“Before I had started at CSN, I didn’t have much direction. I had finished my leaving cert badly as I had issues at secondary school. I didn’t have any plans for my future and ended up not knowing what to do.
I chose the Social Studies course at CSN as I enjoyed working with people. Despite this, I didn’t know how to make this a feasible route for my future. However, once I started the course, the lecturers gave me lots of guidance to assist me to get where I wanted. The course expanded my views by opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. The endless possibilities helped me focus and make goals. I then definitely knew what I wanted to do, and the amazing lecturers showed me what I needed to do to accomplish this.
My favorite part of the course was my social studies project. We were given room to dive into an area we wanted to research. I chose to do mine in Cork prison. My lecturer put me in contact with a rehabilitation coordinator who invited me up for a tour of the prison. I got to interview him and other members of staff. I was delighted with this fantastic opportunity. I now wish to work as a rehabilitation service worker. The college helped me achieve this. After I finished my project, I went on to volunteer at the prison in the hopes of learning as much as possible.
I loved the practical aspect of the course where the theories and topics were brought to light by seeing them practiced during work placement. I was very lucky to do this at the Lios na nOg CSN crèche. At first I was scared as I had never worked with babies, but I quickly overcame the shock and loved every minute of it. I was confident due to how the course had prepared me for knowing how to care. The crèche showed me how to apply this knowledge in a range of different tasks.
It was difficult moving to a new area as I came from Kerry, but it soon became home with all the great friends I made along the way. I benefited massively from my time here; although it was short it has hugely bettered my life. Overall, I can say that I am extremely grateful to have done the course. I feel as though I grew as a person and I now look forward to what next year will bring!”