Amanda Keenan – Monaghan Adult Education Centre
I returned to education after working in a business in Monaghan for ten years. In 2018, I was diagnosed with cellulitis. I was in and out of hospital receiving IV antibiotics and had to rest up for nine weeks. Eventually, I had to withdraw from work.
I did not know what corner to turn with no job and no money, but I knew someone would point me in the right direction. I was told about the Tús scheme, so I approached them to ask how it worked. They explained that I would have to work 19.5 hours a week, but then they mentioned doing courses like First Aid and Health and Safety. At first, I thought that’s not for me. But then I thought it would do no harm to try these courses. I was still young and decided to give it a go. Why not? I had nothing to lose.
I completed the courses and, to my surprise, I really enjoyed them. As time rolled on, I joined the CE Scheme. Andrea and Julita were two lovely people to approach. They explained to me that the CE scheme works like the Tús scheme, but this time there were more courses. I was scared at first looking at the list right in front of me. I couldn’t take in all the courses listed on that sheet.
I was confused. It was like I was having an anxiety attack. The sweat started rolling down my forehead and the shaking started. I asked, “What am I supposed to do? What if they put me on a course I don’t want? What if it’s too hard?” Question after question went through my head. But they sat me down, discussed all my options with me, and I settled myself.
When I was more at ease, we agreed that I would try a computer course with Tracey. Tracey spoke about the course and told me how there is loads of help out there to do lots of different courses. I completed my computer course and I felt overwhelmed, in a good way. I had no interest in school, yet I had completed something on my own. I enjoyed it, with the help of the CE scheme and Tracey, my wonder woman.
In one of the courses, I had to do an assignment. Once I heard the word assignment, I froze. I had never achieved one of these before, but Joan, my tutor, was so helpful. I will never forget her for the patience and understanding she showed me throughout that course. She talked me through it, showed me where to get the information, and helped me put it together.
From that day on, I have completed many different courses and still am. I have just completed a Level 4 Maths course in European House in Monaghan. It was a 12-week course. The thing I have learned is that anybody can do a Maths course at any level. It’s supposed to be the hardest subject at school, but if you get the right tutor (which I did), it can be interesting working with numbers and solving problems. The course was overwhelming and exhausting at times, but I got through it and am delighted that I did. It has helped me to understand myself better, knowing I can push myself to that point I want to reach and just go for gold. Anyone can do courses. There is loads of help out there for everyone to achieve their goals.
I want to thank the staff of CMETB: Andrea and Julita from the CE scheme, and Pauline, who kindly accepted me on to the Tús scheme from the very beginning. Also, my tutors Tracey and Joan.
All I can tell you is to stay positive, believe in yourself, and aim for what you want. It is a learning curve, but that is what life is all about. After four and a half years of studying and completing courses, I am still learning, so if I can do it, anyone can.
