‘Familytimewasimportant...’
HAVING to study at home with three children in the house ‘sure creates challenges’ according to student Noreen Kirwan from Newcastle West. Being a mother and a student, simultaneously, involves not only aptitude and dedication but also personal focus and resolve.
Noreen is someone with a clear set of goals when it comes learning. She studied a one-year course in Healthcare (Social and Vocational Integration) at Kerry College’s Listowel Campus. The lock-down added a new challenge to the mix, however, but Noreen thanks her teachers for ‘keeping in touch’ throughout the lockdown and letting her know what supports were available and providing course feedback.
“I just seemed to find a system that worked for me studying from home,” Noreen says.
“Once I was able to establish guidelines for the children, they were able to understand and respect them. This often meant the four of us sitting around the table, working together. It has been very challenging as quite a lot was packed into the course over the year; it’s been very fullon and constantly pushing to a deadline.”
Much to her relief, Noreen recently submitted the last of her assignments. She explains how she established a study routine from the outset that involved working Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm. It was also announced in the thick of her studies that her eldest son would not be sitting the Junior Cert this year. Noreen said this was ‘tough’ as he, too, had done a lot of course work.
“That was quite difficult also,” Noreen explains.
“I think the most difficult part of it all was having the kids at home and trying to find the time for me to study. It hasn’t been without its challenges as kids will be kids! I’m a very determined person and I immediately set a study target. I’ve always been big on structure, while education is important to me – especially where my children are concerned. It’s been a great year that involved a lot of learning. It’s been wonderful to have the opportunity to go back to full-time education.”
Noreen added that while it’s understandable there is a huge emphasis on the Leaving Cert of late, the educational debate since COVID-19, in general, has been somewhat disproportionate towards students in the wider educational world.
“I didn’t hear much at all with regards to third-level. I’m part of a COVID-19 response team in Newcastle West and a volunteer’s daughter, who is in third-level, is also coping with having to do assignments. Everything was up in the air regarding third-level, but the Leaving Cert dominated much of the debate,” she says.
Lastly, Noreen describes her course as a ‘good qualification’ and ‘a solid grounding’ for her chosen career. Noreen wants to work with people who have physical and intellectual disabilities. As part of her course, she completed a work-placement with the Brothers of Charity.
“I really enjoyed it and found it very rewarding. It’s great to be part of services like this as they’ve such a great reputation for doing brilliant work.
“What I would say to students going through the same as me is set study goals that are realistic and be productive.
“In my case it was important to make some family time as well,” she added.