My Trinity College Experience

by TCPID Graduate Aoife Cleary

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am an only child and live near the Phoenix Park with my Mam and Dad. I love reading walking and listening to music. I recently developed an interest in classical guitar and would love to learn how to play it. I am very shy and it takes time for me to get use to new places and people but with lots of encouragement I can do great things and surprise people.

Why did you decide to come to Trinity College Dublin to complete the Certificate in Arts, Science, and Inclusive Applied Practice (ASIAP)?

I wanted to learn more and go to college like my friends so that I would get a good job. Being in Trinity has made me very happy. I am more confident. The course had a lot of what I liked, including Art, Drama and Occupational Therapy which would support me to get job.

What did you enjoy most about Trinity College?

What I enjoyed about Trinity College was definitely the buzz around the campus, whether outside on the green or in the hall in the arts block, there was always something to see or do, I also really like just being able to go for coffee before classes and after classes at the Perch, or in Starbucks if we were in TCPID. The fact that I even got the chance to be a student in Trinity was a big thing in my life and I am so grateful for all of the lectures who helped us along the way to the end.

What did you find difficult?

I found getting up in front of class to give presentations hard. I would have liked to join drama society but I would have needed support for that. I found group work hard because some students didn’t reply to emails.

What is your most special memory of your time in Trinity College Dublin?

My special memory is just being a student being in college like everyone else the noise of all the students at lunch and going to lectures. I loved going on field trips with John to the National Art Gallery. SciFest was a good memory because everyone who came to see our projects gave us loads of encouragement. Travelling on the Luas on my own to my job at Carne Group made me feel very grown up and being able to do the work I was given.

What will you miss the most about Trinity College Dublin?

I will miss the team and all my class. I will miss the other students.

What are your goals for the future?

I would like to go back to Carne Group. I was able to do the work I was given and my goal is to have job there, or in another company. I want to join a drama group and learn how to play classical guitar. My other goal is to be supported to live independently. Trinity has made me believe that working hard will help you to reach your goals.