When Marisole first joked withher parents about graduating in England, theydismissed the idea. “A Levels won’t be accepted,” theysaid. Yet whatbegan as a playful commentsoon became a life-changingdecision.Today, Marisole is back at ItchenCollege for a second year, feeling,in her own words, “really motivated” and ready to pursue her dream of studyingFashion Management at university.
Her journey wasn’t straightforward.During her exchange year at Itchen,Marisole thrived. She loved the teaching,thefreedom of the UK system, and the friendships she formed. By January 2025, she confessed to her hostfamily that she didn’t wantto returnto Italy.
Buther Italianteachersdiscouragedher, insistingshe should finish her studiesat home.
The turningpoint came when her father, frustrated with the rigidity of the Italiansystem, decidedthe UK was the betteroption.
Itchenwelcomedher returnwithopen arms—teacherswere “delighted”to have her back, whileher friends cheeredher on from afar
“A Levelsare acceptedworldwide,” Marisole comments.
“So when we discovered that, staying at ItchenCollege
was a no-brainer!”
Marisole also showed determinationbeyond the Classroom. For her 18th birthday, she returnedtoItaly Puttinginlong hours as a waiter to helpher parents pay for her tuition.
“I’m an adult now, passion. “ The experiencetaughther discipline,timemanagement, and resilience studies.
Back in Southampton, she already feelsat home. She’s made Englishfriends, thoughshe admitsto momentsof nostalgiafor her first thisnew chapterwillbe just as fullof memories and laughter.
Her goals are clear: Plan A is FashionManagement at a university in Paris, Plan B thesame course in Milan.She knows her three A Levelswill open doors across Europe, andwithher ambition, adaptability,and creativedrive, thereis littledoubt she’ll succeed—whereverfashion takes her.
Marisole’s story is one of courage, independence,and followingher instincts.What began as a joke has become a bold new reality: carving out her future, one stitchat a time
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