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Why did you choose to study your Master’s and PHD at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥? 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts and graduated in the years the world had been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, industry had of course shut down because of the lockdown in the USA, so job opportunities were extremely lacking. As a result, I decided it would be beneficial to continue my education and look into completing a Master’s during that period. I applied to MA Clinical Mental Health in the USA, and the MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management here at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥. At that point, it felt like it was time to take a big leap and push myself out of my comfort zone. So, I decided to do the MA here at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in a field I am passionate about. Transitioning into the PhD felt like a natural decision. One of the professors from the MA directed me to the bursary competition and felt that my interests in psychology and arts management aligned with what they were looking for in a student. I never intended on doing a PhD this quick, but the topic explored all the areas I am interested in. 

The unique element of the PhD at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ is that it embraces the disciplines I have naturally engaged with. Embracing the interdisciplinary approach and having the space to explore the different topics with lenses from each discipline is exciting. I also knew that down the line I would integrate my interest in Psychology/Mental health with the creative sector, I just thought it would be much further on in my career path. For the postgraduate degree, I also really enjoyed the small university approach and becoming close with my peers and departments. The university I went to in America for my undergraduate degree was very big, which was what I was looking for at the time. For my postgraduate journey, I was really happy to have found a smaller university that is supportive of my studies and provides me with more opportunities to get involved.  

What attracted you to study in Edinburgh specifically?  

During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to travel with the UMass Psychology Department to attend a conference in Glasgow. As part of our two-week study abroad trip, we spent the second week in Edinburgh to explore academic and career programmes in an international context. The professor also knew that I was completing another Major in Event Planning and signposted the Arts, Festival and Cultural Management course at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ to me. 

With this, albeit brief, international experience, it took a small sliver of risk out of the process of moving abroad. My family was incredibly supportive of the ‘big move’ and that was so important. Moving abroad has also provided my friends and family with the excuse to start considering international travel.  

Travelling abroad at this point in my life felt like the best opportunity. In a weird way, without the Covid-19 lockdowns, I’m not sure if I would have had the time or perspective to move abroad. Prior to the lockdown, I had a stable image of what my 5-year plan looked like. The pandemic shifted that immensely and led me to consider opportunities that I really never thought were feasible.  

What have you most enjoyed about your time at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥?  

The community. I had the pleasure of existing in quite a few communities while at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ - academically, through the Arts, Festival and Cultural Management and PhD programmes and associated groups, and socially, through the Dance Society, and even working with various departments on campus. It’s nerve wracking moving abroad and one of the major concerns was establishing a social network out here. Especially in reference to the PhD, the sole researcher approach can sometimes feel a bit isolating, so having these communities already established provides an immense amount of support.  

How have your lecturers supported your learning?  

One of my lecturers from the MA programme was the one that introduced me to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s PhD Bursary competition. Without that nudge, I’m not sure if I would have considered a PhD. The Arts, Festival and Cultural Management team is a great bunch and I have since gone on to support their classes and independent research projects during my time in the PhD programme.  

My supervisor team for the PhD has been incredible. The past few years for me have been difficult to navigate personal life events. Between them and the Graduate School, I’ve been able to access resources and accommodations to maintain my own wellbeing.  

Why did you decide to apply for UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme?  

I decided to join with the mindset of making the process at least 1% better for the next person. When I saw the email from ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s International department, I really didn’t know too much about it. After poking around UKCISA’s website, I figured I would throw my hat in the ring. 

I had learned a lot during my time at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, which made the application process a lot easier. I had a good base knowledge of how to be successful in an interview through the Arts Management module as part of my Master’s degree, looking at storytelling as an interviewee technique. Additionally, one of the courses within my Master’s degree was Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy. Having a bit of background context in the cultural policy sphere of the UK provided a foundation for understanding the policies arising, even in different departments. 

I had experienced a few issues with the visa application when transitioning from the MA to the PhD, so I led with that as my main application point, showing I have embraced the lived experience. I am incredibly excited to start dialogues with not only ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ students, but Scottish students, to bring forward different voices and perspectives on issues international students are facing.  

What do you hope to achieve as a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador and how will this help your fellow students at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥?  

I currently have three core objectives for my role as ambassador, based on key issues experienced by international students: 

1 - Housing Security and Policy for International Students. 

2 - Creating a network of communication to assist in visa troubleshooting. 

3 - Furthering grief support networks for international students to access.  

What would your advice be to other students hoping to join the programme?  

For my interview, my strength was my story. The programme focuses on giving a platform for students to share their story about their international journey to help inform policy. I knew the aspects of my story that would help inspire change, and I could acknowledge the difficulty, the process and the resolution of circumstances that can be challenging for international students. Those elements of storytelling and narratives are the key to the process. Being able to communicate these stories authentically, I believe, supported my application process. I’m not afraid of discussing heavy topics.  

Furthermore, the interviewer provided a few questions ahead of time. I took a few hours to brainstorm ideas relevant to the topics they provided and did research to underpin my answers.  

Are you involved in any other activities at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥? 

I was part of the Dance Society at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ for three years. I participated in both their recreational and competition teams. If you’re nosey enough, you can see videos from previous competitions and performances of jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and some hip-hop styles. The Dance Society supported me through my time at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, providing my opportunities to explore choreography and putting routines on the stage. I also had the pleasure of working as part of the Students’ Union team for two years. The students and colleagues I met through this job continue to be some of my biggest supporters over here. I have since continued to dance as a hobby and have now secured part time work at Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance in Edinburgh.  

What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned at university so far?  

I am incredibly resilient. My time in Scotland is interwoven with some massive life events, but I have continued to thrive and seek out opportunities to enrich my career and goals. I would argue moving abroad, you have to very quickly embrace learning to become independent on a threshold beyond what I ever considered possible.  

What do you hope to do upon graduating?  

The dream job is to be a festival director. The practical answer is - I don’t quite know yet. But that is alright. I quite enjoy the idea of taking a year to travel and explore the UK and Europe, and then using the remaining time of my graduate visa to sort out the long-term route. I still need to figure out where in the world I want to end up. From there, I aim to work within the arts and cultural sector as an event programmer.