From the Student Leaders

The Students' Club Senior Executive: Adele Burke, Jack Grant and Ben Adams

From our Student Leaders

With College’s strong start to 2020, things did seem perhaps, a little too good to be true. Within just two months, we had welcomed the largest-ever fresher intake, experienced an incredible Welcome Week, opened the new ThyneReid Link building and emerged victorious from two of two intercollegiate competitions. With training for Palladian Dance, Rosebowl Netball and Swimming underway, 2020 but nevertheless we certainly have our sights set on returning

was certainly shaping up to be a successful year.

But whilst it is easy to feel down about the monotonous routines that we currently find ourselves in, the effect of COVID-19 on the Students’ Club is put into perspective by looking back 100 years. When the Spanish Flu took hold of Drew’s in May 1919, 56 of 81 students became ill and the now Reading Room was converted into a temporary hospital ward, with nurses and doctors employed by the College. Conversely, since March 27th, we seem to be in a much better position, with many Facetimes (and the occasional Face-wine), isolation TikTok challenges, and opportunities for continued professional and personal development through the Drews Forum.

Whilst challenging without doubt, it has been reassuring (particularly so to the senior year students who are soon to move out) to see that friendships live on beyond the walls occasional exercise meet-up. And just as the friendships are enduring, so too are the efforts from Androvians in isolation. From our exchange students returning to England to deliver food to the heroes of the NHS, to continued training for the now Tokyo 2021 Olympics, we are all finding ways to keep busy.

We do love being back with our families all over the world, of St Andrew's – currently through the online space, or the

to the Dining Hall and the Glen and sharing good times with our mates again. We’ll probably embrace College even more so when we’re back, with a newfound appreciation for the connections and memories that it fosters. As we continue to ensure the College spirit burns bright from afar, the House Committee also has one eye set on our return. Plans are well underway to ensure that we make the most of 2020, and that our College experience is as valuable as ever.

But hey, if worst does come to worst, at least we’ll still end up top of the Rawson and Palladian ladders (girls, we know you would’ve brought Netball home too).

Jack Grant Adele Burke Ben Adams

Senior Student Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer