Trinity College Students’ Union and Societies Trinity College Students’ Union Serena Cole (2019)
COLLEGE ACT I V IT IES
Humans are incredibly optimistic. I remember on New Year’s Eve, the world was looking to 2021 as a new hope. I am not sure the past year has turned out exactly as we pictured it, but each step has contributed to a unique journey. Coming back for Michaelmas term, it was unclear what life was going to be like. Black History Month events took place over October: an exhibition and paired video called ’Succession‘, a conversation between Ben Okri and Benjamin Zephaniah and a screening of African Apocalypse followed by a question-andanswer session with the director. Freshers’ Week may have been different, but the committee adapted to a hybrid in-person/online plan. The expanded use of the marquee in Nevile’s Court was a welcome addition, with the freshers enjoying a matriculation picnic lunch as well as evening welcome receptions. Welfare teas and other events such as the Halloween bop were also held in the marquee throughout term. By Lent term, the nation was back in lockdown and the majority of Trinity students back in their homes, having supervisions on Zoom and watching lectures at double speed. Although the Trinity community was separated by location, the new TCSU committee aimed to keep our connection to College strong through a variety of events. Speed friending over Glimpse continued every week, organised by the Welfare Officers James and Kapri. Our Environmental Officer, Elianna, and BME Officer, Ayesha, collaborated on a talk for Green Week with the theme ‘climate justice is racial justice.’ Our Ents Officer, Jeevan, provided online entertainment through quizzes, a board games night and Trinity Countdown. Meanwhile our Instagram also remained active with a Pancake Day competition, and we took part in the 73–73 challenge for students to engage in 73 minutes of stress relieving activities and donate £7 to charity. Finally, there was a BME women’s formal: students received a discount on their food delivery, while they socialised over Zoom, and a similar access tea to replace the welfare formals that would usually take place in Lent. However, our work did not stop over the holidays. The accommodation ballot needed to be rescheduled and reorganised. This year it took place in Easter term with only 15 students picking a room each day, and the resources available T R I N I T Y A N N UA L R ECOR D 2021 84
