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When I think about my journey into the design industry, as I was once told, it's not a straight line – and that’s okay. If anything, it's made me more grateful for where I am now.

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At the beginning of my second year of university, after many doctors appointments and tests, I was diagnosed with Long Covid. What started as an ordinary illness became something much more complex; persistent fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath that refuse to go away. It flipped everything on its head. While most people around me were juggling deadlines, internships, and plans for the future, I was trying to manage all of that plus a body that wasn’t cooperating in the way I needed it to.

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There were days when it felt like too much. When the brain fog was heavy, when my energy ran out before the day had even really started, when just existing felt like enough of a challenge. But through it all, I held on to design – not just as a degree, but as something that gave me purpose, a way to communicate when words weren’t enough, and a reminder of the creative spark that still lived in me.

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I could have let my diagnosis define me or limit my path, and honestly, sometimes I was tempted to. It’s hard not to when you're forced to make decisions most people don’t have to think about – like turning down exciting opportunities because your health has to come first, or choosing rest over late nights and creative sprints. Relearning how to pace yourself when your ambition is racing ahead of your body. But I learned to listen to what I needed. I learned to celebrate the small wins. And I learned that my value as a creative isn’t measured by how much I can produce in a single day.

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Despite everything, I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Graphic Communication at Norwich University of the Arts. That sentence still fills me with pride – not because of the grade itself, but because of everything else it represents. I kept going. I found ways to adapt. I showed up, even when it was hard.

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After graduating, things jobwise didn’t fall into place straight away – but there were moments of hope. Shortly after university, I was awarded a D&AD Portfolio Award, which gave me the opportunity to apply for the D&AD New Blood Academy. I put everything I had into the application, and a few weeks later, I got the news: I’d been selected. Just 29 of us from around the world were chosen to take part, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

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At the Academy, I was teamed up with Mei, Seb, Hiral, and Serhii, also known as “GUYS DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SHAKIRA? OLE OLE OLEEE…”. Their support, encouragement, and understanding made all the difference. Working alongside them – sharing ideas, tackling challenges, and celebrating the small wins, reminded me that creativity isn’t something you do alone. It’s shaped by the people you meet and the energy you create together.

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Beyond our team, the Academy gave me the chance to connect with other emerging creatives, learn from some of the best in the industry, and work on an industry pitch from Coca-Cola. It also opened the door to some incredible opportunities for interviews.

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For a while, it felt like things were starting to happen – like the next step was just around the corner. Although some of those opportunities didn’t work out, often because I knew my health wouldn’t cope with the demands; I’m still so grateful to have even been considered for them. That was one of the hardest parts – feeling like I was so close, and still having to walk away. I started to doubt where I might end up, or if I’d even get the chance to really begin my career.

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A couple of months went by, my peers were all successfully getting jobs and internships but I still hadn’t found a role that would suit me. But eventually, someone took a chance on me. I was offered a design internship in Norwich – and it honestly changed everything. It gave me structure, purpose, and the space to grow while still being mindful of my health. It reminded me that there are people and studios out there who look beyond the conventional path, and that sometimes, you just need one ‘yes’ to get started.

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That internship opened the door to where I am now – working as a Junior Designer at We Are Fred, a creative agency that truly values big ideas, bold thinking, and the power of human connection. From day one, I’ve been welcomed into a team that not only supports my creativity but also understands the importance of flexibility, balance, and care.

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What I’ve found at Fred is more than just a job, it’s a creative home. A place where ideas are nurtured, challenges are embraced, and everyone’s voice is heard. I’m constantly inspired by my colleagues – not just for their talent, but for their willingness to share, support, and grow together. I’ve been given the space to experiment, take risks, and find my footing as a designer – all while knowing that my health and wellbeing are respected.

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To anyone going through something similar, your path might not be traditional. It might not be smooth. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t valid, or valuable. You can still carve out space for yourself in the industry. You can still do great work. And you can still get to where you want to be, one step (and one breath) at a time.