Karyn from Pune, India — a Trinity College London multi-disciplinary journey
Karyn, an enthusiastic and multi-talented student from Pune, is a remarkable example of how Trinity College London’s diverse qualifications can shape and support a learner’s growth across multiple disciplines. From a young age, Karyn embraced opportunities in firstly drama, then English language and more recently music, each contributing to her confidence, skill development and academic journey.
Karyn’s first interaction with Trinity was through speech and drama. “I started with Grade 2 Acting and then moved on to Grade 3,” she explains. “I’ve always loved drama. I think just looking at the syllabus and the opportunity, it made me want to take the exams and look at branching out across different genres.” Her passion led her to Vocal Institute, where she enrolled in after-school classes. Over nearly a decade, she has progressed through the grades, becoming a confident performer who has learned to manage nerves and present herself authentically.
It wasn’t long before Karyn expanded into English language qualifications. She completed Integrated Skills in English (ISE) foundation level and later Grade 4 in Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE). “When I started 9th grade, I got into English - I loved writing essays and poems. I just wanted to learn something new as well as get a certification for doing so.” Her love of the English language, combined with her developing communication skills from drama, made this a natural next step.
Karyn’s motivation to take exams was personal. “If I’m taking the classes, it made sense as well do an exam and get the credits and certification. The gaining of knowledge was already there - but it’s good to have something to remember it by.” She was particularly drawn to the structure of Trinity’s syllabuses. “Each grade builds on the last. There was a clear structure that helped me improve step by step. I liked diving into all the small bits of everything at each next stage.”
“It’s the best exam of my life – the easiest in terms of enjoyment, and the most meaningful in terms of growth.”
At the heart of Karyn’s experience was the support from Vocal Institute and her teacher, Tracy. Regular classes, mock exams, and public performance opportunities - such as the annual “Open Stage” - helped her overcome initial nerves. “The exams were stressful at first as they were an unknown” she recalls, “but with preparation, they became easier. My teachers made the whole process feel very natural.”
Karyn believes the skills gained from Trinity exams go far beyond the stage or classroom. “Public speaking is a huge one for me. I used to be nervous even speaking in front of family, but now I’ve gone on to regional and national competitions. I’ve become more organised, better with time management, and I push myself to be the best.”
Her leadership roles as a school prefect and secretary of her college’s literary club highlight the impact Trinity has had on her confidence and communication. As she applies to study microbiology at university - and plans for a future Master’s degree abroad - Karyn is certain that her Trinity experience will support her academic and professional aspirations.
In addition to drama and English, Karyn has also taken Trinity piano exams up to Grade 2. Music, she says, requires perseverance. “You need to sit at the piano for hours to get to that level of performance. English felt smoother, but with music, you really have to be dedicated.”
Today, Karyn is working towards her ATCL in Speech and Drama, a goal she set for herself years ago. “I’ve always wanted to do it. And after that, I hope to go up to LTCL. I love Trinity. I even watch videos about the exams on YouTube.”
When asked to sum up her Trinity experience, Karyn smiles: “It’s the best exam of my life - the easiest in terms of enjoyment, and the most meaningful in terms of growth.”
“Each grade builds on the last. There was a clear structure that helped me improve step by step. I liked diving into all the small bits of everything at each next stage.”