British-Brazilian Matheus Santos is one of our Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences students. Matheus took some time out of his studies to share with us his personal story of how he ended up in Cambridge, and what he hopes to do in the future.
Can you tell us about your personal journey to Cambridge and what life for you looked like before you joined the University?
Before joining the world of academia, I worked full-time in London for the emergency services. My shifts varied from “earlies, lates and nights” with the constant pressures of blue light emergency incidents. London is indeed a very busy city, so I never knew what to expect from each shift.
Why did you choose to study at St Edmund’s College?
As a mature student coming from a completely different background to the usual Cambridge student, I wanted to be in an environment where I felt included and not so “old” in comparison to my peers. St Edmund’s is the perfect college for mature students. It’s never too late to learn!
How did you find the application process?
The application process was tough and quite comprehensive. Cambridge is a fantastic University and competition is therefore fierce. However, trust in your full potential, listen to
any advice from teachers or wise peers and show who you really are in those interviews.
How did you prepare for your admissions assessment?
Some people pay for interview skills classes and those “we will get you into Oxbridge” courses, my advice is to stay clear of these, I considered them when applying. Admission
officers are incredibly experienced professionals, they do not want to see rehearsed responses and cliché “it’s my dream”, just be yourself and trust in your ability!
What motivated you to choose your field of study?
Working for the emergency services was a very eye-opening experience for me, I could see an unequal legal system which sometimes, though without consciously doing so, perpetuates injustice. I therefore wanted to study this field and hopefully become a source of change for our legal system.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time at St Edmund’s College so far that has had a significant impact on you?
Matriculation is by far the most Cambridge experience one has in a lifetime, it’s such a proud moment for one to sign the book where many previous students, noble prize winners, Princes and Kings have signed before you. It creates a sense of pride which definitely motivated me.
Are there any professors, mentors, or classmates who particularly inspire or influence you? If so, how are they impacting your personal or professional development?
As a disabled student, I am so proud to belong to a university that accepts me and adapts in every way to my disability. The ADRC (Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre) is a department which specifically caters to the needs of disabled and neurodivergent students. Ms. Deb Taylor was my advisor and a fantastic member of staff, I cannot thank her enough for helping me navigate the world of Cambridge and the bureaucracy of external Government agencies. She was so thoughtful, caring and showed real empathy to my condition without once making me feel judged or classed as “uncapable” as often neurodivergent students do. Thanks Deb and ADRC Team! I’d also like to thank immensely the Foundation year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
team – Dr Alex Pryce, Dr Corinne Roughley, Dr Shyane Siriwardena and Dr Alex Serafimov who without their support I wouldn’t be writing this article. Widening participation initiatives
are extremely important to give a voice and place to people like me who were never heard. The team is extremely professional, caring but tough professors – TOP TIP: Don’t hand in
work late! Thank you for changing my life and the lives of so many other students.
What are your plans beyond graduation and how do you see them contributing to a better future for individuals, societies and the world globally?
I plan to become a Barrister, who knows maybe one day a Judge! My main goal is to influence change and help shape our legislation to ensure the justice
system is fit for purpose. My goal is to gain as much knowledge and experience to be the voice that represents the otherwise unrepresented.
Learn more about the University of Cambridge’s Foundation Year programme.
