This week I'm introducing you to our very own President (and technically PR Officer too!), Kalina, and our secretary, Kym. Enjoy!
Name: Kym Yarwood
Committee Position(s): Secretary
Year: 2
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
Oxford Art Club and the Biological Society.
What drew you to HPSoc?
The friendly atmosphere in the first place, and meet-ups always have something fun to do.
What Hogwarts subject do you wish you could do?
Flying is very tempting, and I bet Herbology and Magical Creatures would be a laugh, but Charms has to win out because that’s where the proper spells are.
Why is your Hogwarts house the best?
Best colour scheme and there’d always be something interesting going on up in Ravenclaw Tower guaranteed.
Which of the Deathly Hallows would you choose and why?
Invisibility cloak so my tutors can’t find me.
Which wizarding shop in Knockturn or Diagon Alley would you most like to visit?
Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes for sure, I’ll eat cursed sweets straight from the pick’n’mix.
What would you buy off the sweets trolley on the Hogwarts Express?
Plain and simple pumpkin pie; can’t be doing with food that wriggles please.
Do you think Fantastic Beasts should be canon?
Yes, questionable story choices aside I’m here to enjoy magical creatures and that’s what I’m going to do.
Name: Kalina Naidoo
Committee Position(s): President
Year: Prisoner of Azkaban
Hogwarts House: GRYFFINDOR
I am Head of Communications for the Science Innovation Union (Oxford Division), I volunteer with Oxford Hands on Science, and I am Graduate Rep for It Happens Here (University of Oxford’s Sexual Violence Campaign)
Why drew you to HPSoc?
It maybe cliché, but the members fostered a friendly and inclusive environment. I came for the Potter, and stayed for the Pals ;)
What Hogwarts subject do you wish you could do?
Potions, it will probably be the best way to learn how to inconspicuously off our current Treasurer (though probably doesn’t help my future ‘innocent’ plea by putting this on the interwebs.
Favourite font (classic question from our name circles...)?
Every time this question is asked, Rowling tweets. Think about the consequences please, people.
What’s your favourite part of your committee position?
I’m superior to the Treasurer.
Why is your Hogwarts house the best?
Everybody looks good in red. On a serious note, I think we all could do with being a bit braver in life, speaking up against injustice, taking a risk every now and again, just doing the thing, whatever the thing may be. I guess it’s about finding a balance, making sure you don’t turn that bravery into recklessness, and turn it into confidence instead. It would be nice if the smart and kind people learned how to shout as loud as their antagonists for a change!
Which of the Deathly Hallows would you choose and why?
Death Stick, did I mention I maybe want to murder the Treasurer?
Any restaurant or café you’d like to recommend to our Freshers?
The Rose (tea shop) on High Street has the BEST scones (also it is right next to Teddy Hall so you get Eduroam), Zheng’s is a walk (in Jericho) but just thinking about the food there makes me want to burst into tears because I do not have it in front of me right now, Formosan (bubble tea) has a good little area for students to work. Also! GO TO THE OPEN MARKET AT GLOUCESTER GREEN AND EAT DUMPLINGS FROM THE DUMPLING STALL.
Top tip for Freshers?
Third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.
Though in all seriousness, everybody is a lot more nervous, homesick, and insecure than they appear to be. Making friends can be tricky, but smile and say hello, I can’t promise you that everyone will say hello back, but the ones who do, they’ll make these next few years a thing of beauty