Meet Jedidah, first year Computer Science student... Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?I chose the University of Edinburgh because I researched and found that not only the students, but the faculty are among the best and brightest in the UK and internationally. With such a glowing reputation, and my interest in learning from and with intelligent minds, I knew Edinburgh was the right choice for me.Why did you choose your course and what do you like about it the most?Because I believe technology is linked to all domains of life. In current times more than ever. Understanding this technology and developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are what make my course so enjoyable!What’s your fondest memory of life in Edinburgh so far?During the second semester of my first year, I had the opportunity to attend the AI Expo hackathon with three of my close friends on my course. We developed a map app that was centred around women’s safety as they walk home at night, with a broad theme of making a positive social impact. The hackathon was open to Informatics students of all years, yet in the social impact section, our team won after impressing the industry judges and received £1,000 for our work! This is a foundational memory of life at Edinburgh and a marker in my professional life that has also taught me the power of saying yes to every opportunity, working in a team, and putting your heart into all that you do.Why did you choose to become an Alumni Engagement and Fundraising Ambassador?I value great conversations. They pick me up during a bad day; they broaden my horizons in terms of knowledge; and they allow for human connection which as people in society, we all want to some extent. Using great conversations to fundraise for a good cause as a job and representative of the University sounded like just the role for me!What do you like most about being part of the team?I love the fact that everyone has their own unique approach to a given task. I like the fact that you can ask for advice, pointers and opening lines because there are others around you to support you.What are you looking forward to in this year’s telethon campaign?I am looking forward to reaching out to alumni that have gone on to do great things after Edinburgh and talking to alumni that have had unusual careers.What has been your experience talking to alumni of the university?It has been absolutely phenomenal! Some of the stories and memories I am told deserve to be published for the masses! Past students have gone on to impact not only Scotland but the world in various ways, and to have the privilege to hear their stories on the phone, starting from when they were at Edinburgh to now is an honour and delight.Is there any advice/quote/story from alumni that you found meaningful to you in any way? “You do not know until you ask!” This quote was said by a donor who believed that communication and sitting down with a student was always more effective than corporate punishment that he experienced back in his day. It stuck with me because it shows that empathy, respect, and taking time to listen to even the youngest in society yield big returns in terms of better trust between students and adults and overall better relationships.What question do you wish you could ask alumni but are too scared to ask?How much money do you give to other charities? What are your biggest fears in our current society?What questions do you wish alumni ask you that never gets asked?How did you get here? What are your interests? Where do you see your career going after University? This article was published on Friday 16 October 2026
