Claudia Ivette Ribera Tejeda

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m 26 years old and I am from Mexico. I graduated with a BA in Communication and Digital Media. After that, I worked in a creative agency for a year and a half, which is when I decided to study the Masters degree at the University of Leeds. 

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

After thorough research of the different programmes offered by several universities in the United Kingdom, I found out about the MA in Film, Photography and Media. I loved that this programme mixed exactly the three elements that I enjoyed the most whilst studying the BA degree. 

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I love the narrative potential embodied in the lens-based practice. It is a field of study that allows its practitioners to explore not only the world that surrounds them, but also their own perspective. In terms of creativity, the possibilities of self-expression are endless.  

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?  

I enjoyed the creative freedom. Whereas some peers did some amazing animations, some others created drama, conceptual or documentary films. It is a fulfilling experience to study alongside such talented people from around the world. 

What has been the most surprising thing about coming to Leeds?

I was surprised with the wide range of activities offered by the Leeds Student Union. There is a group for almost everything you might be interested in doing. There are many sports, dance classes, yoga, reading clubs, chess… there’s even a Quidditch team!

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

There’s plenty of high-end equipment ready-to-use at the School of Media and Communication. I learned a lot by directly handling all sorts of cameras, lenses, tripods and flashlights. 

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with these plans?

After this year of study, I’ve realised that there’s no point on working on something that doesn’t make an impact. I have learned that if you are going to work hard, it must be on something that you are really proud of. Something that is useful or beneficial to your community. I am now thinking of starting my own creative agency, dedicated to sustainable projects. Also, in my free time, I like to work on my personal street photography project.