Katie Herterich, 19, has just completed a BTec in art and design from Bexley college in Kent.
"I left school at 16 and had a go at independent living for about nine months in Wales. My boyfriend and I had ideas of heading off on great adventures but the reality of making ends meet was rather different.
"However, the experience taught me the value of family and money. I applied late to Bexley college and was offered a place starting immediately on the same
day as my interview. Bexley's flexibility was impressive.
"Originally, I thought of going for a fine art qualification, but I am pleased I have taken a more vocational route with a place ahead on a theatre design course at Rose Bruford college in Sidcup. The tutors at Bexley were inspiring — they had wide experience as practising artists. We also had a lot of talks by other specialists during the course giving us a chance to meet people involved in everything from fashion to graphic design. One highlight was the chance to go on a study trip to Bilbao in Spain, which was wonderful.
"I must admit that after my time in Wales, I was a bit worried about going back to full-time study, surrounded by teenagers, but at college there are always a broader mix of people and I got a lot out of the team-based project work that featured in the second year of the course."
