Alex
MA Slavonic Studies
I’m lucky to have been both an undergrad and a postgrad at Teddy Hall! I was really supported by my German teacher at school to try out Russian as a beginner, and then by my undergrad tutors to apply for a Masters in Slavonic Studies. It is a really varied course based around Slavonic languages and literature. Taking a Slavonic language not previously studied is a compulsory part of the course, and Serbian has quickly become my favourite class every week — and my tutor, Ida, is a very cool and inspiring woman! I’m also studying nationalism and post-Soviet nation-building, more specifically through the lens of the Eurovision Song Contest…!
Having been in both the JCR and the MCR, it’s been interesting to see how much more international and diverse the MCR is. Meeting people from all over the world and hearing about everyone’s lives and experiences has been amazing. Everyone is doing so many cool things at once and they constantly inspire me.
I’ve also been a member of the college choir since my first year, and it has always been a welcoming and supportive community, which has allowed me to grow as a musician and a person, especially with the opportunity to lead rehearsals and conduct.
There have been some amazing big moments, such as choir tours to Pontigny and finalist events like Schools Dinner, but really the highlights are the small everyday moments, cooking with friends, going to rehearsal, and meeting the best people.
When it comes to life after the Hall, right now I’m working hard to build a career in stand-up comedy, performing regularly and using the performance skills I’ve learned in the college choir and as a dance caller in the Oxford University Ceilidh Band (OUCB) to help with this. Knowing about the Hall’s comedy alumni (such as Stewart Lee and Al Murray) has definitely been an inspiration!
What do you think when you hear ‘Women of the Hall’?
Every single woman I’ve met here has had a positive impact on my life somehow, and that is in no way limited to students. My scout in third year, Rosie, was one of the kindest people and we always had interesting conversations. Nada and Milka, who work in the servery, always have my back and seeing them always brightens my day. Other students and tutors are also just the best!