Student Spotlight: Downing's Pomona Scholar
Every year, one undergraduate applicant to Downing has the opportunity to study for a year at Pomona College in California, USA, before commencing their studies at Cambridge. This is a fully-funded scholarship and is awarded each year to an undergraduate offer-holder at Downing College.
We spoke to the 2023 – 2024 Pomona Scholar, Katy Derby (Historical Tripos), about her experience living and studying in California.
Why did you apply for the Pomona scholarship?
I have always wanted to travel but traditional gap years never really felt like a viable option for me. When I first found out about the Pomona scholarship, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new whilst still continuing my formal education. I had taken the 20th century America section of A-Level History and so being able to discover more about this was very exciting to me. Moreover, the ability to take classes in subjects I would not have been able to study otherwise, such as Politics and Chicano Studies, really appealed. I have always been fascinated by a wide field of studies and the Pomona Liberal Arts curriculum allowed me to explore these.
What subjects are you studying at Pomona? Why did you choose these subjects, do they relate to your upcoming studies at Downing? How has the experience enhanced your academic pursuits and broadened your perspective?
I studied a mix of subjects at Pomona that in many ways related to my plan to study History at Cambridge. I took early US History, 20th century Russian History and post-independence Latin American History. I also took a variety of other humanities classes including Gender and Women’s Studies, American Politics and Anthropology. I think having the chance to take these humanities classes has really helped to broaden my perspective. The professors I was able to learn from were some incredible people, many of whom had fascinating personal narratives. They have definitely encouraged me to question what I already knew.
Could you share any memorable cultural encounters or experiences?
I have had a lot of very memorable experiences during my time in the United States. The opportunities that were available at Pomona were really incredible both academically and personally. I was able to listen to a talk from a White House advisor on foreign policy, which was really fascinating. Furthermore, attending a ballroom competition at Stanford University was an amazing experience. Not only did the dance competition provide me with a chance to improve my skills and spend time with my friends on the team, but we were able to explore this University and even have a tour around the robotics lab. Finally, I was very fortunate in being able to spend Thanksgiving with my friend in New York. Exploring the City during this time has to be one of my favourite memories of my time at Pomona.
What has been the most rewarding aspect, both academically and personally?
The most rewarding part of the scholarship academically was the chance to choose classes I was really interested in. Many of the classes that Pomona offers include very specific content that allows you to properly deep dive into ideas that interest you. Taking a seminar on reproductive justice was particularly rewarding for me because this is a topic I have been interested in for years. This class also challenged my preconceived beliefs about what reproductive justice entailed and so genuinely and significantly broadened my perspective. The most rewarding aspect on a personal level was the opportunity that this scholarship provided to travel and explore new places. Through my place on both the ballroom and rugby teams, I was able to travel to Las Vegas, San Diego and Stanford. I was also able to stay with the friends I made at Pomona in cities including New York, Nashville, and Washington D.C. before traveling home at the end of the year.
Would you recommend applying to the Pomona Scholarship? And what advice would you give to offer holders considering applying?
I would absolutely recommend applying to the Pomona scholarship as it has been one of the most incredible opportunities of my life. I would advise offer holders that, if this scholarship is something that sounds appealing to them, to not be daunted by the fact that only one student is able to go each year and to simply apply. You will never know unless you try.
Published 3 July 2024