From ISN to Cambridge: Penelope’s Journey into Law

When Penelope graduated from the International School Neustadt (ISN) in 2022, she was already on her way to one of the world’s most prestigious universities: Cambridge. Looking back, she reflects on how ISN equipped her for academic challenges, and inspired her to aim high.
In this interview, Penelope shares how she discovered her path to law, how she adjusted to life at Cambridge, and how ISN helped her turn her dream into reality.

Enjoy!

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When did you graduate from ISN?
I left ISN in 2022.

What subjects or activities at ISN influenced your decision to study law?
While at ISN, I was interested in most subjects. However, I was particularly fascinated by both English and Economics. I enjoyed English as it taught me that the way in which language is used can have a significant impact on how people perceive different things. Moreover, the study of classical literature, such as A Doll’s House, not only introduced me to the significance of certain social issues but also improved my analytical skills significantly. On the other hand, I enjoyed Economics because it was incredibly logical and took a practical approach to current issues. I wanted a subject that combined both interests and skills, and law seemed like a natural fit.

Were there any particular teachers or experiences at ISN that had a lasting impact on you?
While all the staff at ISN were incredibly supportive, three in particular come to mind. Firstly, Daniel, my English teacher during my IGCSEs, was the first person who introduced me to the idea of Cambridge and encouraged me to apply. Without his nudge, I never would’ve considered applying. Secondly, Maxwell, my Geography teacher throughout secondary school, never doubted me and always encouraged me to put my ideas, no matter how crazy they seemed at the time, into action. This is a quality which has stayed with me throughout my time at university. Finally, Jacques, whose positive attitude taught me that no matter how stressful life can be at times, there is always something to find joy in.

How do you think ISN's international environment shaped your worldview or academic mindset?
ISN’s international environment exposed me to so many perspectives that it became second nature to approach any topic with an open mind. Class discussions were often a mix of different cultural viewpoints, and that taught me that no single perspective holds all the answers. This mindset has been invaluable for law, where understanding multiple sides of an argument is essential.

What does a typical day in the life of a Cambridge law student look like?
There is no typical day as a Cambridge law student. However, most mornings consist of lectures, usually three per day, and on Saturdays if you are unlucky. After lectures, I would typically get coffee or lunch with a friend. Then, I would usually have a supervision, which is a one-on-one lesson with a professor. Afterwards, I would go to one of the university’s 200 libraries and complete either an essay, usually two due per week, or finish some reading for my next supervision. Later, I would usually attend an extracurricular activity or a society meeting, followed by dinner in my college's dining hall. Afterwards, it was back to the library for a few hours, and then I would spend some time with my friends before bed.

What was the biggest academic or personal challenge you faced during your time at Cambridge?
The biggest challenge was learning to accept that there will always be more I could be doing. At Cambridge, the workload feels endless, and perfection is impossible. I had to learn to prioritise, manage my time realistically, and make peace with “good enough” when necessary.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud or accomplished during your studies?
One moment where I felt particularly accomplished was during the process of writing my undergraduate dissertation. Not only was it something I had to be selected to do, but I also got to write it on an area of law of my choice. I chose to focus on criminal law, specifically on the extent to which the criminalisation of coercive control within England and Wales has actually afforded women greater protection from abusive partners. This is a relatively under-researched area of the law as the offence is a new one. However, throughout the process, I realised that I was contributing to an important and ongoing legal conversation, which made all the long hours worth it.

How did you stay motivated during particularly difficult terms or exam seasons?
Unlike other universities, at Cambridge exams are taken at the end of the year over a three-week period. There is only one exam per paper, which is the Cambridge term for a module, and resits are not allowed under any circumstances. This makes for a pressure-cooker environment in the exam term. What keeps me motivated are my incredible friends who, even though they are equally as stressed and busy, are always there for me and always up for a casual movie night or trip to the pub. Remembering the incredible alumni of the university, such as Isaac Newton and Lady Hale, is also a perfect way to stay motivated. Finally, and somewhat conversely, due to the small intake the university has, you form strong bonds with your professors. For example, there were only seven of us in my year at my college studying law, and we were one of the larger colleges. All of our professors frequently reminded us that we were awarded our place for a reason and that there is no reason why we cannot perform well. After exam season, there is a period called May Week where all colleges host massive parties called “May Balls,” which run from 9 pm to 6 am and have unlimited food, drink, entertainment, and music. Past headliners have included Stormzy and Boney M. The fun of such events is definitely conducive to forgetting the exam period.


