Amelia Hewitt
Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)
Amelia has overcome an incredible number of personal challenges to get where she is today. Despite everything, she’s managing to be an over-achiever and has high hopes for the future. Amelia is living proof that you can overcome adversity and follow your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
“I didn't know much about Birmingham and had never visited before. Attending the Open Day swayed me – it was extraordinary. The course was captivating, and the facilities exceeded my expectations. From that moment, I couldn't imagine studying anywhere else.
My passion for Design and Technology has been with me since childhood, blending creativity with mathematics and dimensions. Excelling in Product Design at A-level, I hadn't initially considered BCU, but the state-of-the-art facilities during the Open Day made the decision clear.
My journey to university was marked by personal challenges, including mental health struggles and bereavement. These obstacles could have hindered my education, but with unwavering support from family and friends, I maintained the grades needed to attend university. My father's move to Ireland meant I had to secure year-round accommodation and work during the summer, which was another obstacle I was able to overcome.
Mental health issues have been a constant presence in my life, with the loss of my mother during a school trip at age 15, followed by the passing of my step-mum and grandad during my first year at university. Anxiety, depression, and OCD have been ongoing battles. The counselling services at BCU provided a safe and compassionate space, which I found easy to access.
The mental health and wellbeing team offered invaluable counselling and therapy. I've grown significantly more confident, unapologetically pursuing opportunities without concern for others' opinions. In an ideal world, I'd establish my own business or work as a freelance furniture designer and woodworker incorporating ceramics into my creations. However, I'm open to various career paths, including teaching product design and DT at secondary schools or working for established design companies.
Despite these challenges, I achieved first-class grades in all of my first-year modules. I also took on various roles through the BCU student ambassador program, which has been rewarding and enjoyable. Joining societies and forging friendships, even stepping out of my comfort zone, helped me gain valuable skills like public speaking and workshop safety protocols. My aspirations include earning a first-class degree, gaining industry experience, expanding my network, and connecting with professionals in my field.
What I cherish most about BCU is the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community. Campus life, interactions with new people, and observing the work of fellow creatives in different courses inspire me and ignite my creativity. Being a social person, I relish meeting new individuals.
For me, I AM BCU signifies representing the University positively, supporting fellow members of the BCU community, and striving to be kind and always do my best.”