LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Leaving Cert students from Killarney Community College reflect on their final school year. From l-r were: Aoife O'Brien, Sinead Gleeson, Alex Quinn, and Danny Cremin.

After a turbulent final year in secondary school for the current Leaving Certificate cohort, a number of Sixth Year students in Killarney Community College reflected on their experiences and outlined their hopes for the future.

Aoife O'Brien hopes to study home economics and Irish teaching in Sligo next year.

"I see the revised Leaving Cert as a good thing," she said. "It alleviates a lot of stress. The duration of the exams along with the layout are more student friendly."

Reflecting on the obstacles encountered this year Aoife added that "it was difficult to motivate yourself at times with remote learning but I think it has taught me how to adapt to challenges".

Daniel Cremin already has a carpentry apprenticeship in place for next year after a great experience doing subjects like metal and woodwork in the college. Regardless of his apprenticeship, he intends to sit all his exams. Daniel felt the last few weeks have been stressful with many class tests in preparation for the exam. "I feel we missed out on school outings such as field trips, college open days, but saying that I think I'm ready for anything life throws me after the madness of this year!"

Talented musician Sinead Gleeson felt she really missed singing and performing in the school choir at various occasions. Sinead has two offers of college places in the UK already for occupational therapy pending results, and is looking forward to a new challenge. "After this year, I have a greater appreciation of my family, friends and I don't think I'll ever take the small things I enjoy doing for granted. I see a bright future ahead of me and I'm excited to move on to the next chapter of my life - once I get over the Leaving Cert!"

Alex Quinn sees his future in computer engineering technology and is hopeful of going to CIT to achieve this. He felt there was great uncertainty surrounding the Leaving Cert for far too long but is happy with the new arrangements.

"It gives us every opportunity to achieve what we want," he said.
"I like that teachers have an input in our grades as they know us best and know the work we have put into the subject." Alex is hopeful that by the time he gets to college there will be some form of normality. "We have missed out on so much, I hope that we get to experience college on campus as opposed to behind a computer screen at home."