These have been scary and challenging times for all of us. I personally don’t know a single person who hasn’t been affected by the virus in one way or another. I train NHS workers in Leadership and Management skills and I have heard harrowing stories of temporary morgues and families being unable to see their loved ones at the ends of their lives. But I’ve also been impressed by the moments where our humanity has shone through: from the key workers who have kept the country running to little acts of kindness and compassion we have shown to each other.

I have personally enjoyed (virtually) connecting with my fellow Mildert alumni over the last 3 months. We have regular poker and games nights and have started a weekly routine of cooking together over Zoom on the weekend (a ritual which can last 4 or 5 hours). Twenty or more minutes can go by where we don’t really say anything to each other, but it is nice to know that people I love and trust are there by my side. And it’s a lot easier to pretend you are a gourmet chef when no-one has to taste your food!

As difficult as these past three months have been, I have regularly taken solace and comfort in the fact that I was lucky enough to meet such a fantastic group of friends at Mildert, thanks to such a supportive and inclusive college environment. If you haven’t yet reached out to your fellow Mildertians during lock-down, please do so now…take my car (as Bill Bryson would say).