What did your placement involve?
Reviewing,
proofing and sharing stories submitted to the Secrets
and Confessions public campaign, and attending and participating in team and
staff meetings.
What were the highlights?
Working
alongside creative activists who are all dynamically changing how Scotland view
reading and writing, and having the opportunity to work within different teams.
My first day in
particular was memorable. I sat in on a meeting where the team was finalising events
for Book Week Scotland. I was incredibly touched at how quickly they treated me
as their fellow team member, actively seeking my opinion and feedback and
listening to my perspective.
Any challenges?
Navigating my dyslexia.
I was diagnosed as dyslexic during my first year at university and have
difficulty with my spelling, letter formation and the ordering of my ideas. So,
an internship that relied heavily on my copy
editing and proofreading skills was at first glance rather daunting. However,
once I discussed it with Head of Reading Communities, I felt confident to
openly use software that helped me through my internship without fear of
judgement.
What have you learned from the
experience?
Through my
placement with Scottish Book Trust I learned that I am more than capable to
handle the tasks required of me. Even obtaining the internship was a real boost
to my confidence. Knowing that I had been picked out of all the applicants to
fulfil the role of Rebel Intern was a big achievement. I learned to not limit
myself.
Would you recommend your placement to
other students?
Definitely.
Take a chance and apply. I had confidence in my cover letter and application
but thought I would likely be pipped to the top by students who held more
relevant qualifications.
Scottish Book
Trust provided me with an avenue of opportunities to gain experiences in all
the differing teams. From marketing to social media, there’s plenty of chance
to gain insight into the running of a charity and gain skills in the areas of
interest. It’s also a great addition to your C.V and the prospect of gaining
some great contacts.
What are your plans for the future?
There are so
many avenues I want to go down, I find it difficult to filter it down to one
thing. What I’m certain of is that I’m passionate about storytelling and intersectionality.
I want to create spaces for South Asians narratives.
Anything you’d like to add?
Alongside
fellow Napier students in the School of Creative Arts, I participated and won
the Creative City Challenge
in 2017. This is where I had my first interaction with Scottish Book Trust. It
felt like a full circle moment when the following year I was chosen as their
Rebel Intern. It pays to put yourself out there and take the opportunities that
Edinburgh Napier provide for you.
Miriam is the founder and president of
Edinburgh Napier’s Southern Asian Social Society and a student helper at Edinburgh
Napier, working at the Merchiston Campus Library, Jack Kilby Computing Centre,
and as a Social Media Ambassador.
