After being voted in by their peers as the 2025/26 Scholar Representatives, Tadalisika Zulu and Elishammah Nyaba Ghany share their motivations for taking on the role - and the best piece of advice they’ve been given so far.
Congratulations on being voted in as this year’s Scholar Reps. What made you put yourself forward?
Elishammah: I was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar as an undergrad at the American University of Beirut. There, I was a member of the Scholars’ Committee which helped plan events and support scholars’ wellbeing.
I saw how important the work was in helping scholars navigate their new environment, so this is an opportunity to use my experience to help this cohort. It’s also a unique opportunity to develop my own leadership skills in a very different setting.
Tadalisika: To challenge myself. I always wanted to stand for a student body position but didn’t think people would accept me. After hearing about the position, several people messaged me saying ‘why haven’t you put yourself up for it?’. It made me realise there were people who believe I have the skills and that was the boost I needed.
What do you think’s special about this cohort?
Elishammah: It may be a cliché but it really is the diversity. Not just cultural diversity and the number of countries represented – although 18 countries is amazing – also diversity of experiences and skills. Whatever the challenge or question I have, I know there’s a scholar I can reach out to for help.
You’ve now started your courses, are they as you expected so far?
Tadalisika: My course, Engineering for Sustainable Development, is even more than I expected. More in terms of usefulness and relevance to my own context.
I came here thinking that I’d need to consider whether the solutions I’m learning about can apply in Zambia, but it turns out I didn’t have to worry. One of my teachers has spent time all over sub-Saharan Africa and many of the examples we’re discussing are from Africa.
Elishammah: It’s Cambridge – we all knew there would be a lot of work! But the quantity of reading is even more than I expected. It’s exciting though, as my course, Development Studies, is truly global. It centres on developing countries but also spends time on Europe, the US and South-East Asia – exploring how they play into this ecosystem.
I’ve already been introduced to concepts I haven’t come across before. Some are uncomfortable and challenging, but that’s part of the Cambridge journey.
Finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Tadalisika: Keep a calendar. There are so many events, talks, societies…
Elishammah: Yes, and take time to decide what you want to be involved in. Fresher’s Fair was an experience! You can find anything you can think of but you need to prioritise to avoid getting overwhelmed later in the year.
I’ve signed up for tennis and the triathlon society. I’ve never done the cycling part and I’m enjoying training with and learning from others.
Tadalisika: I went rowing! I watched the Cambridge Oxford Boat Race on DSTV last year and thought I’d give it a go.
It didn’t seem like we’d gone that far… but coming back, wow. I’m pleased to have tried something completely different but my legs hurt for two days!