When I first applied to work in The Acorn Project on a CE Scheme a few years ago I was not entirely sure what to expect, or even if I would get the job. You see, I was a very quiet person, had little to no confidence, and I was always second guessing myself. My previous experiences of college was far from ideal, and my work skills were seriously lacking, so I was extremely nervous about starting something new again. When I received word that my application was successful, I was happy, although still very nervous. On the very day that I started work, the staff of the Acorn were so friendly and supportive that almost immediately my nerves began to lessen. Soon I found my role within the project, and we were beginning our course in Youth Work.
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“My confidence in my own abilities started to grow”
However, there was a deeper, more personal learning that took place for me during this time also. With the continuous encouragement and positive feedback that I received from my tutor and coordinators regarding my presentations and course work, and the different opportunities that were offered to me within the work setting, my confidence in my own abilities started to grow. The person who once would have run from any sort situation outside of my comfort zone was now taking every opportunity to learn and grow as a person and as a youth worker. They gave me the confidence to deliver a graduation speech to my class and their families. A proud moment. They gave me the space to realise my own potential, and in turn then, helped me realise that I wanted to keep going with my education. we went on to do a level 6 module in community development and then a Train the Trainer course, and now I am almost half-way through my first year in Maynooth University and getting along quite well.
I believe that the Acorn is a necessity in Edenderry, helping and supporting not only the Core Group and the hundreds of young people that comes through the doors every week, but also extending this support and educational opportunity to the adults, the mums & dads, the aunts & uncles, big brothers & sisters, or the neighbours of these young people. This is the way I truly believe that we can begin to break down negative cycles that we see in our communities and to help revitalise how we approach education. The Acorn Project gave me the chance to turn my life and my outlook around, and they continue to do the same for others.