Images courtesy of Magdalene College Cambridge.

Please provide a brief introduction about yourself.

Hi! I’m Esther, a current second-year undergraduate studying linguistics. Prior to university, I completed my A-levels at Nanyang Junior College as an ASEAN Pre-U scholar and my SPM at Kuen Cheng High School in KL. In my free time, I enjoy learning languages and doing sports such as badminton and volleyball. Fun fact – I used to play tchoukball for Malaysia from 2022 to 2024! Ever since coming to the UK, I’ve also picked up a few new hobbies such as cooking, travelling, and DJ-ing.

What led you to apply for the YH2 Capital Scholarship?

I was drawn to the way linguistics is taught and structured at the University of Cambridge, particularly its strong emphasis on psycholinguistics and computational linguistics. However, I knew my family would not be able to afford my studies in the UK without financial assistance. During application season, I recalled seeing the scholarship publicized in the newspaper a few years ago and decided to apply. One of the main reasons was that my chosen field (linguistics) rarely aligns with the preferred degree choices of most scholarships, making this opportunity especially valuable for me.

What were your first impressions of Magdalene College and Cambridge University?

Magdalene College struck me as ancient, serene, and quietly wise, an impression formed as I stepped through its gates and saw these timeworn walls towering over me. Since international students arrive earlier than home students, I had the rare chance to experience the college in a quieter state, allowing me to fully appreciate the tranquility that is woven into its atmosphere.

I didn’t search up pictures of the university beforehand, so my first impressions of the university were formed during a walk around town with fellow international freshers. I remember being almost overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the architecture with each building more intricate and awe-inspiring than the last. In that moment, I truly felt the weight of history embedded in every brick and stone, when I think about how far back history in this town extends to. Obviously now I have created memories in this town and associate more personal emotions to its various spots, however that initial sense of wonder remains a vivid memory and is a pleasant reminder of how Cambridge feels like home now.

How would you describe the atmosphere and vibe at Magdalene? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?

I would describe Magdalene as a warm, tight-knit, and calm college. Magdalene is relatively small in both size and number of members, allowing the entire college to be somewhat acquainted with each other quite easily and hence forming a tight-knit community. I like to attribute the warmth of the college to its layout and the friendly staff that ensures the smooth operations in college.

We have endearing names for many different parts in college: the Village, our main undergraduate accommodation tucked away behind a sturdy gate and offering respite from the town’s bustle; the Beach, a spot for students to picnic and relax especially when it gets warmer; the New Library, an architectural beauty that’s our pride and joy; and the Fellow’s Garden, a rare space where we’re actually allowed to walk on grass. These little quirks contribute to the homely and comforting atmosphere that I’ve come to really appreciate.

While some have described Magdalene as having a more “private school,” “lad culture,” or “posh” vibe compared to other colleges, my own experience has been shaped by interactions with people from a wide range of backgrounds. I’ve found the community to be diverse enough that those stereotypes haven’t significantly affected my time here and overall I’m quite happy with the environment.

Do you enjoy the friendships you’ve formed with your classmates and college mates?

Absolutely. I believe many would agree that some of the most meaningful experiences at university come from the people you meet, and I definitely cherish the bonds I’ve built with my friends over the short span of 9 months. My course mates are inquisitive, driven and easygoing free souls that constantly reignite my passion for linguistics through their curiosity and enthusiasm.

On the flip side, my college mates are everything ranging from empathetic and fiercely passionate advocates to effortlessly hilarious jokesters. Our friendships have grown through countless late-night conversations, where we’ve shared our own journeys, our beliefs, our motivations and desires, not to forget the ridiculous anecdotes and unexpected bursts of singing and guitar-playing. These connections are what that adds depth to my university experience.

What have been the most fun and interesting new experience you’ve had in Cambridge?

