Student Stories: Alice Parker

"I am a Textiles student at the OCA in my early 20s, unemployed, part of the chronic illness community, hoping to have a career in Textiles."

Read about Alice's learning journey below.

What is your previous educational experiences and what drew you to OCA?

I have been sewing since childhood, completely self-taught. I did a Textiles A-level in Sixth Form, finished early because of lockdown. Afterwards, I didn’t feel comfortable enrolling onto a full-time university course due to health reasons and the idea of moving away. Luckily, UCA (the university I was planning to go to), advertised OCA and after looking into how the course was conducted, I knew it was a better option for myself.

Can you describe your OCA journey?

Beginning with OCA was definitely a stepping stone, going from having teacher input all the time whilst in class, to student-led studying, was difficult to adjust to. Especially in the beginning, I did struggle with negative thoughts surrounding my work, time management and did have to remind myself that I am learning! Apart from that, I continue to enjoy my studies, and for the first time in my academic life, I have felt seen by my teachers and my work has been recognised. Even though I am still in the beginning stages of the course, I have been assisted in seeing my work from a different perspective, work freer and have been encouraged to be more creative when creating.

Can you describe the tutor/ peer support at the OCA?

For my first two units with OCA, I had Jenny as my tutor. She was absolutely amazing in encouraging me and keeping the pressure down. I believe her engagement with my studies and feedback with my work helped me progress to where I am now. Her word’s of “you are still learning, you aren’t meant to already know everything”, has stayed with me since and kept me from getting overwhelmed from time to time. I hope to have her as my tutor again in the future.

What does studying with OCA mean to you?

As well as the skills and knowledge that I have gained within my 4 years with OCA, its allowed me to be more confident within my work. It has allowed me to prioritise myself and my disabilities, and at the same time, it’s allowed me to continue to be free whilst being creative. Having it as a part time course, has also allowed me to branch out and experience different ventures, keeping my creativity fun rather than a ‘chore’.

What's Next?

I am unsure what I want to do within the world of textiles, but I am confident that OCA will help me get there.

In the meantime, I hope it will continue to provide me with new experiences and introduce me to new skills and techniques.

Any advice?

Take your time. You don’t have to know what you are doing just yet or be making things that are exhibited in museums. Allow yourself to be inspired by others work, take in the information available to you and use to it to allow yourself to develop.

OCA are there to help you, as well as your peers. I have had countless help from Learner Support, tutors and my fellow students.

Where can we find you?

My Etsy Shop: https://artsbyalicee.etsy.com/

And my learning log: https://spaces.oca.ac.uk/aliceparker/