I listed analytical chemistry at TU Dublin as my preference on the CAO form. This choice was primarily governed by the university’s convenient location, which allowed for commuting from Meath, and my inclination towards a stable and lucrative career in the pharmaceutical industry.
However, my initial enthusiasm quickly turned into regret. Having not studied chemistry for the Leaving Cert, I found the course challenging. Despite assurances from third-level institutions stating that they commence teaching from scratch, I was struggling to grasp the fundamentals of the subject. My passion for science was dwindling, and my enthusiasm for studying was waning.
By the time January rolled around in my first year, I was engulfed with fear. Preparing for the Christmas exams was especially challenging, as I found myself incapable of understanding the subject matter.
The course took up all my time, leaving me feeling unhappy and overburdened. Nonetheless, I persevered through a complete academic year. I planned to retake the exams in August, but a week before the exams, I decided that I didn’t want to continue further. My mother was incredibly understanding and supportive of my decision.
After quitting the course in August, I deliberated taking a gap year since I believed it was too late to enrol in another degree. I assumed that I had no alternatives left at that point. It was then I stumbled upon an online course at Dunboyne College of Further Education, which was still open to new applicants.
During my school years, I had a knack for assisting the girls with their coursework and exam preparation, and this instilled in me a deep love for teaching. Though, at that time, I was uncertain if teaching was the right professional path for me. I decided to enrol in a pre-university teaching programme—a PLC course—at Dunboyne. This course had affiliations with Maynooth University and its Turn2Teaching initiative. After finishing this course, my self-confidence has greatly increased and I am optimistic about my future. I am now planning to apply to train as a home economics and biology teacher at St Angela’s College, Sligo. After receiving my certificate, I will be equipped to instruct as a special needs assistant while I earn my full teaching qualification.
There’s always the risk of choosing a course or a career which might not align with one’s passion. I now understand that it’s through errors that we experience personal growth and development. My college journey began when I was merely 17 and had I not fumbled along the way, I would not have evolved into the person that I am today. I wouldn’t have learnt the things I did, or made the cherished friendships that I did. Therefore, my suggestion to students who are apprehensive about choosing the wrong direction, is that if these feelings persist, it’s perfectly acceptable to select a new path.