don’t think I will be able to fully grasp what this experience has taught me for a number of years. I’ve learnt and unlearnt in the classroom, and usually not from the words of lectures or readings. I’ve of course been taught far more lessons outside of this and mostly through my encounters with people. I have learnt about their experiences (vastly different and so near to my own); I’ve been taught immensely about myself (through good and bad); and I have been taught the lesson of reflection. What is your biggest achievement?

I started an instagram account last year to raise awareness and share racial injustices occurring in the UK. I’m not sure I would see it as an achievement more than something I am really glad to have done and feel inspired by. It has connected me with movements across the UK, given me a way to engage at a grassroots and mainstream level, and taught me so much about politics and social media. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Find people who will get you and give you perspective. Remember you are not alone in your frustrations here: there are people who get you and are feeling the same things as you. Try to seek out spaces where you feel comfortable. Equally, know you are not obliged to be somewhere where you do not want to be. Cambridge is lucky to have you. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

Learning about activists and movement, in history and ongoing. People’s commitments to causes is always so inspiring to me. I love hearing about what people are involved in, reading about movements mobilising, successes in campaigns, and how movements came to be. I am also inspired by my parents, who continue to weather the storm of academia but remain committed to their politics.

'Nuvpreet has been at the forefront of radical movements including Newnham femsoc, rent strike and now the BME Campaign (not to mention being the graphic designer for everyone!). But beyond just being an amazing activist, Nuvpreet is also grounded. She knows her roots and never fails to be herself.'

Meditations #16 Delilah Dennett

So many lives within me, Breathing and bursting out every moment - millions of births and deaths conducted in this vessel That keeps itself sailing, within me. I am the water of life, A droplet of fiery light From the sun’s beaming eye, The moon moves in circles around me, As it dances with its distance lover, drifting in the scattered light; A plant grows from my left lung, Blooming to flower and burst in full bliss Once I open my mouth. I am life, joy, happiness, content, sadness, grief, heartache, anger, rage, beauty, decay, transcendence, death, life, And these many things live within me.

RIVA KAPOOR

I’m Riva, a 3rd year geographer at Girton. I’m Indian, was born in Bahrain and now live between Dubai and London. Most of my personality centres

around Girton but apart from that I also love Drama, Comedy, Instagram, LinkedIn, Clubbing, Eating, Travelling, Procrastinating and Yoga. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I’ve been so lucky to have been involved with the Girton community over my whole time at Uni – as President of the JCR over the last year, as VP of the Spring Ball in 2nd year, and as Ents Officer in my first. I was also Vice President of the Cambridge Consulting network, which is the largest student consultancy in the UK. In my first and second year I did a lot of Cambridge Theatre – I was in 6 plays and a show called ‘Comic Sans Men’, an all-female/NB improvised comedy performance which was the most terrifying but fun thing I’ve ever done. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

So much! I’ve learnt that ‘home’ isn’t a place but a feeling, that the feeling of being ‘home’ in a community is priceless, that privilege should always come with responsibility, that enthusiasm is infectious, that its SO important to be open, honest and trusting with people around you, that submitting your coursework 3 seconds before the deadline still counts as before the deadline, and that locking the wheel sadly doesn’t count as locking your bike. I’ve also learnt how liberating it is to be the same person to your family, friends, and colleagues, online and offline – you don’t have to change yourself or perform for anyone. What is your biggest achievement?

I’m so proud of my time as Girton JCR president - from launching ‘Humans of Girton’ stories, to chairing the Girton Against Racism Council discussion, introducing a Socio-Economic Inclusivity Officer, and adapting to frustrating pandemic restrictions, low student morale and complex bureaucracy. As often the only person of colour in a (Zoom) room, taking on this position was the most challenging yet empowering thing I’ve done at Cambridge, and I’m so grateful to have grown through my role over the past year. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Remember that you always have the power of choice – and that life ends up being a sum of the choices you make. Even if it feels like the choice is out of your hands or, you can choose how to react, to adapt, to move on. You don’t always have to make the choice towards your degree make the choice to put yourself out there, especially in your first year, try loads of things till you find the ones that fit, meet loads of people and to always make time the real ones, to walk into a room like you deserve all its attention, to not take yourself too seriously but to listen to your feelings, to be resilient in the face of 24 internship rejections, to be busy, to be kind, and to work hard and play hard. You’ll get as much out of Cambridge as you put in. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by big-brained, huge-hearted, and bad-ass women, men, and nb people who constantly inspire me. The best thing about coming to Cambridge was meeting and learning from even more passionate, resilient and entertaining people - even when sitting in each other’s rooms for hours chatting I gain so much from every conversation. I’m so proud of everything they do and their friendships make every day exciting. I’m also hugely inspired by the women who have cycled Castle Hill before me – those who made an education at Cambridge possible through their long fight for Girton to become the first higher education institution in the UK to grant degrees to women - and for the women who continue to break the glass ceiling.

