Personal Trainer with Sports Massage

I have always had a love of sports and the Irish language and looked forward to entering U.C.C. to undertake the BEd in Sports and Education to pursue a career in teaching. However the course jumped by 20 points the year I did my Leaving Certificate in 2015 and I had to rethink my options.

I considered repeating but when my Career Guidance Teacher in Scoil Mhuire suggested that I try accessing it through The QQI route in CSN, it seemed like the perfect option. Not only would I have the opportunity to compete for a place in U.C.C, but the year would be spent productively, learning many new skills, meeting new people and gaining a qualification in the process.

I applied for the Sports and Exercise Performance course as the module content interested me. I decided from the outset to work hard and engage with all aspects of the course. I wanted to benefit from the experience and also to ensure that I met with the entry requirements to be considered for a place in U.C.C. The course co-ordinator Ms. Carol Neenan and the team of lecturers were very encouraging and the atmosphere was one of learning and support.

I was thrilled when my CAO offer came through in August. I am now in my first year at U.C.C.  and I am benefiting from the grounding that I got in CSN,  as it equipped me with analytical and  critical thinking skills, IT, note taking and project presentation skills.

It was an excellent decision to take this route for my education. There are so many options out there, so many paths towards what one wants to achieve in life, and Stiofan Naofa is certainly a path worth taking.

Kate Crowley