Before signing up for the Human Growth and Development course, I’d been out of education for quite a while. I was really worried about whether I’d be able to handle it, but since it was only 2 days a week I convinced myself to give it a go. The course was excellent, both in terms of what we learned and the support available. It really helped me to build up confidence in my educational abilities.

Through the centre, I found out about the Access Foundation Programme in DIT, which would help prepare me to do a degree course. I sent in an application, attended an interview, and was offered a place. It was hard work at times, but I definitely felt more prepared for it having completed the Human Growth and Development course, which had helped get me into the habit of studying and writing essays.

I’ve now finished the Access Programme, and have been offered a place on the Social Work degree course in Trinity College for September. A few years ago, I couldn’t have even imagined that I’d be capable of this. I’m really grateful for the Human Growth and Development course, which turned out to be the start of an exciting academic journey that is still far from over.