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JUST ideal for student life

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

SCHOOLS are open and colleges are getting ready for another academic year. Yes, it’s that time of year again, when students are busy searching book shops, managing timetables and attending lectures. For some the process is daunting to say the least, but it doesn’t have to be for Ballymun residents returning to college or even thinking about it. JUST (Jesuit University Support and Training), a community organisation set up in Ballymun for students of all ages, gender and race is about to commence its fourth year guiding and helping locals reach their education goals. Con MacGib (21) from Sillogue Gardens was delighted to have the opportunity of linking in with JUST before he began his first year in DCU learning to be a primary school teacher. Con, who successfully completed year one, has a busy road ahead, yet he feels secure in his journey since he availed of the help offered to him by JUST. Taking a year out after completing his leaving certificate, Con wanted time to decide what he wanted to do with his future. Mind made up he filled in the relevant application form and was accepted into DCU for a three year course, to be continued for another one and a half in St Pat’s, Drumcondra. Con was approached by local priest Fr Frank Brady, a family friend and one of JUST’s team, who encouraged him to attend one of the JUST groups. Con attended the ‘prep course for college’ and gained insight into what demands he was facing in his first year at college. Even better, Con was offered one-on-one tutoring by another JUST team member Fr Paddy Greene, who met with Con fortnightly to support him in any area he presented. “This was really beneficial, he helped me a lot,” said Con. “Paddy introduced assignment topics by giving me options yet he encouraged me to do the research. Then when I completed the work he would help me correct essay layout and grammar. They weren’t serious sessions, they were laid back and it made my experience more enjoyable.” Apart from academic support Con was surprised to learn that JUST encouraged his social and personal life too by offering student outings, giving him a chance to mix with other local students. “It’s not completely academic” he said. “They encouraged me to balance academics and my social life by inviting me to functions organised by JUST.” About to start his second year, Con will continue to avail of the first class service he received in first year. “I’d say I’ll really need JUST in year two,” he said. “The work is harder and the support and advice will greatly help.” Con has genuine gratitude for what JUST are doing for him and would recommend anyone thinking about college to go and talk to JUST. Another Ballymun resident did exactly that when he saw JUST advertised in a local shop. Gary Dawson (23) from Coultry had caught the academic bug and decided to further his studies. “I wanted to pursue a new career,” he said. “I spoke to a team member and they opened up new opportunities for me and offered me academic support when college starts.” Gary wants to become a barrister and has a lengthy road ahead in terms of studies. However, he feels more confident now that he knows JUST are there to help. Before starting in law college, Gary needs to build his credits to be accepted. “I start at the end of September in DCU doing history and politics, I need to do this first to qualify for law,” he said. “JUST also put me in contact with a distance learning course where I can do a diploma in social studies to build more credits.” It has been six years since Gary picked up a pen and he has obvious concerns about third level education. Since introducing himself to JUST his worries are easing and excitement about his future is growing. “I found them really helpful,” he said. “They informed me of things I wasn’t aware of; they are a wealth of information and I hope to continue receiving their support on my educational journey.” Director of JUST, Fr Kevin O’Higgins, says he’s proud to be starting another academic year with Ballymun residents. “The purpose of JUST is to encourage more people to take advantage of third level educational opportunities and to offer whatever support is necessary to help students make the most of whatever course they are studying,” he said. “JUST offers a wide range of personal and academic support and is open to all student residents in Ballymun, free of charge.” JUST began in 2006 with just 20 students and this year has proudly increased their list to over 100. The programme is dedicated to aiding every student on an individual one-to-one basis, to ensure the demands of student life are met efficiently and accurately. It’s designed to help students training in any learning programme, from FETEC courses right through to post graduate levels. l Locals interested in further studies or current students struggling with college demands can get information on www.justballymun.org or alternatively call the office for a friendly chat and arrange an appointment at 8622695.