How has your understanding of law evolved over the course of your studies?
When I started, I saw law as a clear set of rules that everyone follows. The more I studied, the more I realised it is far messier and far more interesting. It is a living, constantly evolving system shaped by politics, history, culture, and social movements. Even when a law is clearly written down, the way it is interpreted and developed through cases can vary enormously, often meaning there is no single “right” answer. It is not just about applying the law as it is written; it is about understanding why it is written that way, who it benefits, and who it might leave out.

Which area of law are you most passionate about, and why?
At university, I ended up enjoying a surprising mix of papers, everything from Intellectual Property to Equity and Trusts, and even, to my own shock, the dreaded Roman Law. But the one I always found myself coming back to was criminal law. There is something about it that feels very immediate. The stakes are so high, and the decisions made in court can change someone’s life in an instant. I am especially interested in the parts that deal with protecting vulnerable people, because you can see the human impact of the law so clearly. Behind every case, there is a real person and a real story, and that is what keeps it feeling so important to me.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self while at ISN?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of taking risks, even when they feel intimidating or you are worried about failing. Some of the best opportunities I have had came from moments when I stepped completely outside my comfort zone, whether that was applying to Cambridge, joining a society I knew nothing about, or putting my hand up in class to share an idea I was not entirely sure about. At ISN, it is so easy to stay in a comfortable rhythm because you are in a supportive environment, but growth happens when you challenge yourself, even if it feels awkward at first. You will not always get it right, but every risk teaches you something, about the world and, more importantly, about yourself.

What would you say to current ISN students who dream of studying at top universities?
Work hard at something you are genuinely passionate about, because enthusiasm and dedication shine through in every application. And take the risk, even if the admissions statistics feel daunting. It may not seem like you have a chance of getting in, but the only way to know you definitely will not is by not applying at all. Everyone I know at Cambridge had moments where they thought, “There is no way they will pick me,” and many still feel imposter syndrome after arriving. The truth is, you never know until you try. So aim high, give it your best, and let the decision-makers surprise you.

Are there habits, mindsets, or skills you learned at ISN that still serve you today?
Absolutely. One of the biggest is the habit of speaking up, even when you are not 100 percent sure you are right. ISN’s small class sizes meant there was nowhere to hide, and I quickly learned that contributing to discussions was how I made sense of complex ideas. That confidence has been invaluable at Cambridge supervisions, which can feel daunting when you are face-to-face with a leading expert who is challenging your arguments. The other skill is the ability to work with people from all sorts of backgrounds. Because ISN was so international, I learned early on how to listen, adapt, and find common ground, which is vital in both law and life.

What are your immediate plans now that you've graduated from Cambridge?
My immediate plan is to work at a law firm in London, ideally in corporate law. London’s legal sector is incredibly fast-paced and diverse, so I am excited to learn from experienced practitioners and start applying what I have studied to real-world cases.

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through your work in law?
I want my work to strengthen legal protections for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and to help shape a justice system that is not only fair but also accessible. Law can feel intimidating and inaccessible to those who need it most, and I hope to contribute, whether through advocacy, policy work, or case law, to a culture where the legal system is a tool for protection, not a barrier.

What’s something surprising or unexpected about life at Cambridge?
The traditions. I knew there would be some, but I did not expect them to be such a big part of the culture. From wearing academic gowns to formal dinners, to May Balls that last until sunrise, it often feels like stepping into a different century. Some of the traditions are wonderfully quirky, with Latin phrases casually thrown around, candlelit halls, and college-specific customs that feel like they have been around forever (they probably have been). The college system also shapes your entire experience. Everyone belongs to one of 31 colleges and lives there for the entirety of their degree, which means you form incredibly close friendships with people from all sorts of subjects. Some of my best friends in the world are people I met through my college, and Cambridge as a whole has given me friends for life. It has also pushed me into opportunities I would never have taken otherwise. For example, if my friend hadn’t signed me up to audition for a debate at the Cambridge Union, I never would have run for a committee position or had the chance to have dinner with some of the world’s most famous faces. Even everyday spaces like the libraries feel special, with some so beautiful and atmospheric they could easily be mistaken for a film set.

Who or what keeps you grounded and focused?
My friends and family, without a doubt. They remind me that my worth is not defined by grades, accolades, or how much I can cram into a week. They are the people who will drag me out for a coffee when I have been in the library too long, or remind me to laugh at myself when I start taking things too seriously. They help me keep perspective, that success is important, but so is enjoying the journey.