“In 2017, I became the first person in my family to attend university thanks to the funding and points reduction I received through DCU’s Access Programme. This was a big moment for my family, in particular for my mother who is obsessed with education. She went back to school herself as an adult and has always pushed me and been a big help with my education along the way.
Growing up I always knew I wanted to attend third level education and DCU was my first choice as it is so close to home. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to study so I went for Business as it’s a very flexible qualification to have.
Initially I felt quite intimidated attending such a large university, with 180 people in my class it was a big change from secondary school. However, the supports from the Access Programme really helped me to settle in. The Access orientation days were brilliant and I met four friends there that I am still hanging out with today. The Access programme also offered extra tutorials at the end of my first semester which were a great help. My lecturers are lovely but it’s much easier to ask for help in a smaller group.
Outside of college, I am very busy with my footballing commitments. I play soccer for DCU and for Drogheda United. This means I am training two mornings per week in DCU and three evenings per week with Drogheda as well as a match every Friday night. During the summer, I work with my dad in a factory but between college work and football, it is hard to find a part-time job during term. The financial support from my scholarship has been a huge help. Without it, I would have struggled to buy some of my expensive course textbooks.”
“The supporters of DCU’s Access Programme have helped to change my future and also inspired me to help others and give back to my community. I hope that one day, I will be able to help others to achieve their goals as DCU’s supporters have helped me to achieve mine.”