From Passion to Profession: Supportive Parents Defying Traditional Norms Empower AOD Graduates to Succeed with Winning Careers in Design
View(s):AOD turns the spotlight on the parents behind its top design graduates. This story of Ruwini Wijetunga, who earned a first-class honours degree in Fashion Marketing and Design from Northumbria University UK at AOD and became the joint valedictorian of the class of 2024, highlights the power of parental trust and AOD’s dedicated guidance in turning talent to success.
In a society where, traditional career paths are still often prioritised over creative pursuits, many parents hesitate to support their children’s dreams of studying design. However, for Ruwini Wijetunga, the unwavering encouragement of her parents played a pivotal role in her successful journey toward becoming one of the top design graduates at AOD, qualifying as a professional coveted by businesses and employed even before graduation by a prestigious apparel company.
The Power of Parental Support in Turning Creative Dreams into Success Stories
From a young age, Ruwini showed a deep passion for art, design, and creativity, which led her to pursue a career in Fashion Marketing and Design. Her mother, Manoja Chandrasekara, a teacher at S. de Jayasinghe School in Dehiwela, recognised Ruwini’s natural talents early on. Despite no prior background in the creative industries, Manoja knew that nurturing her daughter’s artistic inclinations would allow her to excel. “I didn’t want to restrict her,” Manoja says. “I too thought it was good for her to do something where her talents are made use of.”
Ruwini Wijetunga with her parents at AOD Graduate Exhibition held during Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024 at Cinnamon Life
Father Ajith Wijetunga, a Senior Wealth Planner at AIA Insurance, echoed his wife’s sentiment, emphasising the importance of supporting Ruwini’s dreams regardless of their own professional backgrounds. “This is her decision, and I supported her. As a father, I just wanted to get her the best education possible for her choice, and for design, it was AOD. I believe that whatever you do, you should do it at the best possible place and for Ruwini’s decision, this was AOD,” Ajith reflects. Their belief in Ruwini’s potential was crucial, leading her to find the right platform at AOD.
AOD’s Role in Shaping Ruwini’s Future
Choosing the right institution for a creative education was another significant factor in Ruwini’s success. For Manoja and Ajith, it was crucial that Ruwini received an education that would not only hone her skills but also provide real-world opportunities. They found that AOD’s partnership with Northumbria University UK offered just that.
“AOD’s lecturers are qualified, keen, and really look after the students,” Ajith notes, praising the institution’s hands-on approach to education. “The quality of education depends on them, and AOD has always provided them with good facilities. Even the internships AOD found for the students, and even the job placement—I didn’t have to call anyone at all. AOD handled everything from finding openings to writing letters to demonstrate why Ruwini is suited for the job.”
Ruwini Wijetunga’s Graduate Collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka
This dedication from AOD proved to be invaluable. By the time Ruwini graduated, she had already secured employment with a prestigious company, thanks to the school’s network and active job placement centre that ensure the futures of each year’s graduates are secured. Ruwini’s academic success—culminating in her achieving a first-class honours degree and being named joint-valedictorian—was a direct result of AOD’s thorough and industry-respected approach to design education.
Early Success Built on Trust and Education
Looking back, Ruwini is grateful for the support her parents provided her throughout her academic journey. Their belief in her passion for design empowered her to push beyond her limits, achieving things she hadn’t imagined. “First of all, I’m thankful that my parents didn’t restrict me and allowed me to pursue what I wanted to,” she reflects. “I’ve never been so motivated and energetic to work hard and achieve something as I was while studying design.”
Today, Ruwini is not only a graduate but also a professional in the apparel industry, with an exciting future ahead. “I’m really happy about it,” she says of her career. “I know things will get stressful as they tend to do in this industry, but I’m ready to take it on.”
Her father, Ajith Wijetunga, reflects on the fulfillment of a dream he had for his daughter. “Before graduation itself, she was employed by a prestigious company. As a father, it’s really a dream come true for me,” he says, acknowledging the role that AOD’s support and guidance played in Ruwini’s success. “The quality of education, the opportunities that AOD provided—from internships to job placement—was something that truly made a difference.”
For many parents, the idea of supporting their child’s creative ambitions may be daunting, especially when design is still often viewed as a less stable or prestigious career path compared to more traditional professions. However, Ruwini’s success proves that with the right education and support, a career in design can be just as viable and rewarding as any other profession. Manoja advises parents who may have reservations about supporting their children in creative careers: “I feel very happy with our decision because Ruwini exceeded our expectations. She proved herself by performing beyond what we had anticipated. I would tell other parents to first research and understand how design benefits industries and the career opportunities it offers. Graduates who study design don’t have to go looking for jobs; they graduate as professionals with job offers waiting for them.”
For other parents who may be unsure about the potential of design careers, Ruwini’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that supporting a child’s passion can lead to great things. In Sri Lanka, where more traditional careers like medicine, law, and engineering are often prioritised, it’s understandable for parents to be cautious about new and unconventional career paths. However, Ruwini’s success underscores the growing importance of creative industries in the global economy, including Sri Lanka’s expanding design sector.
Design education today equips young people not only with technical skills but also with the innovative mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and problem-solving capabilities needed to thrive in dynamic industries. As businesses in Sri Lanka and beyond increasingly look for creative professionals who can drive innovation and contribute to new business models, the value of design graduates is clearer than ever.
With the right guidance and the opportunity to study at prestigious institutions like AOD, young designers can carve out successful careers and make a meaningful impact. AOD’s strong connections to the local industry, coupled with its global outlook, ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with valuable, real-world experience. By supporting children in pursuing careers in design, Sri Lankan parents can help nurture the next generation of leaders who will not only drive local economic growth but also gain recognition for driving impact through their work.
AOD is now open for enrollment. Prospective students are encouraged to take the next step in their creative journey and become part of AOD’s innovation-driven ecosystem, where learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship come together to cultivate the next generation of design leaders. For more information, walk into AOD at the Colombo Innovation Tower, Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm, or visit www.aod.lk.
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