WALKING her dog with a camera in hand and listening to music is how Limestone Coast resident Amy Nitsche enjoys her spare time.
Ms Nitsche was awarded the Independent Learning Centre Creative Arts Award earlier this month at the centre’s 2019 graduation.
Completing her first year at the centre this year, Ms Nitsche honed in on her artistic side, undertaking sewing and photography programs.
Ms Nitsche said sewing had been a hobby since she started learning with her grandmother at the age of 10.
“I remember my first project, which was a quilt and when I look back it was not very good,” she said.
“I also did not realise how expensive it was, but I really enjoy it.”
Previously living in a coastal area, Ms Nitsche said her mother often took photographs while at the beach.
“She would always be out capturing surfers, seals, whales and the ocean,” she said.
“In the end, I kind of stole her camera before I was able to get my own.
“I definitely prefer taking photographs of animals and nature.”
Ms Nitsche decided to focus on developing her skills after the Independent Learning Centre was recommended by her friends.
“I had not done any schooling since Year 8 when I was at Mount Gambier High School which led to the Flexible Learning Option program and then Open Access,” she said.
“It was getting down to one of the only ways I would be able to finish my South Australian Certificate of Education.
“I had already tried a few other things and it was not working.”
Ms Nitsche said this year had been rewarding.
“I completed all my work quickly due to the small classes and one-on-one mentorship,” she said.
With flexible options available at the centre, Ms Nitsche said it was great creative programs like woodwork and textiles were available to put towards students’ SACE.
“I do not think many people would know these options are available unless you are a student,” she said.
“We have set things we need to do, but it is great I am able to go and take my style of photograph or use my own technique during sewing and textiles.”
Ms Nitsche said she had no idea where the next few years would take her but she would like to finish Year 12 next year.
“At the moment I work at Kmart and will be completing a TAFE course in automotive next year,” she said.
“I really want to travel when I am older, so I thought it would be good to know how to fix my car.
“No one at ILC really expected me to choose it.”
Recently completing work experience at Carlin and Gazzard, Ms Nitsche said she could see a career in the automotive industry.
“I was in the spare parts section, but when I got into looking into the mechanical side of things I really enjoyed it,” she said.
“I suppose it ties in well with my creative side too because I am able to use my hands and look at things in different ways.”
