Jemimah Ekheoveh Nigeria

Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University?

I chose Queen Margaret University because I was looking for a place where I could build on my creative experience while challenging myself to grow in new ways. Before coming to QMU, I had spent several years working in filmmaking, television production, such as Big Brother, fashion (owning a clothing brand for over 10 years), and the creative industry in Nigeria. Although I had gained valuable practical experience, I wanted to deepen my understanding of digital communication, particularly how storytelling can be used to influence, connect with audiences, and create meaningful impact.

What attracted me to QMU was the practical and creative part of learning my course. I wanted an environment where I wouldn't just study theories but would also have opportunities to experiment, create, and apply what I was learning to real projects. Looking back, choosing QMU has given me the opportunity to rediscover myself as a storyteller while developing new skills.

What interested you about your chosen course?

I've always been passionate about storytelling. Whether through television, film, fashion, or digital content, I've spent much of my career finding creative ways to connect with people. What interested me about the MSc Digital Campaigning and Content Creation was the opportunity to explore storytelling beyond entertainment. I wanted to understand how digital content could be used strategically to raise awareness, influence behaviour, and support causes that matter. I was particularly interested in learning how to combine creativity with research, audience engagement, and campaign strategy. For me, the course felt like a natural progression in my career. I found an opportunity to merge everything I already loved about content creation while learning how to make my work more purposeful and impactful.

What attracted you to study in Edinburgh?

Honestly, I first discovered QMU online while doing my research, then I fell more in love realising the location. Edinburgh is the kind of city where you could find inspiration just by stepping outside. I became more drawn to its history, architecture, culture, and creative atmosphere. As a filmmaker and content creator, I loved the idea of living somewhere that had such scenic atmosphere. 

Coming from Lagos, Nigeria, I knew Edinburgh would be a completely different experience, and that was part of the attraction. I wanted to experience a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone. What I didn't anticipate was how much the city itself would become part of my creative journey. Edinburgh eventually became the setting for my short documentary, Becoming Here, which captures my experience of finding my feet in a new country. In many ways, Edinburgh hasn't just been where I study. It has become part of my story

What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight

What I've enjoyed most is the freedom to explore my creativity while learning to tell stories from a more strategic perspective. I love that our assignments encourage us to create content that reflects our interests, experiences, and the issues we care about. Without a doubt, one of my biggest highlights has been creating my short documentary, Becoming Here, for my Visual Storytelling module. The film was inspired by my personal experience of moving to Scotland and navigating life in a new environment. I never imagined that a university assignment would eventually take me to Toronto for the Canada International Mobile Film Festival (CIMFF), where it received two nominations. Seeing something so personal on a big screen, thousands of miles away from where it was created, was an unforgettable moment. It reminded me that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones closest to us

Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting

One activity I found particularly interesting was creating a visual storytelling project that eventually became Becoming Here. The assignment challenged me to think beyond simply capturing beautiful images. I had to consider how visuals, sound, narration, and editing could work together to communicate an emotion and tell a meaningful story. I spent time exploring Edinburgh, filming everyday moments, observing people, and discovering new places.

What made the experience interesting was realising that I didn't need a production crew or expensive equipment to tell a good story. Sometimes, all you need is a clear idea, a personal perspective, and the courage to create something. That experience has influenced how I approach storytelling today.

How have your lecturers supported your learning?

QMU lecturers genuinely care about your knowledge and growth. I appreciate their support and how they encourage us to think independently and develop our own creative voices. Through classroom discussions, feedback, and practical assignments, I've been able to explore new ideas and become more intentional about the creative decisions I make. I also appreciate that we're encouraged to bring our personal ideas and independent contributions into our work.

What have been some of your challenges with the course and university life? How have you overcome them?

One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to being a student again after so many years of finishing my undergrad and spending over a decade working professionally. I was used to the fast-paced world of television production, where decisions often need to be made quickly. Returning to academic life meant learning to slow down, engage with research, think critically, and support my creative ideas with academic evidence. Moving to a new country also came with its own challenges. I had to adjust to a different culture, the Scottish weather, being away from familiar faces, and building a new routine.

What helped me was being open to learning, asking questions when I needed support, and reminding myself why I started this journey. I also made a conscious effort to explore Edinburgh, connect with people, and take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom.

Have you taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?

During my placement, I was involved in creating a social media page to promote two postgraduate programmes: MSc Digital Campaigning and Content Creation, and MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations. The idea was to create a shared platform where we could showcase both programmes, highlight student experiences, and give prospective students a better understanding of what studying communication at QMU looks like. Being involved in developing @studycomms_atqmu has been particularly rewarding because it has allowed me to put what I'm learning into practice, from thinking about our target audience and developing content ideas to exploring ways of building engagement and awareness.

