Baran A.

My name is Baran, and I was a Politics and International Relations graduate from the University of Cambridge. My interest in politics started as a youth, trawling through politics related videos on YouTube, this metamorphosed into a general interest in history, international relations and economics. I took this passion and translated into an academic fervor.

In my first year of HSPS, I led by breadth, studying sociology, anthropology, politics, and international relations. While I was intrigued and challenged by both anthropology and sociology, my ultimate interest lied with politics and international relations, choosing it as my sole track for my second year. Here, my favorite modules were always the most contemporary, ranging from comparing British and American populisms’ to studying international governance and institutions.

To help others like me I have subscribed as a mentor two years running, helping disadvantaged kids apply to Oxbridge. I also have general, albeit informal teaching experience helping my peers at college, my teachers frequently referred to me as an unpaid teaching assistant!

A tutee success story I’m proud of was an applicant to Robinson College, Cambridge, who while shy and nervous at first, nevertheless secured their place to study HSPS. I assisted the applicant through encouraging rapid thinking, practicing prior interview questions and techniques. So, when their interview date arrived, they were able to think quick on their feet, answering any oddball questions with speed and accuracy.