How to give yourself a new design for life...
GRANDMOTHER Bernadette Taylor taught herself to sew 50 years ago and is now studying for a fashion degree.
The 73-year- old from East London, who has two grown-up children and two grandchildren, had previously worked in a bank and as a nursing assistant.
During her retirement, she saw an advert in a local newspaper for New Beginnings courses, which help prepare people for a degree when they have been out of education for a long time.
Bernadette embarked on the 12-week programme at the University of East London two years ago.
She says: ‘The New Beginnings course started on my birthday in 2017.
‘I learned how to construct an academic essay and structure my time. I really enjoyed learning after so many years.’
Bernadette is now studying for a BA in fashion design at the University of East London.
She says: ‘New Beginnings has taught me to believe in myself. I am finally doing something just for me. It has opened up so many doors and given me confidence and determination to carry on.
‘I began the BA in fashion design by completing a foundation course and now have almost finished my first year of the degree.’
Bernadette has been designing and sewing for 50 years. She began when her daughter was born because she couldn’t afford to buy clothes for her.
‘As I am self-taught, I wanted to learn the ways of the professionals and to be an inspiration to my grandchildren,’ says Bernadette.
‘I hope the future will bring the chance to collaborate with another person and utilise the skills I’ve learned.’
Bernadette was named senior adult learner winner last year in the Festival of Learning, the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England.
Her long-term goal is to complete her degree with a fashion show where people diagnosed with cancer are the models and stars for the day.
She adds: ‘ It felt really great to receive the award and to meet such like-minded people.
‘Learning is the ideal opportunity to keep the brain active and keep up with the world. I would advise anyone who has the time to invest in learning and watch the rewards that it can bring.’
For more information about New Beginnings courses at the University of East London, log on to uel.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/new-beginnings