Penny Sweet, 1976

Penny read Natural Sciences at Clare and is now a consultant in circular economy and waste management, and board member of the ‘waste’ network of France Nature Environnement.

Who was your greatest Clare influence and why?

Maybe Professor Charlie Moule. He had just retired when I arrived at Clare, but he was still present in various chapel gatherings. A slight, humble man, he was delightful to talk to, for his attention and warmth made one feel unique and important. He gave me a glimpse of the kind of person I should like to grow into, helping me choose the Christian faith as a valid life path.

Penny's Story

It was love at first sight. Clare immediately felt like family, and that benevolent foundation built up my confidence to reach out, try new things, take initiatives. That confidence has shaped my life, and friendships have remained.

There was so much on offer, I followed the standard advice “work hard, play hard” and had a wonderful time. So much music, informative bread & cheese lunches, late-night discussions… and rowing.

I had been eager to row ever since my father took me to Eights Week in Oxford, but I didn’t anticipate it taking up so much of my life – in Cambridge and beyond. Falling asleep in lectures and even supervisions after early morning outings didn’t help my academic progress, but rowing to Head of the River in the bumps was unforgettable. How did we organise outings without mobile phones, email or whatsapp? I remember a plethora of notes and lists pinned to my door when I was Boat Club captain, and much cycling round to other people’s doors.

Clare coaching set me up for the Blue Boat and the Moscow Olympics – what an experience! However, I would never have expected to come back to competitive rowing – indoor this time – in my sixties. In February 2023 I became 2000m world champion for my age category, and my husband is vice-champion for 500m. It’s great feeling so fit again!

I left Clare determined not to fall into the trap of a boring job and/or earning too much money. I succeeded on both counts! However, coming back in the 90’s from time in Cameroon and Rwanda to settle in France with 3 small children, I had a great struggle to find any job at all after completing a Masters in Environmental Engineering. Going freelance in the noughties was necessity rather than choice. I invested time and energy working voluntarily for a French environmental NGO. I at least felt useful, I could tackle polluters and inform government policy. This led to the privilege of a 5-year term representing the NGO at the Conseil Economique, Social et Environnemental in Paris – the third constitutional chamber, advisory only, representing civil society.

Inspired by listening to visiting lecturers in Cambridge such as E.F. Schumacher (Small is beautiful) and the Dalaï Lama, I wanted to change the world for the better.

Advice to my younger self? Organise your work better. Hold on to your ideals. Remain curious, never stop learning. Try to understand how the world works so you can put it right!