Being part of the Magdalene May Ball 2025 committee as Head of Ticketing and Website. May Balls are extravagant, all-night celebrations held at the end of June to mark the conclusion of exams, featuring free-flowing food, drinks, and entertainment. My experience of helping to organize the May Ball was eye-opening, as I gained firsthand insight into the sheer scale of budget, manpower, venue and network needed to uphold this uniquely Oxbridge tradition steeped in centuries of history. The energy, joy, and sense of celebration that filled the college on that magical night is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

It was also fascinating to speak to alumni during the Magdalene Telethon Campaign, where I worked as a caller. Reaching out across different time zones to connect with alumni, from fresh leavers to retirees who have left Magdalene decades ago, was an incredible privilege. Hearing their stories about their time at the college, sharing my journey and exchanging thoughts have offered me a unique glimpse into Magdalene across generations and exemplifies the spirit of being a member in a university with centuries of history.

Was there a class or concept that significantly impacted the way you think?

One concept that has impacted the way I think is language competition, specifically the idea of parallel activation in the multilingual mind, which I encountered in my psycholinguistics class. As a multilingual individual, I found this concept particularly resonant, as I was able to connect theoretical insights with my own lived experiences of navigating multiple languages. This concept highlights the complexity of language processing and has encouraged me to be more mindful of the subtle cognitive mechanisms behind language use, approaching everyday linguistic experiences with greater curiosity and reflection.

What belief or idea has evolved for you since beginning your studies in at Cambridge?

My understanding of what success can look like has evolved significantly since coming to Cambridge. While I’ve never been overly concerned with meeting conventional standards of success, since coming to Cambridge I have encountered many people who have been inspirational and motivating when it comes to how they carved out their life paths. From full-time students juggling a semi-professional career unrelated to their degree, to self-made entrepreneurs launching research-based startups, Cambridge has shown me that success is not one-size-fits-all.

This exposure has motivated me to explore what truly excites me and to think more deeply about how I can make a meaningful impact on society by leveraging my own strengths and experiences.

How do you manage self-doubt or pressure in a competitive academic environment?

I try not to let self-doubt take hold, as I believe many challenges we face are often self-imposed. When I feel uncertainty creeping in, I remind myself of a few things: that my past track record has proven that I’m capable of overcoming challenges, that everyone has different circumstances that I’m not fully aware of, that everything in life is a learning experience and that if everything fails, I have belief in my ability to bounce back and grow.

The key is to have confidence in yourself and not fear failure. If I have tried my best, I’m willing to accept the outcome and move forward. I also believe that action is the best antidote to pressure, as taking steps to address a challenge is far more effective than procrastinating. Staying proactive thus helps me stay grounded.

What drives you when external motivation – like deadlines or grades – isn’t present?

A deep desire to learn and grow is what keeps me going. I often feel incredibly thankful for all the opportunities and support that have been bestowed on me, and that gratitude fuels me to strive toward my full potential. I also find personal growth genuinely fulfilling and always look forward to planning my own upskilling in various areas.

Because of this, I often take initiative to pursue upskilling opportunities or engage in work experiences even when they’re not required. I want to live life to the fullest and challenge myself at every turn so I may keep growing into a better person.

How has receiving the scholarship influenced your time at university?

Receiving the scholarship has been transformative, as not only it has shaped my university experience, but it may well have changed the course of my life. Without it, studying at Cambridge would likely have been financially out of reach. The freedom from financial burden has allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies, and explore opportunities beyond academics with confidence that shape my character and professional path. It is what drives me to make the most of everything Cambridge has to offer.

What advice would you give to a student currently considering applying for the YH2 Capital Scholarship?

Take time to reflect deeply on your motivations and aspirations, and consider how you would make the most of the scholarship opportunity. Personally, I often think about how close I came to choosing a more “safe” degree path to be more employable, despite not truly being excited by it. Had I not persisted in my desire to study linguistics, I might have missed the chance to study something that I’m so intellectually invested in that it makes me look forward to lectures, supervisions, and even exams. So my advice is to be honest with yourself about what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to pursue it wholeheartedly.