irton uch as JCR G m so ed h is pl 'Riva has accom ny barriers for a m so n ow d en ch as president, brok d groups as mu se li a n gi r a m es woc and centr omplishments' cc a g in z a m a can in all her

ROSHNI PARMAR-HILL I’m Roshni Parmar-Hill, a 2nd year History student who goes to Newnham. I’m your average mixed-race twenty going on eighty year old who likes gardening, meditating and activism!

What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Last year I was the Chair of the SU BME Campaign and worked with an amazing committee and community who helped to continue the legacy of shaking things up at the University. I have also been involved with Amnesty International, Refugee Action and other groups outside of Cambridge. I’ve just joined the SU Women’s Campaign on an open portfolio! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Unlike most people who come to Cambridge, this place has been the most diverse space I have lived in (tragic I know), but it has allowed me to find a community that accepts my mixed-race heritage and given me the confidence to present myself in my own way. What is your biggest achievement?

Other than surviving first term, probably keeping grounded whilst the world changed dramatically in the spring and summer of last year. Although this may not seem like much, I think its so important to stay rooted to your principles and your people in times of upheaval and tragedy. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

To all those who are lost and feel like they are floating in space, don’t give up and pretend to be someone you’re not. We are lucky that although our BME numbers are small, we are a strong family who find each other. But you just have to take the first step What is your biggest source of inspiration?

The people that inspire me are the people on these pages, it’s the people who I can relate to that I find the most inspirational.

mpaign, Roshni ca E M B U S e th of 'As outgoing chair warm people d n a te a n io ss pa com is one of the most d an extremely n a e om es ol h w r pe that I know! Su ays smiling lw A . er d a le l a on ti ira dedicated and insp when she has the en ev , od go el fe s and making other nd good egg.' ou r a ll A s! er ld world on her shou

SAFA AL-AZAMI I’m a first-year HSPS student at Pembroke, hoping to specialise in Politics and Sociology next year. I live in Manchester but was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. My main interests include feminism, learning languages, reading literature, doing henna designs and being overly active on Twitter. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I have just completed the Advanced Course in French with the Language Centre and am continuing with conversational French classes. I am the Women’s and Non-Binary Officer for the Pembroke JPC, the Women’s Officer for the Cambridge University Labour Club, a Delegates’ Officer for the Cambridge University Model United Nations Secretariat and have recently been elected as Chair of the SU Women’s Campaign and the Women’s and Non-Binary Officer for the SU BME Campaign. I’ve also written a few articles for Varsity during my first term. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Being at Cambridge, studying a degree where there is a lot of space for disagreement and taking on the roles that I have has taught me how to stand up to people in positions authority. This can be especially difficult as a woman of colour navigating traditionally white, male-dominated spaces, but Cambridge has helped me develop the confidence to stand up for disadvantaged minorities and ensure my voice is heard to challenge the existing institutions. What is your biggest achievement?

At Pembroke, The Women’s Officer for the Graduate Parlour and I were able to organise a series of events for International Women’s Week, hosting a range of inspirational speakers such as Vee Kativhu and Mama Doctor Jones, and a charity takeaway formal dinner for the charity, Choose Love, to give aid to women refugees. It was a stressful week with a lot of challenges but overall, the events were a big success, and it was a really rewarding experience. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Firstly, I’d say to not be intimidated by the academic pressure of Cambridge, or of the seemingly unchangeable old institutions. It’s important to put your mental health first before your course and also any committee roles you may have taken on. There are loads of support networks and services there to help you so don’t be afraid to access them since Cambridge can become really overwhelming for everyone. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

Within Cambridge, some of the members of the Pembroke JPC really inspired me to do more in my role as Women’s and Non-Binary Officer and to take on new roles too – mainly Vic who was the Women’s and Non-Binary Welfare Officer when I joined and Maya who was the BME Officer and also my predecessor as Women’s and Non-Binary Officer for the BME Campaign. In general, seeing the ways my friends, both from home and at university, support each other inspires me to take on roles where I can be a point of support for others because I know how valuable having that support system can be.

