The Student Success Endowment: Abi

I was born into a military family, which meant moving frequently so I attended 12 different schools. I achieved my A-level qualifications, but despite my desire to attend university, financial constraints led me to pursue a career in administration instead.

Fast forward to adulthood. I’m now a mother of two artistic daughters and often engage in their creative pursuits. However, it wasn’t until early 2023, at the age of 57, that I made the life-changing decision to apply to NTU to study Textile Design, becoming the first in my family to pursue a degree. It was a significant step, especially as I live alone and rely entirely on my maintenance loan to cover my expenses.

Embracing student life required me to make some adjustments. I commute to university by car and on foot and have adapted my style to feel more in tune with my peers and invested in essential art supplies to support my studies. Despite the challenges, my university experience has been incredibly rewarding and allows me to fully immerse myself in a creative and inspiring environment.

I am now midway through my second year of the BA (Hons) Textile Design course and can genuinely say that returning to education has been a joy. I have built friendships with both students and staff and embraced many opportunities at NTU to broaden my creative and cultural horizons. These opportunities include attending performances at the Royal Concert Hall and Nottingham Playhouse, visiting Stonehenge and Bath on a day trip, exploring exhibitions, museums, and galleries in Nottingham, London, Manchester, and Liverpool, and participating in the Society of Dyers and Colourists conferences in Manchester and Bradford.

I was thrilled to be offered the chance to attend the  Première Vision Paris exhibition in February 2025. Première Vision Paris is a bi-annual event that serves as a major hub for fashion professionals featuring over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 37 countries, showcasing fabrics, accessories, leather, designs, yarns, and the latest technological innovations. Renowned for its pivotal role in driving the transformation of the global fashion industry, the exhibition is an essential event for designers and industry experts, and this was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up, despite the high cost. Thanks to the funding from the Student Success Endowment (SSE), this trip became possible, and the benefits I have gained from it are truly invaluable as it provided an unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of the textile and fashion industry. I was able to explore the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices shaping the future of textiles. Engaging with industry professionals, designers, and suppliers gave me first-hand insights into emerging techniques, materials, and technologies that I can now incorporate into my own work.

Beyond professional development, this experience broadened my creative perspective, deepened my understanding of global textile markets, and expanded my professional network. Meeting like-minded individuals, both in fellow students and industry leaders, was incredibly inspiring and has opened doors for potential collaborations and future career opportunities.

Without the bursary funded by the SSE, this transformative experience would not have been possible. The knowledge, inspiration, and connections I have gained will undoubtedly enhance my studies and future career in textile design.

I sincerely appreciate everyone who has already donated or is considering supporting the NTU Student Success Endowment. Your generosity and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of recipients, and we benefit greatly from your kindness and commitment.