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Today in the CAO Countdown with Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) series, we hear Food Science & Nutrition student Toni Kelly’s story:
Toni Kelly joined Letterkenny Institute of Technology(LYIT) in 2017 having studied her Leaving Certificate in Moville Community College. When it came to CAO offers time, Toni had received a number of offers from other universities in Dublin and Galway, however, her decision to choose the Degree in Food Science & Nutrition was a deliberate move as LYIT was one of the very few places in Ireland that provided Toni with the chemistry modules she needed to progress towards her dream career in Dietetics. Toni commented, “I applied to LYIT two days before the CAO application deadline. Honestly, it was a blessing as I’ve no doubt that I would have ended up doing something completely different. The versatility and broad range of subjects that students cover over the four-year programme truly sets this course apart when comparing it to other nutrition courses. I knew LYIT was the best choice for me as the modules on the programme would provide me with the tools and knowledge I needed for my future.”
When she started her degree programme in Food Science & Nutrition at LYIT, she embraced all of the opportunities given to her at LYIT, Toni added, “ Personally, I enjoyed the fact I got to delve into and learn about so many different scientific areas; I got to practice new laboratory techniques every semester, which kept things interesting and I got to use amazing pieces of equipment in the labs that not all other students in Ireland are able to get access to. I am probably one of the few people that really enjoyed taking part in debates and doing presentations. I felt this really built up my confidence with public speaking which we all have to do at some point in our lives. I always believe students learn a significant amount from each other, I know I did.”
The smaller class sizes, the connection between lecturer and student, and the access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are aspects of Toni’s time at LYIT that stand out the most, she commented, “Compared to other universities and colleges around Ireland, LYIT offers an excellent support system along your entire academic journey. The smaller class groups allow for a lot more one-on-time with your lecturers and this helps with building great relationships and your own communication skills. A great part about the Food Science and Nutrition degree programme was the theory to practical ratio. I got to spend as much time in the lab as I did in the lecture theatre. I cannot stress enough, to anybody thinking about applying to this course how much of an advantage this will give you when applying for jobs and working in laboratory settings. The attention you receive from your academic superiors’ at LYIT results in better accuracy, precision, and quality of work you will produce which others may lack.”
Toni will progress to a Masters Degree in Dietetics at Queen Margaret University in the coming months and is focused on becoming a qualified Oncology Dietician. This role involves helping patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and provide support and advice regarding diet. A job that will allow Toni to help patients before, during or after treatments such as chemotherapy.
Toni added, “I have no regrets about choosing LYIT, I’m grateful for the staff and classmates I met along the way. LYIT provided me with everything I needed for the next step in my educational journey and career choice. There was no other place that could’ve provided me with not only what I needed, but also with so much more. It isn’t often you are surrounded by people who encourage and motivate you to do well but who also push you beyond what you think you’re capable of, producing intelligent, hard-working, meticulous scientists who are ready for the working world.”
LYIT’s Department of Life & Physical Sciences offers 12 CAO programmes. To find out more about the Department of Life & Physical Science 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 Toni’s story and the Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Nutrition (CAO Code: LY837) visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLmSqdnyI98
At LYIT, your future is our focus.
