| A helping hand gets adults back to class |
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| Tuesday, 09 September 2008 | |
 MANY people think about studying, or want to know more about a special interest. For the leaving cert student, information and options are available in school but for people who have been academically shy for a number of years the procedure is unfamiliar and can seem petrifying, even for the keen mature student.In recent years demand for higher education has increased in Ballymun, through secondary school and particularly with adults. Brain Kenny (42) was one of the adults who pursued his goal and qualified as a psychotherapist last year, following a four year part time degree at DBS. However, the father of two experienced the fear and isolation that accompanied his wish to embark on higher education. Brian’s only academic experience was when he was 14 and he admits one of his biggest fears was actually posting his college application, “I was sweating,” he said. “I could visualise them laughing at me, I had no formal qualifications and this was a high level academic degree.” Successful with his application Brian found the courage to face the challenge of college life, although it wasn’t going to be easy as he had no experience or support. Brian was ready to quit when he ran into academic difficulty in his third year of college, until he was introduced to JUST (Jesuit University Support Training), a voluntary personal and study support programme, designed for students facing academic difficulties in Ballymun, “I found this magical,” he said, “Simply because I wasn’t alone anymore.” JUST provided Brain with the information and resources to succeed in college. “Knowing I could pick up the phone or go to a meeting and get the expertise I needed, was a great advantage,” he said. “Make no mistakes, it does get tough, but it’s doable; typically with the support of JUST.” Brian was part of an undergraduate group in JUST and got more than he bargained for as he was able to ‘touch base’ with other students and get support academically from various qualified tutors. Looking back he says it would be unimaginable not having that support. “The place would have been very isolated,” he said. “JUST provide a wealth of knowledge and a level of understanding no matter where you are academically, this support is invaluable.” Brian, now a qualified psychotherapist, is still linked in with JUST on a post grad level and he eventually hopes to begin a masters next year. Apart from his own study interests Brain is now able to offer advice and support to other JUST members, by investing his academic knowledge and experience into groups, through essay structure classes and general college enquires. JUST have not only offered him an opportunity to teach but they’ve also given him ‘vital experience’ by connecting him to local study and training programmes, where he now gives tutorials in the academic field, particularly with Community & Family Training Agency (CAFTA) and Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR). From his own experiences Brian says he can understand how fear can prevent people from taking the first step back to the classroom but he says he’d encourage people to try JUST, “Take the first step, try it,” he said. “See how it goes; see if they can offer you what they offered me.” Brian is now in the process of working his 450 hours to achieve accreditation with the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), and he claims JUST have also helped in this area by referring relevant clients to his services, “Not only have they helped me with my studies, they are also helping me build my career,” he said. Brian’s hard work and dedication has led him to start building a practice in Oscailt, a centre designed to integrate health and well being through various therapeutic paths. He has also been given an opportunity to do an internship with the addiction services in the HSE. Thanking JUST for the friendly professional service he received during times of utter chaos, he recommends anyone even thinking about studying to contact them and speak to one of the dedicated team members. With nothing to lose and to gain general information in any study area, JUST can be contacted on 862-2695 or alternatively log on to www.just ballymun.org, for a complete guide to the personal and professional services offered. To contact Brain Kenny about personal therapeutic services call 087-6865712. |
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I have no sympathy for him. If he wants to own a dog, ...
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North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn