DCU Access Student Stories

Nathan Murphy is a third year student, studying Politics and Law at DCU. In this episode, he talks about his educational journey and the role of the DCU Access Programme. He talks about how the programme helped him to change course from Law and Media to Politics and Law in his first week at DCU, and how without this support and change, he doesn't think he would have continued studying in college. For more information, please got to dcu.ie/access [http://dcu.ie/access]

Nathan Burke is a third year student, studying Law and History at DCU. In this DCU Access Student Stories Podcast, he talks about his educational journey and the role of the DCU Access Programme in helping him to pursue his dream job in Law. This podcast series features students who are part of the DCU Access programme, and sees them discuss their educational journey and how the programme has assisted them in university. For more information, go to dcu.ie/access [http://dcu.ie/access]

Question: Introduce yourself (0:15) * Third year studying Religious Education and History Question: How did you come to the decision to choose the course you’re studying and did you face any barriers during this process? (0:30) * In 6th year he was leaning towards Engineering * His offers were for Teaching and Engineering * Ultimately chose teaching, because he wanted to give students the same support he received by teachers during his own schooling back * In primary school he was diagnosed with dyslexia * His dad was diagnosed with cancer which affected his schooling life Question: Have you received any support from the Access service, and if so, have they made a difference to your college experience? (3:40) * Benefitted from one-on-one support from Access officers * Received technological support and resources like Grammerly * Received an Access scholarship Question: Are there any skills you’ve developed over your time being an Access Ambassador? (4:35) * Enjoyed doing work in which he was able to help people * Made friends and widened his social network Question: How did you find the transition into college and adapt to social life? (5:25) * He made friends with classmates in his lectures at the beginning of first year Question: Do you have plans for after you graduate? (7:05) * He plans to become a Religion History teacher * Later plans to study psychology or education psychology to help students who also have learning disabilities Question: What advice would you give someone from your old school who is about to sit the Leaving Certificate and is considering going to college? (7:50) * Don’t panic and be resilient

Question: Introduce yourself (0:10) * Final year Law and Society student: * Discusses degrees earned by different family members * Importance of education was instilled in her by her family * First person in her family to pursue level 8 degree Question: Have you faced any barriers on your journey to DCU or during your time in college? (1:10) * Her dad died during 6th year---affected her ability to study * Felt overwhelmed when she came to DCU but got the help and resources she needed Her mom almost died during her first year in collegeQuestion: Have you availed of any support from Access, and if so how has that impacted your college experience? (2:30) * Worked as an Access Ambassador, which provided her a support network, friends, and fulfilling work to do Question: What is your role in Access? (3:40) * First started off as an Access Ambassador working on Outreach---travelled to schools in disadvantaged areas in North Dublin * Now serves as an Access Coordinator and works with the Access staff on outreach programming Question: How did you find adapting to social life in college? (5:00) * Made friends within her degree before college through Access, which helped with the transition and eased fears of a competitive and unfriendly academic environment Question: Have you thought about your life after DCU yet? (6:15) * Wants to get a masters and possibly pursue a Phd * Wants to make change with the law and sees herself doing that through Academia * Seeing Access students who went on to do a Masters or Phd encouraged her to believe she could do the same despite financial barriers Question: What advice would you give someone from your old school who is about to sit the Leaving Certificate and is considering going to college? (7:25) * Lectures are friendly and a good resource

Question: Introduce yourself (0:10) * Third year studying mechatronic engineering Question: Have you experienced any personal barriers on your way to college or even during your time at DCU? (0:25) * Faced financial barriers, but was encouraged by the financial resources provided by the HEAR  and Access routes * At the start of first year he struggled with maths but improved after attending the maths learning center Question: Have there been any resources you received from Access, specifically, and if so, how did that impact your college experience? (2:05) * Met friends through Access program events * Feels supported by the Access officers Question: What skills have you gained from your role as an Access Ambassador? (3:50) * Engaged in meaningful work that gives back to students coming from backgrounds similar to himself * Developed organizational and public speaking skills and built confidence Question: How did you adapt to the social life at DCU? (4:45) * Had difficulty approaching new people but eventually made friends and grew more comfortable in the social environment Question: Have you thought about your life after DCU? (6:07) * Considering doing a Masters in Robotics to open himself up to more career options Question: What advice would you give someone from your old school who is about to sit the Leaving Certificate and is considering going to college? (7:05) * There will always be someone who is willing to help you overcome barriers and reach your goals