"To be able to combine creativity with sustainability sounded like sweet music to my ears, so I assembled a portfolio and gathered the confidence to apply."

”Ever since I was little, I’ve been a creative soul, curios about different types of expressions and forms. My parents, who came to Sweden as political refugees from Chile in the 70s, have always encouraged me in my creativity and are also themselves very fond of making stuff with their hands.

During the years, my interest in hand-made creations, like jewelry and dreamcatchers, has gone from being a hobby to being a part of who I am. Thanks to a boyfriend who is enthusiastic about nature and photography I’ve also had the opportunity to present my handicraft in beautiful environments, and through that mirror my inspiration – all the beauty that can be found in nature.

I just recently turned 33 and until two days ago I worked as store manager at Gina Tricot Grand Samarkand. Working in retail has been my everyday life for the past ten years, and even though I have enjoyed the high tempo, making quick decisions and having great responsibility, I’ve also felt that I’ve not been able to give my creativity enough room and focus. That’s why Design + Change caught my attention. To be able to combine creativity with sustainability sounded like sweet music to my ears, so I assembled a portfolio and gathered the confidence to apply. When I read the admissions notification I was sitting in a hotel lobby on Sardinia, and when I realised that I had been admitted I literally started crying of happiness.

At my age, to decide on a career change is either a bit foolish or absolutely fantastic. I choose to believe in the latter and start my studies today with great hope that I will be able to make a difference!” /Camilla, student on Design + Change, Linnaeus university