Tirivashe Chidzwondo, November 2020

Image

Student calling started out as a means for me to engage in part-time work while also supporting the charitable work of the Edinburgh Fund. As a recipient of a scholarship to support my university studies I have made it my mission to enable as many students as possible to benefit from the same support I have been offered. I always dreamed of the opportunity to study at such a prestigious university as Edinburgh and put in a lot of effort to ensure I achieved the required grades – though my family background made it very difficult to afford a UK university education. That, at least, was until I received a scholarship from Edinburgh, which has allowed my dream to be realised. I am grateful every day for the incredible opportunities I am offered, be that educational or otherwise, and all this thanks to my scholarship. Working as a Student Caller is one way that I am able to give something back and say thank you to the alumni who directly support my university education, which makes me very happy indeed.

When I joined the calling team, I realised that I have an impact on all aspects of the Edinburgh Fund; from improving the quality of teaching at the university to enabling students to study abroad and experience life in other places around the globe. Student calling has allowed me to see the work that goes on behind the scenes in running a large institution like the university. My work means a lot to me, especially in breaking-up the homogeneity of classwork, and I always clock-out knowing that I have helped a good cause.

A huge element of what calling means to me has surrounded my interactions with alumni, who have shared all different experiences of their time at university and thereafter. Every person I speak with has had a different journey and hearing all their stories has truly inspired me. I have discovered parts of the city that I did not know existed and been exposed to potential career paths that I otherwise would not have known about. The office atmosphere is great too and has familiarised me with what it might be like working in a corporate environment. I have engaged with many exceptional students within the calling room, sharing laughs over a cup of coffee and forming many lifetime friendships. From the inspirational pep talks at the first shift of the campaign to the celebrations at the end of campaign socials, every calling session has added something extra to my university experience.

Tirivashe

November 2020