'Safa has achieved so much during her time at Cambridge, taking on multiple roles to help drive the institution forward to becoming a more inclusive safe space. Pretty impressive stuff for a fresher and I can’t wait to see what she goes on to accomplish!'

Henna Designs by Safa Al-Azami

SAVANNA PATEL I’m Savanna, I’m from Leicester and a Sociologist at Downing College. I love all things theatre, travelling and chocolate. Catch me at Nando’s, the Seeley Library or a cocktail bar with

a margarita in hand! What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

At University I’ve spent most of my time doing activism. I’ve really enjoyed being Downing’s Ethnically Minoritised Communities Officer and a FLY Co-Facilitator this year. I’ve also tried to get involved with theatre by producing Downing Dramatic Society’s Festival of New Writing. I’m excited to carry on both interests next year where I am the Education Officer for the BME Campaign and the BME Shakespeare Officer for The Marlowe Dramatic Society. I’ve also really enjoyed managing Downing Bar and making the most of my club rep perks in first and second year! What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Being at Cambridge has taught me to own myself. I’ve learnt that its more important to have friends who are relatable, kind and supportive rather than trying to fit into any cliques. I’ve also learnt to be unapologetically myself when lobbying for change at college and university level- I’ve owned my loudness and passion for social justice. I have often felt like an outsider at Cambridge, but I’ve learnt it’s not about fitting in but finding your people and being yourself- even if it sounds super cheesy! What is your biggest achievement?

This is a really difficult question! I can’t really pinpoint something specific. I have to say I’m proud of the work I have done at Downing and at FLY to build community and tackle racial injustice. On a more personal level I cannot believe I was offered a place on the master’s course; I really did not think I was to the level! I’ve also been going through lots in my personal life and I’m proud that I have managed to cope so far and have made some progress within myself. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Be unapologetic. Don’t try and change yourself to fit in or be ‘popular’. You will find genuine people who you relate to and who are truly there for you, so don’t be scared to be who you are. This attitude extends to academia; being a woman of colour can sometimes make you feel undervalued but just know your points are insightful, and your contributions are valuable. You deserve to be here. Also, try not to procrastinate, allnighters aren’t fun! What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My inspiration is my Mum. She came to the UK as a refugee and experienced racism and was shut down as being the angry brown women. But she never wavered from her values; she is strong and passionate, and I love that about her. Now she’s high up in a university, her work makes me so proud. Personally, she has always believed in and supported me, and she is the rock in our family; even when times are tough she keeps he has everything running. t and motivated. S

ng, smar 'Savanna is so stro as EMC Officer and le ro r he in d n yo be gone above and the voices of y if pl am at th ts ec oj has started pr elcoming and has w so is he S . ts en ud underrepresented st to know her.' d ou pr so am I . Y L been incredible at F

Inspired by Ghanaian

Adinkra stamps I had as a

child. Making these I was

thinking of how people

inspire each other

reciprocally, but also how

Black bodies can be as a

source of inspiration to the

world while not being

valued for it, creating this

stream of inspiration that

is more asymmetrical and

draining rather than

mutually beneficial.

30 Art by Miriam Dzah

TARA BHAGAT I’m just a human being! I’m a second year doing PBS at Sidney and I’m

interested in a lot of things - I like politics, debates, science, tennis, and a lot of other things. I love seeing my friends, going for silly little walks, and trying and failing to develop Main Character energy.

What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

I’m pretty involved with the Cambridge Union, trying to make free speech more inclusive and accessible, and not just the purview of the right. I got involved in psychology when I learned about implicit bias.

What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Definitely have a thicker skin. And that inspiration can come from different places.

What is your biggest achievement?

The Cambridge Union’s Easter 2021 termcard. We’ve got activists, politicians, Stormy Daniels to Jeremy Corbyn to Shygirl to AJ Tracey - and I’ve really enjoyed working with such a great team. I’m really proud of the panels we’re hosting, the debates we’re having, and the people we’re interviewing.

