Ciara worked in the gaming sector prior to returning to education initially at the Cork College of Commerce.  After her degree, Ciara intends to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  She eventually wants to “work as a mental health professional in Cork City in the public sector and provide therapies and support to people who need it and improve people’s quality of life.”

Karen was brought up in a working class community and experienced the difficulties faced by the community in relation to equal justice.  By working for Inclusion Ireland she built up skills in information provision.  She went onto volunteer as a Citizen Information Officer, where she developed a passionate interest in Law.  She recently joined the National Advocacy Service as the National Administrator where she works full-time while completing her degree.  Karen intends to use her legal knowledge to give back to the community that has given her so much.

Michelle’s passion is for animal welfare, particularly horses.  In 2016, she set up a project to support equine health and education with the Kildare Traveller Action group.  She subsequently completed a Community Development & Leadership course prior to enrolling on her degree. She recently completed a Level 7 Certificate in Youth Studies at Maynooth University.  Her ultimate aim is to set up a mobile equine health unit to help horse owners in disadvantaged and rural communities that struggle to access veterinary care.

Due to the onset of a degenerative back disease, Patrick had to cease being a self-employed carpenter.  As he is also a musician, Patrick decided to pursue this alternative career path.  He hopes to equip himself “with a qualification relevant to a career in music, arts and media” and to continue to develop his own creative ambitions as an artist.