My Trinity College Experience

by TCPID Graduate Kai Tiernan

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I’m Kai. I have just finished in 2nd year and I have just completed my course, I’m 20 and I did my LCA (Leaving Cert Applied) in 2018.

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

I decided to come to Trinity College Dublin to complete the Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice (ASIAP) because it was a course for people who have intellectual disabilities like me and wanted to get a qualification for passing this course which I did.

What did you enjoy most about Trinity College?

I enjoyed being in the City Centre the most.

What did you enjoy most about the ASIAP course?

I enjoyed the module Disability Rights and Practicum the most. It was my favourite module. I also enjoyed the module Expressive Arts (Drama) the most from 1st year.

What did you find difficult?

I found finding my way around college difficult when I was in 1st year but when I got used to going to those classes I remembered where to go then.

What helped you during your time in Trinity College Dublin?

Getting support helped me during my time in Trinity College Dublin which I’m thankful for.

What would your advice be to other students who might be considering applying for the Certificate in Arts, Science, and Inclusive Applied Practice?

My advice to the students would be to go to the opening day of the Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Practice to meet the lecturers, students etc in Trinity to see what it’s like and to think about whether you might be interested in it or not before applying for it.

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

My most special memory of the time in Trinity College Dublin is winning the SciFest award for taking part in it.

What will you miss the most about Trinity College Dublin?

I will miss going to the library the most.

What are your goals for the future?

My goals for the future are to work in Trinity as an intern which I’m looking forward to and I’ll see what happens after that.

Tell us about your experience of the COVID 19 crisis?

After hearing the coronavirus was spread all over Trinity, I had to stay at home and I didn’t think classes would still go on by using Zoom on the computer. I thought lecturers were finished. I felt stressed out and overwhelmed but I’m pretty much doing ok now. I enjoyed having laughs on Zoom and I love that software, it’s fun to use. When I was having classes online, it was breaking up because of my personal hotspot. I couldn’t hear what everyone was saying and I had to keep telling them to repeat or type in a chat box what they were saying. There was no WiFi in my house until now.

Did you find it difficult doing your classes and submitting your assignments online?

No but the personal hotspot that I had to use made it a bit difficult.

Is there anything that would have made the experience of online classes easier?

Yes. When using the personal hotspot with no WiFi, I’d like the lecturers and classmates to type in a chat box more so that it would be a lot easier for me to read what they were saying if it’s breaking up on me.

What new skills have you learnt because of the COVID 19 crisis?

I learned how to set up meetings on Zoom which is my favourite, attending meetings, etc.

What are you most looking forward to doing once the COVID 19 crisis is over?

I am looking forward to going out for spins in the car around the country the most.