Marta Semchiy –Gateway Project, Dublin
Community Education is at the core of my Learner Story and was instrumental in empowering me to complete my 3rd level studies.
My journey began in Ukraine, but Cork is where I grew up and discovered my passions.
I studied Chemical Sciences in University College Cork after finishing my Leaving Certificate, from 2015-2019.
Chemical Sciences is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor of Science degree program. I completed three and a half years of the degree but unfortunately, during my final year – with just 3 months remaining – I had to withdraw from my course. I faced severe personal health challenges involving alcohol and drug addiction.
Choosing health and recovery was a turning point, and it has led me back to education with a renewed sense of purpose.
I have always loved school. For me, there was nothing better than diving into a book, researching and working on projects. When I got to college, the hands-on practical labs were my favourite place to be. I desperately wanted to stand out, so I threw myself into everything – extracurricular activities, tough assignments, and even the most difficult final year project available.
To the outside world, I was managing it all. In reality, I was running on empty.
Juggling college alongside a part-time job at Tommy Hilfiger and teaching swimming lessons brought me to a point of severe burnout. The intense pressure I put on myself became too heavy to carry. Looking for comfort and a way to cope, I turned to alcohol.
What started as a relief quickly spiraled out of control. Soon, I found myself drinking alone and even bringing alcohol into my lectures, labs and tutorials.
In 4th year, I asked my final year project supervisor for an extension on my final year project as I was too caught up in getting drunk rather than submitting the project on time.
But even with the extension being granted, I never sent in the project work and left college altogether. All three and a half years of hard work down the drain. The years that followed, I had accepted that that part of my life was over. But it still stuck with me that I never finished what I started.
After years of living with addiction, a friend recommended that I get in touch with Chrysalis CDP (Community Drug Project) in Dublin, and this changed everything for me.
At the end of July 2025, I was just four weeks into my recovery and I started working with Brian Ennis, my Case Manager, in Chrysalis. Chrysalis Community Drug Project is re-defining recovery through one-to-one strategies that prioritise structure, accountability and long-term change. They recognise that no two recovery journeys are the same and provide dedicated, tailored support designed to address the unique challenges each person faces.
It was Brian who encouraged me to sign up to the Community Employment Scheme in the Gateway Project in Dublin City. The Gateway Project is an Education and Skills Training Program for women specifically, offering NFQ qualifications, in partnership with the City of Dublin Education and Training Board. I started in Gateway at the end of September 2025 and I am finishing up in August 2026. I have just completed three NFQ Level 5 Healthcare Service Skills modules: Intellectual Disabilities, Nutrition and Healthy Eating Options, and Infection Prevention and Control. We also participate in various workshops such as Art and Mindfulness, Yoga, Pilates and Industry- related workshops.
Brian kept emphasizing how important routine and a structured timetable was for me in my recovery, and I completely had to agree because having something to wake up for and do each day minimized my risk of a relapse. But I had absolutely no idea that this project would, in fact, enhance my sobriety life and change my whole future.
It wasn’t until my first week in Gateway, that I realised we actually got paid to learn and study! Like with anything, it took me a little while to get used to the building, the staff, the tutors and the routine in general. I found it really challenging the first two months, as I was not used to the early mornings or even the concept of working on a desktop computer as my brain found it hard to retain information. I had left college eight years ago and spent all those years living in absolute misery, guilt and shame.
However, ten months later and I have never appreciated a place of work as much as I do the Gateway Project. It’s not just an Education Programme – it has taught and is still teaching me to this day, so much about life, relationships with other people but especially about myself.
This place came to me at a time in my life when I needed it the most. Not only has the Gateway Project done so much for me in my recovery journey, it has made me realise how much I have missed learning and studying at 3rd level.
That much so, that I have applied to Trinity College Dublin to go back and finish the degree I started, back in 2015. The fiery passion I had for Science, which I thought had long vanished, had finally returned and after a long, anxious eight weeks of waiting, I received my Firm Offer from Trinity to start in September 2026 as an advanced entry student. I will be going into 3rd year of the Medicinal Chemistry degree program at TCD.
I believe Community Education is a vital service for all learners who are willing to return to education, because my participation in the Gateway Project, has honestly brought back my spark.
I am much more aware, focused, driven and determined this time. The support, love, kindness and generosity I received in Community Education is just outstanding. I will never forget the day I sat in front of my CE Supervisor, Mariana, and told her I was planning to apply to Trinity to finish my degree. From the very beginning, the support I have received from Mariana and the CE Coordinator Carmel Brien, has just been out of this world. They supported me with reference letters, set up meetings with guidance counselors from ETB to discuss funding options, and assisted me with finding out about payment options available to me when I begin in Trinity, i.e. Back to Education Allowance.
As well as all the formalities, the most amazing gift I received from them was the constant encouragement. The belief they had in me, even on days when I didn’t believe in myself was incredible. During the eight-week period of waiting for my offer from Trinity, my self-confidence dropped and self-doubt truly escalated as I began to doubt myself and my abilities.
However, not once, did Mariana or Carmel have any doubt in me or my potential.
I cannot talk about support in Community Education without mentioning all my wonderful tutors. Each and every one of them have just been amazing. I really appreciate how they strike the perfect balance: ensuring we stay on top of our course work, while also creating a supportive environment where we can talk to them about anything and they always provide the best advice. I also appreciate the passion they all have for teaching. The notes provided were always well-organised and their enthusiasm made early morning classes entirely worth it.
I am so grateful for their patience and guidance throughout my journey in Gateway. Their insights always gave me the confidence to make right decisions and push through a tough week.
My experience of doing this course has been truly life-changing. I am deeply appreciative of the outstanding support, kindness and compassion I’ve received along the way.
I couldn’t have navigated this journey without the constant encouragement of the Gateway staff, the dedication of my tutors and the uplifting company of all the incredible women, I am lucky enough to call my friends. Because without them, I would not be where I am today.
My future plans are centred on personal and professional development.
In August 2026, I will transition from the Gateway Project as I begin my studies at Trinity College in September. However, this isn’t goodbye. I plan to stay highly involved, visit regularly and continue supporting this community. The friendships I’ve made and the trust I’ve built with every single woman on this Project are for life, not just for one year!
I plan to enter my third year at Trinity College in September. Over these next two years, my primary focus will be to combine my studies with career exploration.
I want to use this time to build new skills, connect with different professionals and pinpoint the exact career path I want to pursue once I graduate.
I truly believe Community Education is a vital service for anyone ready to return to learning. Participating in this course, brought back my spark, shaped who I am today and came to me at the perfect time in my life.
I would also recommend Community Education because it offers much more than just academic education. It provides a vibrant environment to meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences. Interacting with a diverse group of peers has broadened my worldview and challenged my own perspectives. Collaborating with individuals from different walks of life has helped me develop essential communication and teamwork skills.
I have honestly made friends for life and I know that we will always support each other down the line no matter where our lives bring us!
The course has been fantastic and the curriculum perfectly structured, including the summer months. What I really appreciate is how manageable the hours are- it really supports students who have other personal or professional responsibilities. I’ve especially loved how supportive every single person has been throughout my journey in the Gateway Project.
A huge thank you to everyone in the Gateway Project who has made my time here unforgettable!
