Daisy Agidi (Philosophy 2022) was encouraged to apply to Gonville & Caius College and the University of Cambridge by a simple message: there is no reason not to apply.

“I thought Cambridge or Oxford would be amazing, but I never considered it properly until I went to sixth form,” says Daisy, a Caius access ambassador.

“I lowered my expectations for myself. But my teachers said ‘why not just apply? Push yourself. You are more than capable of achieving that’.”

Daisy is from Barking and Dagenham in east London and commuted to Westcliff High School for Girls in Southend for her secondary education. She then attended Brampton Manor Academy in east London for sixth form.

She adds: “I loved my teachers at Brampton. I’d never met teachers so dedicated and passionate, not just for their subjects, but for students. They went above and beyond for us, giving us an environment to flourish. Encouragement from my family, teachers and peers motivated me to apply to Caius.”

Daisy’s internal drive pre-dates her arrival at Brampton. “I was reading my primary school diary and I had written I wanted all A* at A-Level – I didn’t even know what that meant, but it must’ve filtered through from somewhere,” she says.

“Access is important to me because it’s really with having people from a variety of backgrounds that will make a place truly flourish.

“People don’t always know what they’re capable of or the means and avenues to get opportunities such as applying to Cambridge.

“From my own background I’ve seen the smartest people who would never consider applying to Oxbridge. They don’t know how to apply, how the interviews are conducted and general tips that others may get from a more privileged background.

“If we want to make our community a better place we need more diversity, people from a variety of experiences so we can all grow as individuals and develop our knowledge together. It was a no-brainer for me to be involved in access.”

Access is important to me because it’s really with having people from a variety of backgrounds that will make a place truly flourish.

When guiding prospective students or hosting school visits, Daisy provides a “pep talk”.

“If you think this place is amazing and is suited for you, but the only thing holding you back is because you think you won’t get in, there’s no reason not to give it a chance,” she adds.

“As an individual you’re worth so much and you have put so much effort into your studies and extracurricular activities, evidently you have the willpower and passion to apply for your subject. Caius and Cambridge would be the perfect place for you, because there are so many opportunities here to fuel your ambition.

“It's about valuing yourself for what you’re really worth.”

Daisy is an HSBC student ambassador and is interested in a career in finance, having spent a week working in global markets on the trading floor earlier this year. She is to undertake a summer internship with the bank in summer 2024. She spent summer 2023 working at tourist attractions, tutoring and waitressing.

Daisy is a member of the Cambridge University African Caribbean Society and a Black and Minority Ethnic co-opt on the Gonville & Caius College Students’ Union.

For anyone embarking on the application process, she has another simple message ahead of interviews.

She says: “When you’re in your interview, take it as an opportunity to learn more. Don’t feel pressure to act like a robot and answer every question perfectly.

“It’s meant to emulate a supervision so you’re going to make a mistake. If you do make a mistake don’t think that’s your chance over, show you’re willing to learn and solve the problem.

“I enjoyed my interview – it was fun. I was able to talk about topics of philosophy I was really interested in. That was my first taster into what life at Caius is like – how you meet such passionate people about their subject with such depth of knowledge.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. Truly enjoy it in the moment. Hopefully you’ll be able to get a place, learn and develop that knowledge in such an environment.”