What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Definitely trust yourself more. You are worthy and you belong - don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My mom - she gave up her legal career in India for love, and she’s been a rock ever since

mbridge a C fe li e g h to Cambrid c u m o s d e t ney Sussex u id ib S r t , n k o e c e s W a 'Tara h Health, Pink l a b lo iety, you c G o r S fo g s in t lt n e u s d Union, Stu iversity Con n U e g id r b m it all. She’s a C f o , t n s io id n U m e t h Studen smiling in t s y a idating. lw im a t ’s in e h ly s r e d v n o a name it g across as in m o c r e v e n e ch energy to il u h m w o , s n s e t r iv a r p very d rsonality im e p ly d n ie fr y d it most!' e e n e w Her naturall n e h ially w others, espec

TARA CHOUDHURY I’m Tara, a Hispol at Sidney and this year I’ll be starting my time as the SU’s BME Officer. I’m a proud Northerner, a huge Liverpool fan and really awful at writing about myself. I have zero hobbies but I’m always listening to music and wishing I was creative enough to contribute to cool zines like this one! What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

A lot of the activism I’ve been involved with since starting Cambridge I’ve actually done outside of Cambridge, but I think it’s been instrumental in bursting the ‘Cambridge bubble’ for me. If I hadn’t spent so much time engaging in grassroots organising, I would lack a lot of perspective and possibly forget that life exists outside of this degree! A lot of what I’ve done has centered around environmentalism, but any work I engage with is influenced by my experiences as a woman of colour. My time in environmentalist circles has shown me how vital it is for BME people to be present and valued in such spaces - ultimately there can be no climate justice without racial justice. This year in Cambridge, I’ve spent a lot of time campaigning with Rent Strike Cambridge to call for fairer rent and to challenge the harmful marketisation of our education system more widely. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Coming to Cambridge was really what enabled me to take control of my own identity for the first time. Back home, I often stood out as the only brown person in the room - here I developed the confidence to find who I was on my own terms, beyond the assumptions people make about you when you’re an outspoken woman of colour. Pressures are so high here; engaging with that has taught me that there are a million ways to make yourself proud, so regardless of academia, I’m happy as long as I’m doing that in some capacity! What is your biggest achievement?

It’s hard to say what my biggest achievement is. There are a few highlights that come to mind, but at the risk of sounding cheesy, I would honestly just say making my way through this degree. Am I excelling? Absolutely not. But there was a time in first year I wasn’t even sure I would get through another year here, so to have overcome my difficulties with mental health and getting to a place where I feel I can advocate for the people of colour at this University feels like an immense achievement in itself. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

I would advise anyone coming here to pick their battles and prioritise their mental health above all else. It can be difficult feeling like you’re always fighting - whether it’s enacting institutional change, holding people to account, or just fighting to exist freely - but you can only do so much alone. Cambridge is a rewarding and exciting place, but it’s also exhausting for women of colour - surround yourself with people who respect you, uplift you and make you laugh :) What is your biggest source of inspiration?

As a history student, a lot of my biggest sources of inspiration come from history - when I see the liberation efforts made by those who came before us, I’m reminded that it’s not such a bad thing to dare to dream of a better world. I think we’re so used to being told what is and what isn’t achievable or realistic, we’re discouraged from finding out these things ourselves. Fred Hampton instantly comes to mind. On a more personal level, Natasha Josette inspires me to feel like I can do anything, and Amin Abdelhamid inspires me every day with their unwavering commitment to individuality! 'Tara is a prominent student activist at Cambridge and taking up space as a woman of colour in what can sometimes be a hostile environment is so inspiring. Also her camfess comments keep me going and she’s a BNOC so her nomination is a no-brainer'

Blackout poetry on catharsis with pressed flowers

by Nadia Singh

TONYE IGALI

My name is Tonye Igali and I am a first year HSPS student at Jesus College. I’m also a proud South East Londoner and Nigerian. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Although COVID-19 has limited the things I have been able to get involved with I have found that social media has been a great way to connect with people and have conversations and discuss topics I care about. I have learnt so much from using my platform in this way and I’m currently working on projects to continue this both virtually and in person. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Being at Cambridge has taught me the importance of learning to trust in yourself and your abilities, impostor syndrome is no joke and can be really draining at times. Affirming myself and my abilities has been necessary to getting through each day Cambridge. What is your biggest achievement?

