Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

I have always enjoyed working with young people and I find it fulfilling and rewarding to be able to teach, support and guide students at this important stage in their lives. I also really enjoy the buzz and vibrancy of the school environment. I chose Hibernia College due to its excellent reputation and flexibility, which was essential in order for me to pursue the PME.

What field of work or study were you in before you started your PME? 

I studied Medicine in NUIG and worked as a Junior Doctor for four years in Galway, Perth and Sydney.

Can you tell us a bit about your research project and why you focused on this area? 

My research focused on teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of the Junior Cycle Wellbeing Guidelines since their implementation. I chose this topic to research as I believe it to be a crucially important curricular area which that can be further developed.

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans? 

I have started teaching in Kinsale Community School, which is an exciting and innovative school with fantastic students and supportive and welcoming staff – a great place to start as an NQT.

What piece of advice would you give to any person considering starting a PME?

Be organised and plan your time well, get stuck in while on placement, ask for help when you need it, get to know the people within your cohort and subject areas and help each other out and share resources. It is an exciting time so try and stay on top of the work and enjoy it!