Celebrating Success: Marigold Whitaker

We continue our celebrating success series with Pembroke student Marigold Whitaker (2019, Oriental Studies) who has won two University prizes for her performance in first-year exams (Prelims)! Marigold won both the Dudbridge Prize for best performance in Classical Chinese papers & the Davis Scholarship in Chinese.

Marigold shared her experience studying Chinese at Pembroke and advice for future applicants:

“My first year at Pembroke has been an incredible experience. The resources available and opportunities on offer have improved my understanding of my subject, and the extra-curricular activities offered by Pembroke and the university have hugely enriched my first-year experience.

Although it has been a big step up from my previous studies, my tutors and the support from Pembroke have really helped and encouraged me throughout the year. Some parts have been daunting, for example starting Classical Chinese, but I have really enjoyed it, and it has helped improve my understanding of modern Chinese grammar and linguistic culture, such as idioms.

Aside from my academic work, I have really enjoyed rowing for Pembroke Boat Club. As a novice, Pembroke’s proximity to the boathouse allowed me to make the most of land and water training, and it was so nice to take a break from stressful essays or grammar work for a few hours. The boat club has been really friendly, and I believe taking time out from working has helped me work efficiently and keep motivated.

To anyone thinking of applying to study Chinese, I would say don’t be overwhelmed by what you don’t know. The Oxford course is rigorous and demanding, but it is so rewarding to see your progress in fluency and knowledge within weeks, then terms, and looking back to myself at the start of my first year I can’t believe how far I’ve come.”

Explore our Chinese course here.