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From Access to Veterinary Nursing to a Teaching Masters, Anna Webber has been on an academic journey with many milestones.
The ATU Donegal student highly recommends the university’s Access Course to anyone considering returning to education. As a mature student, Anna learned to discover her strengths and understand how she prefers to study.
After a hugely beneficial year getting introduced to third-level education, Anna went on to a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing degree (Level 7).
The degree offers real-life, hands-on experience throughout the course in work placements, providing a great balance to lectures and helping students to find work quickly once qualified.
Anna progressed to the Honours degree and proudly graduated as Student of the Year.
She said: “I enthusiastically advocate the fourth-year honours degree level 8 which allows students to become confident in a field of interest and emergency and critical care and is essential for anyone contemplating and/or keeping options open for a master’s degree.”
Anna spent a period of time working in veterinary practice and teaching as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant Lecturer. It was this role that inspired her to continue education and she enrolled in a Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching Level 9 degree.
She said: “I have always felt a passionate responsibility to pass on knowledge and the importance of education and especially watching the way ATU staff interact with students and seeing how much they wanted them to thrive.
“This Masters offers profound insights into improving the quality of teaching practice which can enhance the ability in the classroom on a personal and institutional level. You and your peers will collaborate to bring broad expert knowledge together to improve the design for learning, assessment and feedback activities for the central benefit or engaging with all individual students.”
From primary to third level, Anna advocates the programme for anyone in the field of teaching. It offers profound insights into improving the quality of teaching practice on a personal and institutional level.
ATU Donegal offers a vibrant atmosphere, a conducive learning environment, and up-to-date resources. It also provides many support services, including the Curve (Learning Support Unit), Bursary and Funding, Health and Wellbeing, Gym and Societies and Clubs, which students can avail of.
Anna advises attending the ATU Donegal Open Evening event on Wednesday 24th of January from 4pm – 7pm to explore all the possibilities that await you in a student-centred academic community. Whether you know what educational or career path you are aiming for or whether you are open-minded to all the possibilities, the Open Evening event is an opportunity to ask questions and network with lecturers.
For anyone considering third level education or going back to education as a mature student, Anna advises choosing an academic area you are enthusiastic and interested in and exploring the job market and post-graduate course options.
She said: “It is much easier to progress along your academic journey if you have a goal, something you can remind yourself why you are doing the course and take each small milestone as it comes.”
Anna also encourages students to make full use of ATU Donegal’s student support services and focus on positivity and little wins during their educational journey.
“It takes dedication and resilience to complete a third level course and in particularly as a mature student, however this should be embraced with a growth mind set. Life is busy, family, friends, study, finances, home and work-life balance can make it seem be foreboding, yet it is achievable,” she said.
Sharing your study goals is one of Anna’s top tips for success: “Explain to your friends and family what you hope to achieve for your future and hopefully the people around you will provide help and support.
“Take time to reward yourself for the smallest of victories.”
If you’re looking for a supportive and welcoming university with a vibrant student community, consider following in Anna’s footsteps at ATU Donegal at the Open Evening on Wednesday 24th January on the Letterkenny campus from 4pm – 7pm. Register here: https://loom.ly/exowOGk
If you are a Leaving Certificate student, the parent of a Leaving Certificate student, or considering returning to education or upskilling in 2024, the ATU Donegal Open Evening is for you.
A range of informative scheduled talks have been organised for the event, from the CAO application process, transitioning to third level, online, part-time professional development offerings and financing your third level journey.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy guided campus tours and to meet with academic and student support staff who will be on hand to provide information and advice on the evening.
To register your attendance at this event, click here: https://loom.ly/exowOGk
If you are interested in finding out more about ATU Donegal’s upcoming events then contact Schools Engagement Officer, Victoria Wilson on victoria.wilson@atu.ie
Your future is here.
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