If someone had asked me where I wanted to go to university a few years ago, I would not have had a definite answer. Like most Leaving Cert students, I had plenty of options to consider, and deciding what I wanted to study was just as important as deciding where I wanted to study.
When sixth year began, this uncertainty became a growing concern. I had no idea what course I wanted to pursue or which university would be the right fit for me. Determined to make the right decision, I threw myself headfirst into the process. I attended what felt like every University open day in the country and read every prospectus I could get my hands on.
Things began to change when I attended Trinity’s Open Day on the 4th of November. I fell in love with Trinity almost instantly. There was so much to see and explore, and I was struck by how beautiful the campus was. I attended with my friend Fatima, who also ended up choosing Trinity. We went on a campus tour, attended several informative talks and left feeling really impressed by everything the university had to offer.
Another important influence on my decision was my cousin, who was studying at Trinity at the time. He was in his final year of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and often spoke about the friends he’d made and the wonderful experiences he’d had, particularly during his first year living in Trinity Hall. I’d visited him there before and loved the atmosphere and the idea of living there myself. I could really imagine making it my home.
My cousin and his friends also showed us around during the Open Day, which made the experience even more memorable. They introduced us to some of Trinity’s hidden gems and shared funny stories from their time at college. Hearing about their experiences gave me a real insight into student life beyond the academic side of university. One of his friends was studying BESS and told me all about his incredible exchange experience in Brisbane, Australia. The degree sounded fascinating, with so many different opportunities and pathways. It was the first time I seriously began to consider BESS.
Despite how much I’d enjoyed the Open Day, my final decision didn’t come immediately. I was still weighing up several different courses, although Trinity was always at the back of my mind. It wasn’t until I properly researched BESS that I realised just how well the course suited my interests. By the time I confirmed my CAO choices in June, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. All that remained was the anxious wait for my Leaving Cert results, hoping I’d done enough to secure a place on my dream course.
A few months later, I was moving into Trinity Hall. I remember feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement at the thought of meeting my flatmates and getting to know people on my course. Thankfully, I couldn’t have asked for a better start. My flatmates were incredibly welcoming, and within the first few days, I’d already met so many wonderful people in BESS.
Getting involved in college life made my first year even more memorable. Joining the Trinity Belles acappella group and taking part in the Halls musical introduced me to people I might never otherwise have met and helped me make some of my favourite memories. My first year was certainly a rollercoaster, but in the best possible way! Between joining societies, working on group projects and going on trips, there was rarely a dull moment.
One of the things I love most about BESS is its flexibility. First year gave me the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects without having to commit to a particular career path straight away. This year, I’ve chosen to major in Business and minor in Sociology, a combination I’m really enjoying. I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring new business modules, such as Organisational Behaviour, which have helped me discover where my interests lie. I’m now beginning to picture myself pursuing a career in HR or marketing, something I wouldn’t necessarily have considered before starting the course. I’m grateful that BESS has given me the freedom to explore my interests and figure out my future as I go.
Another aspect of BESS that really appeals to me is the opportunity to study abroad in third year. I’ve always been interested in the idea of working abroad after university, and I think an exchange would be a fantastic way to experience living in another country and see whether it’s something I’d like to pursue in the future. I’m really looking forward to beginning the process of choosing where I’d like to study next year.
Looking back, it’s funny to think about how uncertain I was when I first started exploring my university options. While I still don’t know exactly where my studies will take me, I’m so glad I chose Trinity and BESS. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my experience, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Sometimes, keeping your options open can lead to the best opportunities!
