TY students get to hear a variety of success stories at special seminar
FOLLOWING the success of a previous seminar back in April, over 250 students from Coláiste Bríde, Meanscoil Gharman, Coláiste Abbáin and St Mary’s CBS attended the second ‘Achieving Success Seminar’ hosted by life coach David Hasslacher in The Riverside Park Hotel last week.
David organised the event to give TY students an opportunity to listen to some success stories first-hand and hopeful pick up some information and inspiration that might hold them in good stead in their own lives. With his opening address, David stressed the importance of setting goals, overcoming problems and, of course, honest hard work.
The first speaker was founder and CEO of the Arboretum Garden Centre Rachel Doyle who spoke of her journey from selling from her garage to establishing a renowned and successful business, being honoured by the President of the World Congress of Garden Centres and being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Farmer Mick Kehoe spoke of how he struggled in school with dyslexia, but through hard work and with the help of a few good teachers, he managed to achieve a diploma in horticulture. He spoke of meeting his future wife Annis and starting a fruit a vegetable growing operation in Crossabeg on five acres, growing strawber- ries amongst other crops. Through hard work and dedication, the pair have grown massively and now farm some 300 acres. He spoke of the importance of hard work and making the right contacts.
Providing somewhat of a different perspective was Jurgita Dulkyte, Project Director at Applegreen Service Stations. She told her audience how she had arrived from Lithuania 14 years ago with a degree in electrical engineering. To put herself and her brother through college, her parents had sold their house and moved to a much cheaper one with no running water. She arrived in Ireland speaking next to no English. Despite this, she joined Applegreen starting at the deli counter. From there she worked her way up to become manager at the Coynes Cross station and then subsequently was appointed as Project Director of the biggest branch on the Naas road.
The final speaker at the event was retired Chief Superintendent John Roche, who explained that he decided he wanted to become a garda at an early age. Because of a pronounced stammer, however, he said he found it extremely difficult as interviewing was a huge problem. After some help, he overcame his impediment and joined the force at the age of 19. He rose through the ranks, serving as a Sergeant in Dublin, before returning to Wexford in the role of Chief Superintendent. John stated that he had always impressed upon the gardaí serving under him the importance of respect, focus and hard work – things that are important in life in general, not just in the workplace.
David was delighted with how the event went and wished to thank all the speakers for giving their time so generously. He also hopes that the event will have provided some inspiration for the students present and looks forward to hearing their feedback.