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Donegal Daily’s new feature series with Letterkenny Institute of Technology continues as we hear the stories of current students and their experiences on LYIT’s many courses in the run-up to the CAO deadline on February 1st.
Eimear Byrne, a mature student in second year of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Technology returned to education in 2020. When she returned to education, she had been out of employment for eight years, and was a mother and housewife keen to do more with her life and career.
Eimear always had an interest in Construction and as Mum to three boys aged ten, eight and one years, you would think that returning to education would have been the last thing on Eimear’s mind.
Eimear said: “I wanted to focus on developing a career for myself, I was a busy Mum, my husband is a fisherman, and I balance so much with my boys, but I knew I needed a challenge and wanted to focus on developing a career.
“I’ll not lie, finding the balance between home life and returning to education was difficult at the beginning, but you do find your way. You study while the children study, actually returning to education has motivated my children to study with me, and this is one of the most positive things.”
During her first year, Eimear really enjoyed the ‘Construction Technology’ module in the BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology course, she really enjoyed learning about how buildings are constructed and found the module stimulating and was never bored.
Eimear said: “Architectural Technology is a course for everyone. I really think that this course appeals to anyone that is interested in learning about all aspects of Construction and Design. It has a broad range of subjects and it suits people who like to be challenged.
“If I was speaking to other mature students, I would say to them, don’t let your fears hold you back. There is so much support available at LYIT and if you want to return to education just go for it.”
Now in her second year of the BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology, Eimear is balancing her own study commitments as well as home schooling and never looks back.
Eimear added: “My third level experience as a mature student has been fantastic, I was in a bit of a rut when I returned to education and I now feel like I have a purpose.
“My confidence has grown, and I have learnt that I can achieve anything if I am focused and determined. I would advise any mature student thinking about returning to education to just ‘go for it’. It is one of the best decisions that I have ever made.”
LYIT’s Department of Civil Engineering & Construction offers a wide and varied range of Level 6/7 and Level 8 CAO programmes.
To find out more about the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction CAO programmes available at LYIT visit: https://www.lyit.ie/Study-at-LYIT/Find-a-course/?lvl=100
To explore your CAO options further and to hear more about the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction programmes, watch the You Tube video:
At LYIT, your future is our focus.