Living History: Amanda North

My defining moment at Trinity

Greetings from San Francisco!

When I arrived at Trinity in the Fall of 1978, I knew not a soul. I matriculated as a graduate student, sponsored by Rotary Club International. Though technically I was studying International Energy Policy, the Rotary Club stressed that my job while in England was to be an ‘ambassador of goodwill.’ I observed that the River Cam served not only as an athletic but also a social center of the University. Trinity’s First and Third Boat Club was legendary.  I inquired about joining the Ladies crew team, only to find that it didn’t exist.  Rallying an enthusiastic, stalwart – and completely inexperienced – group of young ladies, we ventured to the Trinity Boathouse. The men loaned us a decrepit boat, which we promptly sank. We tried again, and again. Finally, most likely to spare Trinity from further embarrassment, the men agreed to coach us.  Although we caught our fair share of crabs – and bumps – along the way, we persevered through the frigid early mornings, and the Trinity First and Third Ladies Boat was launched! The bonds we formed that year endured, bringing eight of us together at this September’s Annual Gathering. We raised a few pints and grasped our oars, savoring again the comradery and pride we shared forty years ago.

Amanda North matriculated in 1978. She studied International Energy Policy.