Joining the Cambridge MBA in September has already been a transformative experience, filled with many overwhelmingly fulfilling moments which I will always treasure. To best describe my Cambridge MBA journey so far, I have compiled a list of my top five “Pinch Me” moments this academic year. These are the particular instances where I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be here, and I have a feeling the younger version of me would be absolutely thrilled to hear all about them.
Where it all started: my first trip to Cambridge
1. Getting into Cambridge with three scholarships to support my studies
During my application journey, I was navigating the key question most of us face when applying to an MBA: how can I afford not only a year off from my consulting job (a huge opportunity cost) but also the tuition and living expenses? I am incredibly grateful to say that this has been sorted with generous help from my college, St. Catharine’s, as well as Cambridge Judge Business School. I was awarded three scholarships to help fund my studies: the St. Catharine’s Benavitch Scholarship, the Dean’s Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and the Forte Foundation Fellowship, helping me cover the majority of my fees. That acceptance email, followed by the scholarship notifications, felt like the biggest blessing.
2. Visiting Cambridge for the first time and feeling immediately welcomed
Last April, after receiving my acceptance to the MBA Programme, I visited Cambridge alongside my sister Lynn and my cousin Mira, who were my biggest supporters throughout the application process. Visiting Cambridge Judge was a heartwarming experience. Agnieszka from the Programme Office was incredibly kind and showed me around the campus. The JBS building immediately stood out to me as playful, energetic, and incredibly lively. Walking through those doors for the first time, I could already picture myself spending so much time here.
3. Being featured by the Financial Times for my Cambridge experience
In November, I was well into my MBA journey when I received incredible news via email: the FT wanted to feature my Cambridge experience! Being able to share my story with such a wide audience felt both humbling and exciting. It was a moment where everything came full circle, especially all the hard work and the leap of faith in choosing Cambridge. When the article went live, messages of support and love poured in from friends, family, and even strangers who found my journey inspiring. It reminded me of the ripple effect our stories can have.
Feature in the Financial Times
4. Watching a live performance by Ludovico Einaudi at the Cambridge Union
What if I told my younger self that I would get to watch Ludovico Einaudi, her favourite pianist, live in Cambridge at an intimate performance at the historic Cambridge Union? Attending that evening was absolutely magical. Hearing him perform in such a beautiful, historic setting was one of those rare moments where everything else faded away. The music, the atmosphere, the shared experience with fellow students… It was the perfect reminder that Cambridge offers not just an academic education, but a truly enriching and wholesome life experience.
5. Representing both my university and my country at the Embassy
Perhaps one of my most unexpected and meaningful experiences was meeting with the UK Ambassador not once, not twice, but three times this year. Each meeting and discussion reinforced the unique platform that Cambridge provides, one where students can bridge academic learning with real-world impact and contribute to important dialogue on issues that matter deeply to us.
Beyond these individual moments, what makes this journey truly special is the incredible community I’ve found here. My friends from around the world have been so supportive, and I’m making friendships that will last a lifetime. From small moments around Cambridge to weekend travel plans, from coffee breaks to formal dinners, every day brings new connections and shared memories.
A map of my friend group from around the world
My first notebook in Cambridge, signed by my first friends here
As I continue this journey, I know there will be many more “pinch me” moments ahead, and I cannot wait to see what they bring.