“I’m the youngest of three, and the first in my family to go to university. My mam was actually the first girl in her family to do the Leaving Certificate, so I think education was always something she valued.
I went to a Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) school, where we had very dedicated teachers. I liked school and I was definitely the academic child in our family! Although I had always been interested in teaching, I ended up putting nursing down on my CAO form – but I realised after a term that it just wasn’t the right course for me. I decided to leave and take up a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course in playschool teaching at Coláise Dhúlaigh while I tried to work out what I really wanted to do.
Leaving my nursing course was hard, but it was the best decision I ever made. Through my PLC, I got to work with children of all ages, and I loved the kids. I passed my course with distinction and applied for the Bachelor of Education in DCU. Thanks to reduced points through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme, I was able to get into my dream course in DCU.
I’m in second year now, and I’m really enjoying the course, especially the music specialism as I teach tenor drum in a pipe band at home. The course is very hands-on, and a lot of the material is taught through a child-focused lens. Our placements are probably the most rewarding part of the course though. Kids can be such honest and kind little people, and I’ve worked with really impressive teachers. Once I stepped into a classroom, something felt right.
I work part-time in a pharmacy, but my scholarship takes a lot of financial pressure off me. It means I can put more on my Leap travel card or contribute at home – and it meant I could cut back on my work hours around our Christmas assessments.
As the first person in my family to go to college, it’s great to have someone to point me in the right direction.
I made good friends through the Access orientation and that’s why I signed up to be an Access Ambassador this year. I want to give back and be the one to give the first years that helping hand.
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for HEAR. I came into college from a DEIS school, but I still get to follow my dreams.
I had really influential teachers in school, and I want to be the best of them for my future students.
I owe that future to the two extra points on the CAO that meant I got my course. The world is mine now because of Access. I’m so proud to be a HEAR student, I’d shout it from the rooftops. Everything that happens from here is because of that support and I’m eternally grateful for it.”