I find it hard to say what my biggest achievement is as there are so many things that I have achieved up until this point that I am proud of but I am incredibly appreciative of the journey to this point and that I have managed to overcome so many obstacles to get here. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

To people beginning to navigate the Cambridge space my advice would be to seek out community and surround yourself with people who allow you to be your full self at all times. Social media is such a great resource for this and I definitely recommend taking a chance and reaching out to people. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I am constantly inspired by the people of colour around me who are doing so many amazing things both in Cambridge and beyond. I am also inspired by the work of Black women in various sectors particularly Julie Dash’s 1991 film ‘Daughters of the Dust,’ her ability to create something so beautiful while perfectly incorporating multiple Black cultures across the diaspora and providing incisive social commentary remains incredibly inspiring thirty years after its release. solute inspiration and

'Tonye is an ab e. Her ideas beyond politically awar never would have I es ac pl to e m h tc re st super sweet and so al 's he S . go to t gh thou serves this ;)' super humble and she de

TYRA AMOFAH-AKARDOM My name is Tyra. I’ve just finished my undergraduate degree at Fitzwilliam,

where I studied Education, Policy and International Development. I’m about to start postgraduate study, also at Fitz. I’m doing the MPhil in Knowledge, Power and Politics in Education. In my spare time, I’m most likely reading Black feminist literature, editing my Spotify playlists or scrolling through Twitter. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

A lot of my time at Cambridge has been spent working with various Campaigns. I was one of the Education Officers for the BME Campaign and one of the Welfare and Rights PTEs for CUSU (before Cambridge SU was established). I’ve also researched the Black awarding gap as part of the Access and Participation Plan: Participatory Action Research project for two years now. I worked on a team exploring possible steps that the university can take to eliminate the gap that results in Black students being awarded lower degree grades. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

The labels that people put upon us as women and non-binary people of colour dictate absolutely nothing about who we are. As a Black woman, my passion for social justice is often perceived as anger which sometimes puts me off even wanting to do it. But in my final undergraduate lecture, we wrote affirmations for each other, and all of my peers praised my passion for social justice which was such a beautiful moment. I’ve also learned the importance of saying no. People forget that this activism is tapping into our everyday experiences which can be exhausting. Establishing boundaries is paramount. What is your biggest achievement?

Probably the Race Equality Lecture in October 2020. I had just started my third year and gave a talk about tackling racism in higher education, something I’m passionate about. But I also have to mention the Black Advisory Hub, for which I was on the original research team. For my research team to propose this idea and see it become a reality, contributing to institutional change feels like a dream. I hope it helps as many students as possible. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Firstly, you don’t need to change for Cambridge, but this university needs to change for us. It’s us that make the institution what it is, and the more authentic we are, the more we can begin to transform this space. Secondly, community and the bonds we create here are so valuable. Embrace the spaces and people who make you feel at home because it can make the biggest difference. Lastly, imposter syndrome will try you, but never forget that you earned your place here. You deserve the space that you have at Cambridge, and you will grow so much here. Enjoy the ride. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I have many. Firstly, women such as Angela Davis, and Audre Lorde. Activists and writers who have paved the way, challenged social structures, and fought injustice. They show me I can do the same. Also, seeing other women of colour own Cambridge and not apologising or changing who they are, making their mark on this city. But most importantly, the love that I receive and I’m able to give to the people around me. It reminds me of the potential we all have, which makes the world ever so slightly brighter.

'Tyra has been incredibly committed to advocating for the needs of everyone who comes from underrepresented backgrounds. The work she has done within her college, and with the central University (among so much more) is so valuable. She is also a wonderful, supportive friend. An all-round icon!'

VIDYA DIVAKARAN I’m a Malayalee, born and brought up in North-East London, and a second year Classicist at Downing. I’m also someone very confused but equally very flattered by this nomination. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Working with like-minded students from minority ethnic backgrounds has been so rewarding and inspiring. I’m a founding member and Team Lead for aim Cambridge, an initiative that shines a light on the experiences of ethnically minoritised students. I’ve also been involved in the Decolonising Classics movement, a Co-President of Mastana (stay tuned for the spiciest cultural charity show to be live-streamed later in Easter Term) and part of BREAD Theatre and Film Company. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

Taken straight from a tiktok: “Do not forget to try new things. Just because you’re not experienced doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. You are qualified and you are amazing”. I’ve tried out all sorts of things I never would’ve imagined myself doing when I was at school - spoken word, producing theatre, graphic design! The amount of opportunities to push yourself personally and meet the thespians, inventors, leaders of the future is so mind-blowing and has taught me to chuck myself out of my comfort zone when there’s nothing to lose. What is your biggest achievement?

