South East Technological University (SETU) Exercise & Health Studies graduate Áine Byrne from Tinahely, Co Wicklow talks about her experience of the course and how she found her place in Waterford.
"I was lucky enough to be with people who loved the course as much as I did; I had so much fun and learned a lot along the way, it has helped me choose what I want to do after I graduate." SETU graduate, Áine Byrne
Thorough research
Well, I knew Dublin wasn’t for me because the colleges are too big up there and there are so many people, I’m from the country in Wicklow and I’m more used to smaller class sizes. I was looking at different colleges, and when I was looking at Waterford I happened to be talking to a friend of mine who was in the fourth year of this course at the time and he highly recommended the course to me. I did a lot more research into the course, the college and the city and I knew then that Waterford was the place for me!
Diverse modules
It was amazing, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I started college. I knew that I wanted to do something with health and sport, so I was drawn to the health and exercise course because all of the modules were so different; you were dipping your toe into so many different modules, like nutrition, activity for intellectual disability and strength and conditioning just to name a few. I am graduating as an Exercise and Health Specialist with a REPS Ireland Qualification. I was also lucky enough to be with people who loved the course as much as I did; I had so much fun and learned a lot along the way, it has helped me choose what I want to do after I graduate.
Living arrangements
I lived in student apartments in my first year and then I lived with girls in my course and who I played football with for the next three years.
'Falling in love' with work
I want to work with people who have intellectual and physical disabilities in a recreational setting, so playing games, training and competing in competitions. I completed my work placement with Brothers of Charity in Ferrybank, it is a day centre for people who have intellectual disabilities and I was in the recreation department and just fell in love with the work.
Currently, I am working as a gym instructor to build my experience – I am enjoying it at the moment. I love working with people and helping them reach their own goals has been amazing.
