Pairings: Sachiko Kusukawa

Sachiko Kusukawa

Dean

In my time as a Tutor, this armchair was positioned in front of a low table with a bowl of chocolates and a box of tissues. The armchair is standard College-issue in its non-descript hue of magnolia; it is easy to sink into, and a little difficult to get out of, as my former tutees and students may recall.

The box of tissues came in handy, as they reported joyous achievements or painful break-ups – or perhaps they had a cold. Some of our conversations have been lengthy and rambling, punctuated by a piece of chocolate. On a few occasions, we were lost for words – another good reason to reach out for that piece of chocolate.

The students who sat in that armchair were anything but non-descript or standard. They impressed me with the many different things that they could squeeze into a space of eight weeks, their enthusiasm for their chosen subjects, their passion for righting the ills of the world, their resilience and sense of humour in the face of challenges, and their courage and dignity in enduring disappointment, frustration and loss.

They added their own colour to that indescribably varied and vibrant community that is Trinity. I hope they know that the College is enriched because they were here.