‘I always tell students to be unafraid’ – the joys of mentoring Brit School creatives

With the support of Mastercard, Brit School students are able to gain experience of live productions. Photograph: Dan Ollerhead

Manuela Gandara began her journey at the Brit School in 2013, studying interactive digital design. Initially, she considered a more traditional vocation in biology but was encouraged by her older sister, Natalie – who took the economics route – to follow her creative instincts and apply to the school in south London.

“It was a school that I heard a lot about growing up, but I assumed it was a private art school, not something I could pursue myself,” says Gandara. “I’m a first-gen immigrant from a working-class background. I lived and was raised in a council estate in south London.”