Mature Students
Mature Student Profiles
Teresa Hickey
2nd Year Multimedia computing with Design
During the year my class mates and I had a conversation about third level education and as this was something I had always wanted to do. I decided to fill out a CAO form and apply for a place in a third level college.
I am now a second year multimedia student. College life is not easy but it is very worthwhile. I have great support from my family and also from college friends and look forward to receiving my degree after four years of hard work.
Carol McKie
3rd Year Multimedia Computing with Design
Having worked in a clerical position for twelve years I left after my second child was born. After remaining at home to look after my husband and children for a further twelve years I then heard about a VTOS course that I was really interested in. This course was a diploma course in Computer System and Networks. Knowing nothing about computers but being interested in learning about them I applied for and was given a place on this course.
I had always wanted to go to collage but never had the confidance to do anything about it. The VTOS course gave me this confidence. I applied for a collage place through the CAO and in September 2001 along with six others of my VTOS class mates I started collage in the Limerick Institute of Technology.
Garry Ledger
2nd Year Applied Computing
I started this course because I wanted a change in my life. After almost 22 years in the army I really felt the need to try something different. I had always wanted to go to collage but I didn't think that I would ever get the opportunity.
With this in mind I began making enquiries and I was put in touch with the Student Support Services at the Limerick Institute of Technology. A meeting was set up between the Access Officer Pauline Lenihan and myself. This meeting helped me to make the decision to start collage.
The support that I receive from family and friends has made the transition from army life to collage life less difficult. The support I also receive from the Student Support Services and the Access Service and from my fellow mature students continues to make life as a student easier.
Sandra Butler-Tyroll
2nd Year Multimedia Computing with Design
After working in industry for a number of years and then taking time out to look after my husband and children I was given the opputuinity to retrain with VTOS. At the end of this twelve month course I received a diploma in Computer Systems and Networks. It was during my time on this course that I decided that I would like to go on to third level education. I was nervous because of the commitment I knew I would have to make but after much encouragment from my fellow students and from my family I decided to go ahead.
I am now so glad that I took that first step. I have just finished 2nd year and am about to enter third year. It hasn't been easy but with the support that I have received within the collage from the access officer Pauline Lenihan and my fellow students and from my husband and children I am now looking forward to receiving my degree.
Rob O'Halloran
2nd Year Multimedia computing with Design
I returned to the education system in MTI Limerick to study for a diploma in Computer Systems & Networks. During this course I decided that I wanted to return to 3rd level and applied for a place on the new BSc Multimedia in Computing with Design course
So far the course have been challenging with plenty of new subjects to be researched. The course is helping with development in all aspects of my life and is giving me the will to succeed proving there is light at the end of the tunnel.
On completion I am not exactly sure what avenue to proceed down further education like a Masters or H-Dip or returning to the work place.
Anne Tuohy
2nd Year Multimedia computing with Design
I worked in the video and television production business for about twelve years with two different companies in Limerick and subsequently for myself. I worked in editing and also shooting footage and directing productions. I then went on to lecture in video and television production in Limerick and Tralee. Technology has advanced very rapidly in recent years and I see a very exciting future in multimedia. It was with that in mind that I took the decision to go to College.
Given the fact that I haven't really studied in any organised way for years I was apprehensive about going back to study. In a way it was like starting a new job, with everybody around starting at the same time. It took time to get used to studying and I found it necessary to properly organise my time between college and home. The staff of LIT, my fellow students and my wonderful husband have been great in helping me to cope.