It was a huge help. It got me thinking again, I loved it. I had very little confidence because of my condition and it helped me to build on it and move towards higher education. It was such an important step for me.
In my first few weeks at Maynooth, I was really nervous. But the staff in the Access Office were amazing. They were welcoming and supportive, they fought to keep me in college, and they were there to help me overcome every barrier I faced. It was the Access Office and my family that got me through and I am so thankful to them for that support.
I hope that I can help other people with disabilities to take opportunities and face their fears
I’m now a Maynooth Access Programme Ambassador. I’ve just won a Student Recognition Award, and I’m a Student Orientation Leader. I am so proud to have come this far and I hope that I can help other people with disabilities to take opportunities and face their fears. Don’t let that voice in your head tell you ‘I’ve got a disability’ or I’m too old’: you can do it.
I met a young woman in first year who has a disability on campus recently. She told me that because she met me at the Open Day last year, she realised that she too could go to college. That felt amazing and it means so much that I am helping to pave the way for others. I want to be a trailblazer!
If you’re thinking of going to college or going back to education don’t let fear get in your way
If you’re thinking of going to college or going back to education, don’t let fear get in your way. You can do it. You will find your own community and your own friends. They might be in your class, through a programme like Access or in a college society. Don’t give up. If you don’t take the opportunities, you’ll never know what is out there for you and what you’re good at. You can help others in similar situations and pave the way forward.
Find out about education and training options by visiting www.onestepup.ie or calling the One Step Up Freephone helpline at 1800 303 696 or contact Sam O’Brien-Olinger, AONTAS Information and Policy Officer via email: sobrienolinger@aontas.com.
