Olivia Manning

 

When did you study at RNC?

I attended RNC during 2015/16 when I was 17.

What courses did you study?

I studied on the Aspire course which provided me with skills to be more independent.

Eye condition(s):

I have Optic Nerve Atrophy.

Before you came to RNC what level of mobility and independence did you have?

I didn’t have any training before I started at RNC, so having the ILS and Mobility lessons at RNC was really helpful. I have enough useful sight, so I don’t need a cane, but RNC gave me the skills to travel on my own without support.

You contacted us to let us know you were working part-time at Heron Foods in Solihull. Is that voluntary or paid work?

It’s paid work. I’m working on the till. With my eyesight condition, I never thought I’d be able to get a job but thanks to RNC I’ve been able to.

Are you enjoying the work?

I’m enjoying the customer service aspect of the job, working with the public. I also do some voluntary work.

Where are you volunteering?

I’m working in a charity shop run by MIND (mental health charity). I go through the clothes – sorting them and hanging them out and I sort through the CDs and put labels on them so I’m building some good skills in retail work.

What are your main hobbies or passions?

I like singing. I haven’t done anything publicly but I would like to do that sometime and may start uploading recordings on YouTube.

Finally, what do you think about your overall College experience?

I enjoyed College life and I made some really strong friendships and I’m still in touch with some people. It was a great experience and the whole College community was really friendly and I learned some good skills that have helped me in later life.