Meet Zakariya, fourth year Medicine student... Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?I chose Edinburgh because of its excellent reputation, particularly for medicine, but also because of the student experience. I loved the idea of studying in such a historic city with so many opportunities outside of medicine.Why did you choose your course and what do you like about it the most?I decided to choose medicine because I enjoy science but also wanted a career where I could work with people. My favourite part is the hands-on experience of placement and developing practical skills. I also really enjoy Edinburgh’s anatomy teaching; the anatomy department is fantastic!What’s your fondest memory of life in Edinburgh so far?Probably the simple moments with friends, especially spending time in Teviot playing pool. I also love playing golf around Edinburgh, particularly at Braid Hills because of the amazing views.Why did you choose to become an Alumni Engagement and Fundraising Ambassador?I wanted to meet people who have been through the Edinburgh experience and hear about where their journeys have taken them. It’s also been a great way to develop my communication skills.What do you like most about being part of the team?Definitely the people and the variety of conversations. Everyone has a different story, and it’s great working with such a friendly and supportive team.What are you looking forward to in this year’s telethon campaign?I’m looking forward to speaking to alumni and hearing their stories.What has been your experience talking to alumni of the university?Really positive. It’s amazing hearing how their experiences in Edinburgh have shaped their careers and lives. You never quite know what story you’re going to hear!Is there any advice/quote/story from alumni that you found meaningful to you in any way? A piece of advice that has stuck with me is that you don’t always need to have your whole career planned out. Alumni have shown me that unexpected opportunities can sometimes lead to the best experiences, which is something I try to remember as a student.What question do you wish you could ask alumni but are too scared to ask?"If you could go back to Edinburgh, what would you do differently?” I think the answers would be really interesting!What questions do you wish alumni ask you that never gets asked?I wish they asked more about what student life is actually like today, not just medicine, but societies, hobbies and the little things we enjoy. I’d be happy to talk about being involved in student societies, playing golf, or spending time at Teviot. This article was published on Friday 16 October 2026