On a personal level, having strong and supportive friendships is my biggest achievement. On a more objective level (ie in the eyes of my parents), being elected Downing’s JCR President is my biggest and most exciting responsibility so far. But in terms of my own growth at uni, I’m really proud of being in a Footlights BME Smoker - mainly because I NEVER thought I had the capacity to write and perform comedy, and also since it was so much fun filming with my friends. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

It can feel overwhelming and demoralising to see that in such a microcosm of the bigger picture, there’s so much work to do. You might think there’s no point trying to make a change in the few years you have here but there is so much you can do. If that’s being the representation you don’t yet see, providing your experience to access initiatives, or even making that effort to meet other minority ethnic students within your course or college - you can massively reduce the shared belief that our experiences are isolated and create a better environment for prospective students. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

When my parents moved to the UK, my Acha (dad) did a degree in a language he wasn’t fluent in, worked in petrol sheds to a rock music label to banks, and with my Amma (mum) created their own frozen food wholesale business from scratch. Nothing my parents did could have been mapped or predicted from the second they stepped foot in East London. And yet, despite their comfort zone being thousands of miles away, they survived and thrived. That’s what inspires me to take risks and not stick to well-trodden paths. l activist. I am anised and a truly inspirationa 'Vidya is super creative, org and how she across college and uni societies rk wo nt llia bri her all of e in aw ibly a smile! Not only is she incred can keep on top of it all with of gold!' kind, caring and has a heart y ull erf nd wo but , ing ork dw har

Poems From Sanskrit Vidya Divakaran

This figure is from a mural painting that’s on the cover of ‘Poems from Sanskrit.’ I've emboldened her not only in colours, but her body hair and tummy rolls. I’ve always had a constant internal debate as to what body hair I should be embarrassed of enough to do something about - in my head, armpits > monobrow > arm hair > belly hair (but that’s just because no one talks about belly hair). I’m sure ancient Indian women asked themselves the same thing, and thought

it was ridiculous too.

Where Do You Get Your Brows Done? Vidya Divakaran

I started getting my brows threaded from year 8 at a

parlour on the highstreet for what was a hefty £2 (now inflated to £3.50 - a steal compared to Cambridge prices). For many of us follically-favoured folk, being able to tolerate threading, even just above the eyelid, is a necessary evil. God forbid we let our brows go feral(!)

ZARA SALARIA

Hi I’m at Homerton studying HistPol ! I'm from London, half Bahraini and half Pakistani- so a bit of a walking identity crisis (you can tell from the accent). I love doing yoga, travelling and spending time with friends. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

After spending a great term as the BME officer for the Cambridge Union in Lent during which I facilitated a collab with FLY to try and open up the union to underrepresented groups , I'm thrilled to have been elected Equalities Officer for Michaelmas so I can continue this crucial work. I'm also part of Homerton's BME Society, and was the sustainability and access officer for our now-cancelled :'( May Ball. I've recently made the exec committee for FUSE as well - a space for queer POC at Cambridge which I'm very excited about. What has being at Cambridge taught you?

1) I am my best when I am around genuine, like-minded people who support, love and lift me higher. 2) I am so much more than my physical self- the way your hair looks really doesn't seem to matter when you're 40 minutes into a supervision having a breakthrough about the state of the world with your supervisor rallying you on. 3) Cambridge is a crazy place- it's ok to do the bare minimum and important to compartmentalize- we are all really just getting by. And finally- it's taught me that whilst it can be intimidating and alienating at times- the sky is the limit, and I should be more confident in myself!

What is your biggest achievement?

Recovery isn't linear, it is a life long journey but beating a chronic eating disorder and debilitating mental health problems is without a doubt what I'm proudest ofespecially considering how difficult recovery is. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

Meet as many people as you can, there are so many incredible humans here and you really don't know who you're going to vibe with! Go to as many society events that interest you as possible, don't stress yourself out about academics (first year doesn't matter really) and also take time for yourself and remember your own worth. Everyone can feel so overwhelmed here so whilst yes get stuck in, its also ok to have a night or two or five in a row when things get too much. You don't have to be doing everything - rest is productive too and you are enough and deserve to be here just the way you are. What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I see inspiration everywhere, especially in conversations with my incredible friends. I generally don't like to put people on pedestals but I have to say most of all I get inspiration and strength from fellow women/nb POC who are unapologetically and authentically themselves in a world that tells them not to be. Also therapy sessions (shoutout to Claire) and as cringey as it is- in my supervisions when I'm learning about big exciting explosive stuff.

