I felt I was now too old and that you had to be brainy and intelligent to go to college or university. But the thought just wouldn’t go away, and as if by fate, I bought a local newspaper which had an ad for a QQI Level 6 course in adult and community education, an outreach programme from Maynooth University, taking place in Tallaght. I applied for the course and during my interview I felt I had ‘blown’ it so I gave them my ‘I had a dream’ speech and I got a place on the course. I was extremely nervous and thought it would be like going back to school but I got such a shock when I went into the room. The teachers were sitting with the learners and I realised it wasn’t like school at all. I loved every minute of it. Not only did we learn, we had so much fun.
“Your whole life experience is unique and has value”
The main thing I learned from this course was that adults learn from one another. I never felt good enough because I left school at 16. Now I know that it doesn’t matter when you left school or your background. You have so much more to offer; your whole life experience is unique and has value.
The subject of adult education interested me so I joined AONTAS as an individual member. With their help, I have become an advocate for the wider benefits of adult learning. I have been involved in campaigns for the learner voice; funding for grants for part-time courses; and recognition of prior learning. There have been huge advancements in learner voice initiatives and learner representation locally, nationally and internationally. I am currently the adult learner representative on the board of QQI. This is the first time an adult learner representative has been appointed to a State board and it has been a huge learning opportunity.
“We took the long and winding road or ‘scenic route’ back to education”
For many adult learners, we did not have the chance to take the conventional route through education. We took the long and winding road or ‘scenic route’ back to education. But I am proof that it can be done! I have now completed a degree in All Hallows and graduated last December. I proved you don’t need a super brain you just need the will and desire to do it. I finally obtained my ‘deferred dream’.
