Learners' Stories
Are you an Inspirational Adult Learner?
As part of the AONTAS Strategic plan it was identified that we would actively support our members to promote the value of adult and community education, profile their work and engage with local media and key agencies. The collection of case studies was seen as an integral part of this work and will complement our policy and promotional work.
AONTAS are currently compiling a database of case studies to promote the benefits of adult learning and highlight the way in which adult learning can change the lives of real people. On television, radio or newspapers, nothing is more effective than a real story from a real learner for demonstrating the benefits of returning to education.
We hope to highlight these stories on our website and in a range of our publications such as Explore and the Information Booklet. These stories will also be highlighted at AONTAS events such as the learners networks, the Community Education Network and of course the Adult Learners Festival.
If you an adult learner or know of an adult learner who wants to share their story and inspire other adults to return to education please remember we love to hear your success stories. If you have a story you would like to share why not e-mail your story to our Information Officer ,who will only be too delighted to hear from you.
If I did it you can
At aged 54 Mary Cahill's world fell apart as her marriage broke up but little did Mary know that such a sad experience would change her life so positively. Whilst in a courtroom going through a divorce Mary was approached by two retired teachers who spoke with her about getting involved in her community and building up both her skills and confidence. Mary had no idea what to think at this time as it was not only an emotional period but she had three children to think about. Nevertheless she was given the details of an Enterprise Centre which was looking to recruit a housekeeper. This sounded appealing to Mary as it would take her mind of her situation and allow her to gain some independence. She applied for the job and was successful.
Months went by and Mary was becoming her old self again and had made many friendships. One afternoon Mary got was talking to her manager who had become a good confidant. She asked Mary was she interested in returning to education. Mary wasn't sure; after all it had been forty years since she was in the education system. Like so many others of that generation Mary left school at fourteen to join the workforce. Mary came from a family of seven and there just wasn't enough money around to pump into further education on one child never mind all seven. Instead Mary went to Dublin to work with people with disabilities. However it was something Mary doesn't regret as she loved caring for people, especially for people who couldn't care for themselves. She really enjoyed working with the blind. However once she had her children she decided to give up work and raise her family. Caring was the only thing that appealed to her to study but she wasn't sure what was out there. She expressed her dilemma to her manager who later came back to her with news of a carers course being ran by a local partnership. The course was also fully funded by Tallaght Equal which meant Mary didn't have to concern herself with fees.
Mary was so nervous but at the same time she knew it would be something she would enjoy and it had the added bonus of being run on her doorstep. She had never thought about gaining a qualification but if she got this she would gain a FETAC Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate. Something she would have never imagined could happen to her, especially at this stage in her life. Although she wanted to go through with this undertaking, the thoughts of doing exams terrified her, along with studying for exams and writing. She had many doubts, initially Mary had no confidence and feared sharing her weaknesses in front of other people but her fears were eased to a degree by the informal setting. It felt very different to the learning environment she remembered.
However she soon realised that everyone on the course was in the same boat. Everybody had fears and frustrations but these only strengthened the bond between the classmates. Each learner supported each other. Content wise Mary didn't find it too much of a struggle, even though she initially struggled with the vocabulary she overcame this and found that the knowledge and experience she brought to the course was of real benefit to her. After all she was learning the systems and models of practice behind something she had been doing for most of her life. For the first part of the course Mary found herself dependent on her dictionary. However it was something she took pleasure from as the benefits where very evident in her assignments. She found the course challenging but couldn't believe how easy it was with support. As a mature student help was on hand every step of the way and everybody pulled each other through. She really enjoyed the practical side of the course and it was when she went to do a work placement in a home for the elderly that she realised she wanted to build a career in this area.
Now Mary has her Certificate and is thinking to do further study in the area of food hygiene. She describes the blood sweat and tears as well worth it as she has that all important piece of paper which means everything to her and more importantly she gained in confidence and has the independence she hungered after. During the course Mary learned a lot about herself and how she portrayed herself to others. She learned how to cope and remembers the mantra that she whispered to herself when she found it difficult and was thinking to quit; "Mary you can do it", "Mary you can do it". She says this is "her time" and she is so proud of her achievement.
If you would like to read more about Mary's story or would like to read more learners stories click here.
