As third level courses get back into full swing, Niel Leonard Tayco asked five freshers what they expect from their first term.
Michael Fitzpatrick, 18
Nationality: Irish
Chosen college: Dorset College
Chosen course: Animation
How many points did you get in your Leaving Certificate? Are you happy with what you got?
I only got 200 points in my Leaving Cert, and I could have done a lot better if I studied.
Did you get the course that you wanted? Or are you happy with what was offered to you?
I was offered animation in Dorset College and I’m happy with that.
What are your expectations going into college?
I expect to learn more about my passions, which are writing and animation.
What kind of college experience do you want?
I want it to be lively and comfortable.
What standard of education and services do you expect from your college?
I expect my teachers to have a solid knowledge of animation, media and design.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job after finishing your course?
It’s a constant worry of mine.
Would you consider moving to other countries for jobs?
Yes, I’m thinking of going to Canada, Norway or Australia.
Atheena Imma Cueto Buriel, 18
Nationality: Filipina
Chosen college: DIT
Chosen course: Tourism Marketing
How many points did you get in your Leaving Certificate? Are you happy with what you got?
I got 350 points so yeah, I’m pretty happy about it.
Did you get the course that you wanted? Or are you happy with what was offered to you?
I am happy with what was offered to me but it was not my first choice.
What are your expectations going into college?
I am pretty sure that I’m not the only one expecting stress and excitement.
What kind of college experience do you want?
I’m looking forward to making new friends and to learn more about the course I’m taking.
What standard of education and services do you expect from your college?
I expect them to have a wide knowledge of my course.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job after finishing your course?
I’m not entirely sure of how I feel about it, maybe because no matter how smart or good you are at your course, there is a chance you won’t find a job.
Would you consider moving to other countries for jobs?
There is a possibility that I will. I’m still deciding where to go, though.
Rita Tarvydaite, 23
Nationality: Lithuanian
Chosen college: College of Natural Medicine
Chosen course: Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine
How many points did you get in your Leaving Certificate? Are you happy with what you got?
I took my exams back in Lithuania.
Did you get the course that you wanted? Or are you happy with what was offered to you?
I applied directly to College of Natural Medicine because it’s a private college.
What are your expectations going into college?
To gain education and being able to practice as a healthcare practitioner.
What kind of college experience do you want?
I would love my college experience to be pleasant and not too hectic.
What standard of education and services do you expect from your college?
I expect it to be professional.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job after finishing your course?
Yes, of course.
Would you consider moving to other countries for jobs?
I would move to another English speaking country such as England, Australia or America.
Rose Kennedy, 18
Nationality: Irish
Chosen college: University of Limerick
Chosen course: Music, Media and Performance Technology
How many points did you get in your Leaving Certificate? Are you happy with what you got?
I’m absolutely delighted that I got 400 points in my Leaving Cert.
Did you get the course that you wanted? Or are you happy with what was offered to you?
Yes, I got my first choice.
What are your expectations going into college?
I want to socialise, enjoy my course and hopefully get a job after finishing.
What kind of college experience do you want?
I want to attend college events and join different clubs and societies.
What standard of education and services do you expect from your college?
My expectations are high with regards to their standard of education, good facilities and international faculty. I hope to go on the study abroad programme that’s included in my course.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job after finishing your course?
Not really, because I can move away and get a job in other countries.
Leticia Garcia, 17
Nationality: Irish
Chosen college: Dunboyne Community College
Chosen course: Journalism
How many points did you get in your Leaving Certificate? Are you happy with what you got?
I’m not happy with my 230 points but I don’t mind as my parents didn’t mind.
Did you get the course that you wanted? Or are you happy with what was offered to you?
Yes, I am happy with what I got.
What are your expectations going into college?
I’m sure it’s not going to be easy and I’m still not sure what to expect.
What kind of college experience do you want?
I’m looking forward to making new friends and of course to gain good qualifications in journalism so I can get a good job when I leave college.
What standard of education and services do you expect from your college?
Some have told me the college is not a good one, but I’ll stick to it, and I’m still expecting a good standard of education.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to find a job after finishing your course?
Yes, because of the recession.
Would you consider moving to other countries for jobs?
I’ll probably move to London.
