Tell us a bit about yourself Kerry!

Well I'm a 25 year old single mum of one, who is four, and we live in Dagenham Essex. I enjoy meeting new people who are open minded, a little eccentric with fresh ideas and words of wisdom. People like this always inspire me so what better place to be than LCF.

My love is to write poetry inspired by people and personal strength, the fight through adversity that stands between us and our dreams. More recently I have incorporated fashion and the misinterpretation of signs and semiotics within today's society. This topic has been new and inspiring to me and my knowledge has been broadened by just one year at LCF. I am also working with a co-directing team on a documentary for film festivals, which hopefully will include some of my poetry.

Were you working before coming to LCF and what was it that made you want to start studying? Was it a change of direction for you?

Yes I was working part-time as a receptionist and administrator in the private health sector.
I had been with the company for 7 years. I worked there out of convenience, it was local and the salary was good with low travel expenses. But I had no goals and no real ambition within the company. Sometimes hopes and dreams just take a little bit longer to progress.

What made you choose BA (Hons) Fashion Media Part Time?

Initially I was going to choose design, but chose Fashion Media. To me it seemed much broader with many avenues and at the time I was not sure what direction I was heading in. At the induction Rachel Velody (Course Leader) was extremely uplifting and her talk was well delivered. Part time was a great option for me because I was working part-time and looking after my daughter.

How have you found the first year in terms of fitting in with your life?

Challenging at first, juggling home life and work - but with great support from my family, we made it work. I have always believed that if it's not a challenge it's not worth fighting for. I was nervous about coming to LCF as being out of study for so long worried me. I questioned my ability and sometimes still do but if you don't try you'll just never know.

How does LCF help part time students?

They help by giving us the opportunity to study fashion part-time for starters, as there are very few places in the UK you can do this. Blackboard, the virtual learning environment, is a great way to know what's going on and to keep up with college life. As a part-time student it can be isolating due to timetables but LCF try to arrange evenings where we get together for exhibitions and shows.

Is the course living up to your expectations and have you found LCF an inspiring place to
study?

I didn't really have much in the way of expectations before I started. But now I'm on the course my expectations have grown and LCF is gradually meeting them. This is my first year so it's a time to experiment and see what can be achieved. It's really inspiring because I feel like I'm meeting great people with knowledge beyond words and I'm learning so much from my peers both good and bad, making the journey balanced.

What are your hopes for after you've completed your degree, and do you think your degree will help you?

What an accomplishment it would be to get a degree. It would prove to me that I was always capable and would hopefully allow me to offer something really different to the world I wish to be a part of. A calibration with fashion and poetry using political and cultural forces, mass media and representation (fashion through the eyes of a poet) is one idea but I'm just going to be the best I can be and reflect on my work constantly. I have also taken a small interest in photography but can feel that interest growing. This is my first year so the sky is my limit I guess!

What tips would you give to students wishing to study part time at LCF?

1. Be yourself and throw yourself into your work.
2. It's not easy but it's worth it.
3. Turn up for class because it's valuable time you just won't get back, you learn so much from class discussions.
4. Have fun, don't rule anything out.
5. Time management is crucial.
6. Opinions are great. Don't be afraid to share them but respect others and have an open mind.
7. Work together.

See Kerry in the Evening Standard