Follow your dream and don’t let anything get in your way

admin October 19, 2015 9:31 am

By Mary Dennehy

TALLAGHT schools have a celebrated reputation for being progressive learning hubs that support and nurture students to believe in themselves, their futures and their communities.

However, we don’t always hear the success stories connected to past students of local schools – many of whom are leading lights on their chosen paths.

In recent days, in separate events, St Joseph’s Special School in Balrothery and Sacred Heart Senior National School in Killinarden invited past pupils back to share their stories and experience since moving on from primary school.

Last Friday in St Joseph’s Special School, former student, and Miss Ireland finalist, Samantha Nicholl spoke to students about following their dreams – and not letting a disability get in the way.

Samantha, who lives in Killinarden, told The Echo: “It was great to tell the kids what I have done over the past few years and they were shocked to hear that I used to be in St Joseph’s Special School too.

“I wanted to tell the kids that following their dreams is very important and not to let anyone bring you down.

“It’s very hard for people with disabilities to follow their dreams, they can be made to feel that they are not good enough, but after much perseverance I have made it to the grand finale of Ms Ireland and I’m proudly representing my hometown of Tallaght.

“I wanted to show these kids that anything is possible, and that people with disabilities are the same as everybody else and can do anything.”

Ann McHugh, Principal of St Joseph’s, said: “We were delighted to have Samantha back at the school and everyone was inspired by her message that students at St Joseph’s can do anything they want, they just need the confidence and courage to not let their disability stand in the way.

“The students were definitely encouraged by Samantha’s determination, with past students like Samantha definitely steering a path for students coming up.”

Across the Tallaght Bypass in Killinarden, students in Sacred Heart Senior National School were visited on Monday by former students Lynn Ruane, the President of Trinity College Students’ Union, and Jessica Wall, President of IT Tallaght Students’ Union.

Sacred Heart SNS principal Robert O’ Leary said: “We felt that it was unique that two past pupils were elected to such exulted positions, with Lynn representing 16,000 students at Trinity, and Jessica, 4,000 student at IT Tallaght.

“Their achievements are absolutely wonderful and a wonderful reflection of the school and the area – and we wanted to highlight that and celebrate both Lynn’s and Jessica’s achievements.”

He added: “The two former students didn’t have to be asked twice to visit the school and talk to students about high expectations and ambition – and the kids were very interested in what they had to say.

“Parents told us the following say, that some of the kids were full of enthusiasm when they got home that evening and were talking about going to college and what courses they would like to do.

“Lynn and Jessica showed them that anything is possible and never to give up, be determined, keep your goals in sight and work hard – and your dreams will come true.

“They re-enforced what we try to instil in pupils every day and encouraged them to see that kids in Killinarden and other parts of Tallaght can have high expectations and dreams.”

The visit also touched on the democratic process of people being elected to represent others, which was beneficial for Sacred Heart SNS which has an active Student Council.

READ MORE: Five charged with having Tallaght Courthouse-3 resized