'Just such a ray sunsh of ine!'

ZARAH ALI

I’m Zarah (she/they) and I’m a first year study French and Arabic at Caius. I’m Nigerian, but I’ve lived in Oxford for most of my life until coming here for uni. I’d like to say my hobbies include fashion and writing but I’m too broke for the former and too lazy for the latter. What

have

you

been

involved

during your time at University?

Since coming to Cambridge, I’ve been involved mainly in the QPOC community through FUSE and the Black community through the ACS. I am so so so grateful to have connected with people in these circles as truly, they are the most fun! But alongside this, they’ve kind of acted as anchors for me when I feel like I’m getting lost in the weird and white world of Cambridge. (I’m not sure if this will have been confirmed by the time of publication of the zine but I am going to be FUSE president, I will let you know if this can go in the zine when I know for sure.) What has being at Cambridge taught you?

I’ve only been at Cambridge for 2 terms but I can definitely say I’ve experienced a lot and learnt a lot as a result. I think a large part of my learning has been socially as I’m learning to understand what spaces truly welcome me and which ones don’t as well as how to establish boundaries with people in college. Coming here has also confirmed to me that there are some truly amazing people out there, as I meet more and more people from different walks of life. What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement is making it this far and trying to live every day in a way which makes me feel fulfilled. Getting into Cambridge is a huge achievement for me but it is the personal emotional side that I am most proud of, not the academia. What

advice

would

you

give

someone

who

is beginning to navigate the Cambridge space?

My advice to anyone beginning to navigate the Cambridge space would be “cut yourself some slack”. This place is can be challenging in so many different ways and the main way to protect yourself here is to understand that you are just trying your best. Another bit of advice I would give is just try everything you’ve always wanted to. Cambridge is filled with opportunities and there is so much to try out and there is no harm in trying so just go for it! What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration is probably myself to be very honest. I’ve been through a lot and the fact that I’m here today is commendable and this motivates me to continue enjoying what life has in store for me. Alongside my mildly narcissistic source of inspiration, I’d say the black women and non-binary people I see around me and online inspire me and encourage me to be myself unapologetically.

'She is a super talented writer and w ould love to s ee more of her w ork

SUHAIYMAH MANZOOR-KHAN On a Tuesday morning over Zoom, we had the pleasure of speaking to educator, poet, writer and Cambridge FLY alumna, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, about her university experience, life after Cambridge and what FLY meant to her. Suhaiymah studied History while at Cambridge, and co-authored the anthology, A Fly Girl’s Guide to University: Being a woman of colour at Cambridge and other institutions of power and elitism (Verve Poetry Press, 2019).

What motivated you to get involved with FLY?

Suhaiymah: I was at fresher’s fair in my second year, and I saw someone handing out fliers for FLY and at that point I had already experienced one year at Cambridge which wasn’t so great, and I also realised that I hadn’t hung out with or seen many women of colour during my time and so I decided to get involved. At first, I was anxious about it, worrying about whether it would be awkward, but I went to this first meeting and what motivated me to keep coming back was the feeling that for the first time, I was seeing my experiences reflected back to me. It made me recognise that these are not just personal experiences but they were shared among so many of us. I can't articulate how much that really shifted my paradigm. It was thrilling and addictive to know that I was not the only one who felt erased and unseen and it completely reconstituted my relationship with Cambridge. Joining FLY felt like a political awakening.

Did

you

experience

change

your

political

ideology?

Suhaiymah: I spent my first year at Cambridge being involved with a lot of access work and thinking about what I owe to the people I went to school with. So, the main lens I was seeing Cambridge through was ‘I went to a state school -why is no one here from a state school?’ because at the time that was my primary identity. Joining FLY shifted things because I realised that I was trying to repress the fact that I am hyper-visible in this space and there is a deeply racialised and gendered reasoning behind that. The awakening that happened there was around recognising race as not just an interpersonal experience, but something systematic, where this institution has erased not just us as people, but in the subjects we study, the histories we carry, the lives we live, we have been marked out as ‘others’ and bordered out of that space. I think you can only have those kinds of awakenings in community. That Michaelmas, I remember reading Bell Hooks, Patricia Hill Collins, Angela Davis and realising just how monumental gender and race are.

Was FLY a safe space for you when History as a subject became frustrating?

