Student Spotlight: Meet the Downing MCR President
Chara Triantafyllidou was elected President of the Downing MCR (Middle Combination Room) in December 2024.
We caught up with her to talk about her time at Downing, the MCR and the priorities of this year's committee.
Can you tell us a bit about your time at Downing?
I arrived at Downing in Michaelmas 2021 as a Gates Scholar to pursue a PhD in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. My research focuses on how pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) develop reading comprehension skills, with particular interest in how oral language abilities and contextual factors—like reading habits or socioeconomic status—affect literacy acquisition.
Before Cambridge, I studied English Language and Literature at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, my home country, and later completed an MPhil in Applied Linguistics at Trinity College Dublin.
In between these years of studying, I was often found volunteering for a range of initiatives, from Arts Festivals and Charity Fashion Shows to Conferences and Seminar Series. I took a keen interest in politics from a young age, since my participation in Euroscola when I was 16, and was since engaged in summer schools and conferences related to political matters ranging from civic engagement and international relations to body politics and feminism.
For those who might not be aware, what is the MCR?
The Middle Combination Room (MCR) is the body of students in Downing who are studying for taught or research postgraduate degrees, or are in the 4th year or above in their studies - such as Medics, Vets, or those on an integrated Master’s programme. We are a diverse body of home and international students in a wide range of disciplines, bringing together a unique set of varied life experiences and skills.
What made you want to run for President?
I first got involved in the committee in 2021/22 in Welfare and Education. I enjoyed the role and took the opportunity to kick off some new events, which I found very rewarding. I returned to the committee in 2023/24 when I ran for and was elected Vice-President. I worked closely with the committee and College to improve various aspects of College life, such as MCR facilities, travel funding, and social events. That experience gave me a strong foundation, and I felt ready to take on the challenge of leading our community this academic year.
Can you give us an idea of the day-to-day tasks the role requires?
There is not a single dull day in this role and tasks may vary significantly depending on: the time of the academic year we are in, issues that may have arisen urgently, and of course the needs of our students.
College committee meetings are a common feature in my schedule as I am responsible for liaising with College for any matter that concerns the wider MCR body. However, you will also find me stocking coffee pods, putting up Christmas decorations, getting the committee together to tidy up the MCR common room, helping with the bar, or having a meeting with the Master as an excuse to pet his dogs.
What are you hoping to achieve during your term as MCR President?
I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by active, willing, and enthusiastic committee members. We have an exciting year ahead, filled with numerous events for our members. That being said, I want to ensure that future committees are well-equipped to continue this work. For this reason, I would like to work on streamlining certain processes to achieve better efficiency and continuity for future committees. Long-term planning and the development of a sustainable plan are the key objectives in my current role.
What are the strengths of the Downing MCR?
Innovation. Our community’s diversity means we’re always bringing fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box ideas. With over 500 members, we benefit from a broad range of experiences and insights, which helps shape both the MCR Committee’s direction and the College’s overall approach to student life.
What’s the best thing about being part of the MCR Committee?
As a self-proclaimed social butterfly - meeting people and picking their brains! Not literally, I promise!
I love the unexpected conversations that arise and the creative brainstorming that happens in the most random settings.
How can Downing postgraduates get involved with the MCR?
If you are introverted and just read the two lines above, fear not: there is a role for everyone. We run elections at the end of Michaelmas Term and encourage our members to speak with current committee members if they are considering running. Standing orders offer a fair indication of what each role involves, but you will get a much better understanding by speaking with us. The process is very simple, there is no campaigning involved, and there is not as vicious competition as people may expect, so I do encourage you to run and replace me in Michaelmas 2025!
Favourite memory of Downing?
Difficult question to answer, so I will go with a cliché: my matriculation dinner. It was just a couple of weeks after moving into College and I believe it was at that moment that I managed to really wrap my head around where I was and what I was doing. Many versions of myself in the past would not have been able to even imagine that this is where life would lead me. Downing has been the best home I could have asked for.
Published 17 February 2025