Katiana has lived in London since she was 10 years old. She used to live in Angola where she now holidays each year to de-stress. Her visits have inspired her work to be more of a statement on society. She previously undertook a BTEC National Diploma in Fine Art at Lambeth College. Katiana enjoys London and her course.

How did the Progression Scheme support you in your progression to HE?

You receive guidance on what you have to do on the course, training on how to present yourself and how your portfolio has to be. I’m quite a messy person, my work is all over the place so this helped give more structure to the work I submitted. It opened my mind on what I wanted to do as I didn't know before then, I didn't know whether I was good enough to go to University. Without it I think I might have finished my diploma, tried to get a job and been unhappy! I had a mock interview and found it quite hard to answer personal questions. In this University you really have to want to be here. No one tells you what to do - they do care but the onus is on you to guide yourself. I like this, it works for me as I don't like being told what to do!

What do you enjoy about your current course?

Everything! I can do anything I want to do. You don’t have to stick to one medium such as painting so you can do anything and keep the material for later. Not having to stick to one type of art suits me, I like to change and come back to it.

You're a student ambassador, what does that entail?

Seeing things from a student’s point of view, students planning to apply for University can ask me questions they are too uncomfortable to ask their teachers.

What challenges have you faced?

I find essay writing hard because I'm dyslexic. I do receive support for this which is amazing. My teacher is very understanding and is currently helping me with my dissertation – it all becomes clear when she explains things to me.

What are your plans for the future?

Sculpture - making things out of found materials. I would like to be a shop decorator, I’m quite interested in that.

If you went back in time a few years would you do it all over again?

To go back in time would go to Lambeth College again as if I didn't I wouldn't have met Janey [NALN Progression Manager at Central Saint Martins]. I would definitely do it all again.