Suhaiymah: That first year of History, particularly with ‘Britain in the 20th Century’, already made me feel quite excluded. History was never an abstract concept for me, I wanted to do my dissertation on my grandparents, and we didn’t talk about where to look to find that history. Even when we did a bit of migration history, women were seen as a footnote to men. It was actually in conversation with people at FLY where we spoke about what it meant to be children or grandchildren of immigrants and how that made Cambridge feel like it was this big victory for our families but at the same time, being here, we were aware of the realities of institutions like Cambridge. Having those conversations helped me be very critical of the subject itself and realise that this is not the only history there is, these are not the only sources of knowledge there are, and my supervisors may be specialists in one form of a specific type of history but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are specialists in the history I am interested in. For me, validation is the crux of it. They may seem like negligible interactions but in that interaction, you are being seen, and by being seen, you are able to project what it is that you need into the world and that is an inherently political thing in a space like Cambridge. Can you tell us more about ‘A Fly Girl’s Guide to University: Being a woman of colour at Cambridge and other institutions of power and elitism’?

Suhaiymah: The year I joined FLY was when the FLY Blog had just been started and I contributed a lot to it because writing out the things I was thinking about in FLY meetings, how I was feeling in supervisions and around college helped me process a lot. The book was a natural outcome of that, coming from Odelia Younge's idea which I was excited to be a part of. It would then feed into FLY because we’d want to host a workshop or facilitate a forum to discuss it. We were in a very active mode of learning and educating, we would learn in that internal space and would externally share what we were learning and realising. How much do you think you’ve grown and changed from then to now?

Suhaiymah: When I look back at 19-year-old me, I owe her so much. It’s amazing the experiences she was having and the things she was thinking through in her writing. But at the same time, this year I archived a lot of my old blog posts, not because I disagree with them, but I think there is more nuance to the way I think about things and the context is also different. A lot of the conversations from 2015 are more complex now, and we have more vocabulary to articulate our views. The world that we live in has also changed. For me, being visibly Muslim has become a primary signifier of my identity in the world as ‘Prevent’ and counterextremism became deeper. As a result, my work just naturally headed in that direction. I appreciate the ways that I have grown but I am aware that I will grow more, and I must grow more. At the same time, I still have a lot of respect for that 19-year-old version of me because I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing or asking the questions I am asking now if I hadn’t had the chance, through FLY, to have those intimate experiences of care, validation and critique that meant so much to me at the time. Those ways of being in community with people still inform a lot of what I am doing.

Have

you

found

any

ways

take

care

yourself that you would like to share?

Suhaiymah: I think emotional exhaustion for women of colour is seen of as the norm and it’s taken me all the years to realise that I need to prioritise myself and set boundaries. For me, it’s been really useful to get out of my mind and into my body, so I have to do yoga every day in the morning, and I’ve realised that being present in my body is also an act of care for myself. We’ve been socialised to give our time to everybody else, but I can't serve anyone else if I can't serve myself. For me, Religion is such an important aspect of how I ground myself and feel like I am able to take on the world; having that relationship with God and practicing keeps me sane.

there

any

Cambridge

advice

how

you to

have

take

for

someone

advantage

the

experience?

Suhaiymah: Third year was the best year I had at Cambridge and the reason was that all my time was spent doing things I was interested in as opposed to my first two years where I felt like I constantly had to be in the library. And I actually did best in my final year. I remember having this moment where I realised that I would never regret spending an extra 2 or 3 hours in the library but I would regret missing that meeting or catching up with someone. I think throwing yourself into whatever you have a question mark about, like trying that poetry slam, because you’ll never have this much time to explore the things you’re interested in. Think about what it is that you want to come out of university with and focus on that. Also remember that you have survived this place and the people around you know all that you have gotten through. Interview by Maha Husain and Amaka Dominic-Udeagbaja

Find out more:

Find out more about Siana’s work here: https://www.suhaiymah.com/

Photo by Idle Work Factory

I Once Dreamt Of Being Here Folu Ogunyeye

I once dreamt of being here Now, I can dream here Even though it takes so much to be here Fighting every fear and jeer that I don’t belong here Every prolonged stare and trying not to care about the woman who touched my hair Or the man who wondered where I come from Because I once dreamt of being here And now I work to be here But not just in the library As I tend to my mentality In accepting the reality That behind every essay that I write is a fight to be here And I win, because I once dreamt of being here Now, I dare to dream here.