Tips for Surviving First Year

Published in The Longford Leader on 25 August 2010

College. This one word strikes excitement and anticipation in some people, and a great sense of fear in others. But whether you are looking forward to this new chapter in you life, or dreading it, all first year students are in the same boat. As an experienced student, I can confirm that first year can be a little bit disorientating.

There are some huge differences between second, and third level education:

·         In school, you know almost everyone. Everything is familiar. In college, you will be thrown into a sea of unknown! However there will be other young freshmen in the same boat, so I suggest you get to know them, and you can help each other out.

·         You won't get in trouble for not attending lectures, or doing your homework in college. The lecturers won't care! But don't be tempted. Attendance at lectures, and completion of assignments all count in your final grade. The lecturers won't push you, because it's your life, your education, and your responsibility. So you're on your own!

·         Having a laugh with teachers and friends is common in school. In college, however, there could be up to 500 students in one lecture! There's no talking to the lecturer – only listening. Tutorials are more close-knit, but there are always deadlines to get work finished.

Moving away from home is quite difficult, but there are a range of things you can do to combat home sickness:

·         If you are living with other first years, get to know them. They are going through the same experiences, so talk to them.

·         Call home regularly, and talk to your parents. Testing is always a good way to keep in contact with siblings.

·         You may need to learn to cook for yourself. Beans on toast is quick and easy, but it gets quite boring after a while! A healthy diet is important. Eat regular meals, drink lots of water, and yes, eat the dreaded vegetables. Trust me, there's nothing worse than sitting in college, feeling sick, tired and unhealthy because of a bad diet. You're going to need to be healthy and alert if you really want to take in information. Also, there's no shame in bringing a few home-cooked meals to college, and storing them in the fridge!

·         Save money. When shopping, buy the shop's own brand of food, rather than the expensive brands. Walk to college if you can. It's good exercise and will save money on buses. 2 or 3 miles isn't much! Bring a packed lunch. Food in college restaurants isn't cheap! Most importantly, make sure you get your student travel card. Facilities can be found in most colleges. This will allow you cheaper travel, and discounts in certain shops!

If I could go back to first year, there are a number of things I would change. Here are some great survival techniques to get you by:

·         Attend as many activities and possible during orientation. You'll get to know people and could meet friends for life. If you don't attend many activities, it could take a while to make friends.

·         If there are hundreds of people in a lecture with you, it's hard to make friends. Get to know the person next to you before the lecture begins. It can be daunting, but at least that will be a friendly face in the crowd.

·         Do all your work, but have fun too. College will be where you gain most of your life experience, so treasure it and enjoy it.

·         Don't plan to always stay with the same friends. Use first year to get to know new people, and have a large group of friends.

·         Living with strangers can be scary, but this is an excellent way to make friends, so don't avoid house-mates!

·         Join societies, clubs and sports. You are bound to meet people with similar interests to yourself!

The most important thing is to enjoy yourself. You have a new responsibility, but you also have freedom. Use this freedom to express yourself, make your own decisions, be creative. More importantly, be yourself.

25 Oct 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Bog Lane Wedding

Published in The Longford Leader on 19 August 2010. I was at this wedding, hence the detail!!

Ballymahon girl, Emma Duignan, became Mrs Mark Shanahan on July 31^st 2010. The 28 year old daughter of John and Mary Duignan had an extraordinary wedding, to say the least. Everything, from the venue, to the music, was different. The intimate ceremony took place, not in a church, but in the Bog Lane Theatre. The 20 minute ceremony was said to be a very beautiful, emotional event, with a candle-lit alter, and tracks such as Van Morrison, and other favourites of the young couple, playing in the background.

That's not all! After the ceremony, the groom drove his new bride to the reception in an old Morris 8, complete with bows, and even a trail of tin cans! The marquee reception took place in the garden of the Duignan family home, where a variety of live entertainment took place, including bands in which the groom, and the younger brother of the bride played.

It was an enjoyable night for all of the guests – especially those who partied all night, camped in the garden, and woke up ready to party all night again! The second night, which was complete with pig on a spit, proved to be just as enjoyable as the first! The couple have returned from their honeymoon in Spain and are settling into their married life. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Shanahan!

Pictures from Kevin Morris Photography

 

19 August 2010

by Jessica Thompson

Newtowncashel Car Crash

This was an article about a close friend in a car crash. I couldn't stand the way people were criticising her and saying she deserved what she got, so I wrote this article, which would have made them see things differently. Unfortunately, it was edited to the point of destruction when it was finally published in the Longford Leader on 12 August 2010, with my name still written above it. Ethics are important to me, and to have my name above something so accusatory was so unethical to me. Anyway, enough of my rambling, here's the article.

There have been mixed opinions about last week's Newtowncashel car crash, in which eight young people were injured. Many people say the occupants were extremely lucky. Others have opinions that aren't so sympathetic. But has anyone considered the thoughts of the young people who were in that crash – who relive it in their own minds every day?

There were no life-threatening injuries – mainly bruises, and a deep, scarring, shock, which left the victims thankful that they were alive. Only one - the driver of the vehicle - remained in hospital for a longer period of time, due to a broken neck, and other injuries. “Obviously the responsibility is on me, as the driver. You never think these things are going to happen to you.” It's true, we always say “that will never happen to me” but, as was proved last week, these things can happen to anyone, unless we take steps to avoid it. “You never know what you've got until it's gone,” says the 20 year old driver, “and now I have realised that the hard way. I have no car, can't stay in my own house, and can't work, but that's the price I have to pay for bad judgement. At least nobody else was seriously hurt, because I wouldn't be able to cope if it was anyone else in hospital.”

Too many people – and that doesn't specifically mean young people – have little, or no regard for speed, or the law. You may think you'll get away with it, but taking that for granted can have serious consequences. In this terrifying accident, the car lost control after skidding to the left, due to the weight it was carrying. Once around the corner, the vehicle crashed into a hedge, and hit a concrete post, before toppling over onto it's roof, and finally skidding to a halt. The occupants got out the passenger door, and, were helped across the ditch by one of the male passengers.

Help was called, and a number of the occupants were taken to the hospital in Roscommon, while the remaining occupants were taken to Mullingar. There is no doubt that the eight young people were lucky to survive this crash. The consequences could have been far more serious, and we are all thankful that they weren't. “Everyone makes mistakes,” says the driver, “I'm not trying to justify what happened, but I can't change it now. Things could have been a lot worse! We're just trying to get on with it, and focus on getting better.” And hopefully they will have an easy and speedy recovery.

Yes, this was a serious mistake on the driver's behalf, and, despite what people say, she is paying dearly for it: “People are saying that we should pay for what we did. Do they not think we have? I literally have nothing, only my legs to walk... just about!” This crash has caused shock to many people – especially the driver, the passengers, their families and friends. But we should all thank God that we are praying for eight speedy recoveries – both physical, and emotional – and not mourning eight deaths.

11 Aug 2010

by Jessica Thompson