AN Art and Design student from Solihull College and University Centre has received an award for Outstanding Achievement from the Open College Network West Midlands (OCNWM).
Jasmine Morris, aged 19 from Shipston, studies on the Access to Higher Education (Art and Design) course at the college’s Blossomfield Campus.
Access to Higher Education courses focus on students’ passion for a subject and other experience rather than relying on formal entry requirements.
They prepare adults to move into a university level course either at the College or at universities across the country.
Jasmine’s journey has not been without its challenges.
Initially studying at a sixth form, she struggled with anxiety and decided to take a year off to work.
It was not until her mother discovered the access course at Solihull College and University Centre that she knew her next step.
“It was really hard to find access courses that were creative so when my mom found the course, I knew it was perfect for me,” she said.
Jasmine’s previous concerns about her anxiety soon disappeared as she began her one–year course:
“I felt immediately at ease, the class sizes were small, there were a variety of age ranges of students, and the one-on-one support was invaluable,” she said.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, students were able to continue the practical work at home as class packs containing photography paper were sent out by their tutor.
The situation served as inspiration for Jasmine, with the piece of work that has made her most proud being a documentary she created chronicling the pandemic, loneliness, and isolation.
Jasmine found applying to university through UCAS a breeze with the help of her tutors and has now been accepted onto her dream course at Gloucester University to study Editorial and Advertising Photography.
Jasmine will receive her OCNWM award officially at a virtual ceremony later this month May.
Visit Jasmine’s photography blog at jasminevisualcommunication.weebly.com.
