Mary is really helpful to me and very supportive. It’s very different to school. The one-to-one set up is a lot better for me. The tutor is focused on the one person the whole time. You’re in with a better chance as there’s no-one coming in and talking over you.
My whole world wasn’t great when I was in school and my confidence was bad. When I started my course and my job, I started to feel more confident and started to think of new ideas and ways to earn money.
The homework is helping me a lot. I can spell my address now fairly well when I couldn’t at the start. It was a massive achievement for me. Before, I couldn’t spell at all. Now I can read some things too.
I’d definitely recommend the Adult Literacy course to anyone. People who find it hard to read and write can do hands-on things, and are more practical, I think.
When I went in the first day I could see other people who were struggling like me. People often focus on what they can’t do instead of what they can.
When I left school, I was dependent on disability allowance. I felt like I was on the sidelines for years until I started my course and my job. I work part-time in a stud farm as a groundskeeper, cutting the lawns and keeping the gardens tidy.
My whole life I’ve been surrounded by vintage cars, tractors and trailers and I’ve also been interested in this.
One of my neighbours, Liam, was a real father-figure to me. He passed away about 11 years ago and I felt that an awful lot. He always encouraged me with this interest and to keep at it, and keep trying new things. I also got a lot of encouragement from my Aunt Mary.
I’d like to set up my own company down the line. I’m also interested in joining the Civil Defence. To do that, I’ll need to do a course to work with kids and I’m hoping to do this through Tipperary ETB.
Check out our website to learn more about Learner Voice training and Learner Champions
For more information contact Karyn at kfarrell@aontas.com
Learn more by visiting onestepup.ie
