Student Spotlight: Harry Barker (Medicine 2020)
Last week, 55 Downing students were made scholars at the annual Scholars’ Dinner, after Downing posted its best set of exam results on record.
Among the fantastic results, eight of Downing’s new scholars topped their Class-List Tripos. One of whom was 3rd year medic Harry Barker who finished top of the Tripos in Part II – Natural Sciences (Psychology).
On his achievement, Harry said: “I always thought it was unattainable. I was quite surprised when I saw my results. I am so grateful to Downing for providing me with the support to reach my academic potential. The words of encouragement I received from my Director of Studies in the first-year after receiving disappointing exam results stuck with me and inspired me to find a way to optimise my learning.”
On top of achieving academic success this year, Harry’s extra-curricular activities are also a cornerstone of his time at Downing and his enjoyment of life in College.
A keen musician, Harry is heavily involved in Downing’s music scene, being a member of the Chapel Choir, playing guitar for the Downing Jazz Band and founding the barbershop quartet The Griffin Singers. He is also looking forward to taking part in the Choir’s 2024 US tour to New York and Vermont.
One of his proudest moments at Downing was he and his co-singers organising the Griffins Singers’ first concert, a successful and well-attended event put together in a matter of weeks.
“There has been a focus lately on making Downing more inclusive to different genres of music. We’re now putting on concerts that anyone can get involved in, to make it a more supportive environment to people who’ve not had experience of performances in the past,” he said.
Harry is an active member of the Downing College Boat Club, and was part of the Men’s 2nd VIII crew that won their ‘super blades’ in last year’s May bumps competition.
Harry said the Boat Club is a fantastic community and he has found rowing a great way of getting away from the stress of exams.
Of his time at Downing, Harry said: “I feel very grateful to have had an amazing four years here and still have another two and a half years to go. Downing has helped me grow both academically and in terms of the person I am.”
Published 4 December 2023