Yolanda Pinto Medina

I was born in Cúcuta (Norte de Santander), Colombia, I studied Fine Art in Colombia and I achieved my degree in Spain, in 1981. I completed the Master’s in Art Therapy at Pompeu Fabra University in 2012. In 2015 I decided to come to London to continue my dream of learning English, although I had only very basic knowledge, I started looking for a school to enrol in whilst working various jobs as a Nanny, hotel housekeeper and as a care assistant for people with disabilities and mental health problems.

Fortunately I found WAES through a former co-worker who was in the same situation as me and I thought it was the right place since it was a college for adults with a very familiar atmosphere. Pimlico was convenient for me to travel too as it was the nearest to my job at the time and home.

I finished the Level 2 ESOL exam after the second lockdown of the pandemic. In order to study Graphic design i needed to pass my English exam but I failed twice. These were very sad moments and my enthusiasm decreased. However I stayed positive and completed entry level 3. I remember that I praying on the day of the Graphic Design interview at enrolment. I prepared my portfolio that day with all my artistic works and this was a plus point, I was accepted to start level 1 and then level 2 without having much knowledge on the software programmes.

My motivation for studying Graphic design was when i started having health issues, my body became weaker. I believed this was the best career path for me to be able to promote my artwork and remain as a painter.

In the English course, I appreciated the diverse backgrounds of my classmates, which led to enriching conversations. In graphic design, I particularly enjoy sharing my creative process, from sketching by hand using various techniques to digitizing and refining my work with different software to give it a modern touch.

The teaching at WAES is well-structured, with a clear program plan. However, the accelerated pace may be challenging for students without a background in Fine Arts or design. However the teachers are there to support and encourage your learning through different trips and projects.

My greatest achievement is successfully completing Graphic Design Levels 1, 2, and 3. Despite the challenges I faced with technology, I overcame them with the support of my tutors and now feel more confident than ever in handling digital tools.

Studying at WAES has enabled me to connect with various communities. I volunteered at a church market library project, preparing vegetarian meals for the Islamic community, and attended two art workshops at Paddington Library. I also started a volunteer role at Imperial Health Charity, St Mary’s Hospital in 2020, as a catering support, delivering food to patients and spending time with them. The volunteer manager, recognised my skills and  invited me to collaborate on a Pilot Art Project with elderly patients on the Lloyd Lewis ward at St Mary’s Hospital.  

Whenever I meet young people or adults, I always recommend WAES, whether at Lisson Grove or Pimlico, as a place to continue studying English or any other course. It has felt like a second home to me, with welcoming staff and excellent facilities that provide comfortable spaces for both individual and group study.

Personally, I want to continue exploring the digital field, and if life allows, I plan to pursue Media Design and Animation which I am currently studying.