Opal Raine, originally from California, was visiting a friend at Staffordshire University when the Covid-19 pandemic prevented them from returning home. So, they took the opportunity to return to education.
“Three days after I landed, Covid happened,” explained the 29-year-old. “So I was here in Stoke for about nine months. And while I was here, I decided that I actually really love Stoke and I wanted to stay.
“What makes Stoke so special to me is, interestingly enough, it feels the closest to my hometown. I lived in a very small hometown of about 1600 people, so the community is very close knit. I also come from a masonite town, so we have a lot of factories and history. Stoke feels the most like home that I have felt here in the UK, so it holds a really special place in my heart.”
Opal added: “I never fully finished my university career, I kept starting and stopping, and I thought this would be a great way to restart…It was just sort of kismet. It was meant to be, I think.”
Inspired by their family’s printing business, Opal enrolled on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course and enjoyed the industry links, from guest lectures to working on live briefs. They also put their design skills into practice working for the Students’ Union, including helping to refresh all the societies’ logos.
“It’s the same with all art careers, really. You don't realise how integral and important they are for everyday life,” they commented.
“Graphic designers are the people who create your wayfinding for museums. They create fliers that you see outside of buildings. They are integral to every single piece of media that we consume as a population.”
During their studies, Opal was also part of the Disabled Students Network, volunteered with LGBTQ+ charities and helped to support other international students on campus.
Having graduated, Opal now plans to stay in Stoke-on-Trent and hopes to start a design career, advocating for the city and causes close to their heart.
“I never thought that I was actually going to be someone who graduates university. So, this is such a momentous occasion for me as someone who is about to turn 30. I'm the first one in my family to have ever graduated university as well,” they commented.
“I really want to stay in Stoke because I am in love with the revitalisation projects that are happening here. I think that people have a misconception about Stoke in general but all of this talent is here. I want that talent to stay here and for people to learn the history of Stoke as well.”
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