Бывшая школьница с проблемами в учебе начала карьеру в музыкальной индустрии

A graduate who once doubted she’d complete her GCSEs is now launching her dream career in the music industry. Rosie Knight earned a 2:1 degree in popular and commercial music from the University of South Wales and secured a role with climate change charity Music Declares Emergency after overcoming years of illness and educational setbacks as a teenager. Ms Knight said: "I didn’t have the best experience with education when I was younger. "I couldn’t attend school for two years when I was really ill with anorexia, and wasn’t sure what the future held for me. "I certainly didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to do a degree." Her journey included two years at The Nook, a pupil referral unit in Abersychan, before she returned to school just two months before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. She said: "It was a very strange end to my school life, especially as I started college in September 2020 and all of our lessons were online. "But I’m so glad I persevered and was able to go on to my ideal degree at USW." Ms Knight said music has been a constant passion in her life. She said: "I’ve always wanted to study music, and was keen to stay close to Cardiff as I love the city so much. "I’ve also been performing since I was a child – my sister and I would go to ballet and musical theatre classes together, so I’ve always loved music and singing." She credits her father, Andy, who played guitar in a band during his youth, as a major influence and source of support. During her time at university, she gained hands-on industry experience at the Immersed Festival, an annual multimedia arts event curated by USW students in partnership with Music Declares Emergency and Cardiff Music City. She said: "I initially joined Immersed as the sustainability manager, but as is often the case with this type of event, it became rather chaotic on the day and I stepped into the roles of accreditation officer and artist liaison. "The whole experience made me realise that I enjoyed so many aspects of running a music festival, and I really thrived in that environment." She also performed at the festival with her band, Meat Dress. She said: "I also sing with a band called Meat Dress, and we were lucky enough to play the main stage at Tramsheds during this year’s festival. "Immersed was definitely the highlight of my time at USW." Her work at Immersed led to an internship with Music Declares Emergency as a festival campaigns assistant, which has since developed into a freelance role. Ms Knight said: "I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity before I’d even finished my studies, and had the chance to represent MDE at massive events like Reading and Leeds Festival, Shambala and loads more. "The Popular and Commercial Music course focuses a lot on sustainability in the music industry, and the steps we can all take to help our planet while still enjoying live entertainment." She said even small actions, such as using reusable cups and minimising festival waste, can have a meaningful impact. She said: "I feel very proud to be part of a charity that’s really making a difference. "This role is a fantastic route into the industry and I’m excited to see where it takes me."