Living History: Janet Mathewson

What surprised me most during my time at the College

1. Being referred to as a Trinity man (Seriously?)
2. Being referred to as a Colonial, and asked whether New Zealand’s mother tongue was French
3. Being reprimanded by another student for talking to “the servants”, when he heard me asking a groundsman about his grandson

On the plus side:

1. The humanity, encouragement and generosity of spirit of pastoral and academic tutors
2. The wonder of being with others who pursued learning passionately, delighting in every new discovery
3. The joy of deep friendships that crossed social and geographical lines, that are still going strong after nearly 40 years
4. The beauty of Trinity and the sense of privilege at spending 4 years in such a place

I matriculated in 1981, and read Modern and Medieval Languages; and History of Art. I’m currently General Manager of ME Auckland, a New Zealand charity enabling people with ME (Chronic Fatigue) and Fibromyalgia to do what other people take for granted.