Part 3: Libby Smith – Strength, Selflessness and the Power of Art
Our third finalist, Libby Smith, has been shortlisted for the Against All Odds category—a recognition given to learners who have shown extraordinary determination in the face of adversity.
Her mother, Lisa Smith, paints a picture of a devoted and resilient young woman:
“Libby has worked diligently and independently over the last year and the NCFE art with Aced has been a joy and also therapeutic for her.”
In December 2023, Libby’s older brother was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition. Already living with autism, he required several major surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
“He had a 6-hour reconstructive surgery, followed by months of daily rehab, 2 further surgeries and so many appointments. Throughout the year Libby has been the one to lift his spirits, push his wheelchair or help him when his walking gets tricky, do his physio with him or just sit with him.”
Despite this, Libby remained committed to her studies, finding comfort and joy in her art:
“The NCFE in art has been a real comfort for her. The creative arts have such a power to lift and heal and this has been the case for her. Doing her art studies has allowed her to lose herself in her work and find real joy, with no pressure at all that would come were she doing a GCSE. Choosing the NCFE has been such a positive for Libby and she enjoys every minute of the course.”
Libby’s journey is a powerful reminder that the arts do more than educate—they heal, they support, and they inspire.
Stay tuned as we follow these incredible learners through the final stages of the NCFE Aspiration Awards. Regardless of the outcome, each one of them has already achieved something extraordinary, and we are so proud to have them as part of the Aced community.
#AcedAchievements #AspirationAwards #HomeEdChampions
