Jordan Walsh tells us about his experience in Youthreach, O’Connell Avenue.
Here at Youthreach O’Connell Avenue, it is more than just a further education and training centre. I like the way staff and students treat each other. From my very first day, I was made to feel very welcome.
Even though I was nervous when I started here I was encouraged to do my best and to get involved in other activities and events which might be of benefit to me. All the teachers and the coordinator were approachable and encouraging. My career guidance and the mentoring team have played a pivotal role in helping me to explore future paths.
I was encouraged to do an introduction in barbering course and I absolutely loved it. Currently, I am completing an advanced QQI Level 5 in barbering at Limerick College of Further Education and I am hoping to start part-time employment soon. Once my exams are over I will pursue a full-time career as a barber. I am fortunate to be in a centre where I am respected and encouraged to do the best that I can do.
The list of positive benefits to Youthreach O’Connell Avenue are endless, but for me, the most important one is the fact that I know if I need help with anything the staff are there to help me along the way. I cannot emphasize enough how much time they have taken in preparing me for the next step in my life. I could write pages and pages for the ways Youthreach has changed my life but I still would not do it justice. I owe everything to the staff of O’Connell Avenue for encouraging me to have a realistic goal and to pursue that goal.