I've also had the opportunity to work as a Student Content Creator for QMU, which has given me another way to share my university experience through storytelling. What I've enjoyed most is seeing how the skills we're developing in the classroom can be applied to real projects. It's one thing to learn about digital communication and campaign strategy, but it's another to actually create content for a client with a purpose and an audience in mind.

Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?

My advice would be to come with an open mind, a willingness to experiment, and a genuine curiosity about how communication works. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. What matters is being willing to learn, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself creatively. I'd also encourage prospective students to take their assignments seriously, not just as academic work but as opportunities to build their portfolios and discover what they're capable of.

I created my documentary “Becoming Here” as a university assignment, and it ended up taking me to an international film festival in Canada. I certainly didn't see that coming! So don't underestimate what can come out of a classroom project. Sometimes, an assignment can become the beginning of something much bigger.

Have you been a part of any extracurricular activites during your time as a student at QMU? If so, how has it helped you develop skills and experience

Yes! I've had the opportunity to work as a Student Content Creator, sharing my experiences and creating content that gives prospective students a glimpse into university life. I also secured the QMU Scotsman Festival Internship, where I gained experience creating behind-the-scenes and social media content during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which was an exciting opportunity to experience Scotland's creative industry. These experiences have allowed me to connect what I'm learning academically with real-world creative opportunities.

For me, university life is about more than earning a degree. It's also about the people you meet, the experiences you gain, and the opportunities you allow yourself to explore.

What QMU student services have you used to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?

As an international student moving to a new country, settling in was one of my biggest priorities, and QMU's International Office played an important role in making that transition easier. They were welcoming, approachable, and supportive, and they helped me feel more at home in an environment that was completely new to me. Knowing there were people I could reach out to with questions or concerns made a real difference, especially during my early days in Scotland. I've also benefited from the university's Careers and Employability Service. I got my paid internship with The Scotsman through this medium.

For me, one of the most reassuring things about being at QMU is knowing that support is available, whether you're adjusting to university life or thinking about your next career steps

Are you a member of any clubs or societies at QMU? If so, what was the reason you joined and what do you enjoy most about it?

Yes, I joined the Film Society! As a filmmaker and someone who genuinely loves storytelling, it felt like a natural choice for me. I wanted to connect with other students who share my passion for film, exchange creative ideas, and be part of a community with similar interests. What I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to connect with people through something we all love. Film has always been a big part of my life, so it's lovely to have that connection outside the classroom too.

Did you attend an online or in person Open Day/Offer Holder day before coming to QMU

Yes, I attended an online session before coming to QMU, and it was a helpful part of preparing for my move to Scotland. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about the university, what to expect from student life, and the environment I would be studying in

What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student

My biggest tip would be to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel a little outside your comfort zone. Attend events, meet people, explore your surroundings, volunteer, collaborate, and don't be afraid to try something new. Some of my most memorable experiences at QMU happened because I decided to put myself out there.

I'd also say, don't limit your university experience to the classroom. There's so much learning that happens through the people you meet, the places you visit, and the experiences you have along the way. And most importantly, document your journey! You never know which ordinary moment might become a beautiful memory or even your next creative project.

What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned at university?

The most valuable lesson I've learned is that growth often begins when you're willing to step outside what's familiar. Before coming to QMU, I already had years of experience in the creative industry.

But returning to university reminded me that no matter how much you know or how far you've come, there's always room to learn, evolve, and discover something new about yourself.

Moving to a new country, returning to academic life, and finding my place in a different environment haven't always been easy. But every challenge has taught me something about resilience, adaptability, and believing in my own abilities. Perhaps the biggest lesson has been learning not to underestimate the power of my own story.

When I created Becoming Here, I was simply trying to express what it felt like to start again in a new place. I never imagined that such a personal story would travel as far as it did. That experience taught me that our stories matter, no matter how ordinary they might seem to us. And sometimes, all it takes is the courage to tell them.

What are you plans after graduation? Tell us about your ambitions and where you see yourself in the future?

After graduation, I hope to continue building a career that brings together my love for storytelling, filmmaking, and digital communication. QMU has helped me see new possibilities for how I can use my experience. I've become particularly interested in creating content and campaigns that go beyond entertainment to raise awareness, inspire conversations, and make a meaningful impact. I'd love to explore more opportunities in digital content strategy, creative direction, and filmmaking, working with organisations and brands that have stories worth telling. I'm also passionate about producing documentaries that capture real human experiences and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard. In the long term, I see myself growing as a creative leader, developing projects that connect with audiences across cultures and hopefully mentoring other emerging creatives along the way.

One thing this journey has taught me is to remain open to possibilities. If a little documentary I made on my phone could take me all the way to a film festival in Canada, then I'm excited to see where the next chapter takes me. Ultimately, I don't just want to create content that people watch. I want to tell stories that people feel, remember, and perhaps even see themselves in.

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