Q&A with Roisin Henry
Roisin Henry studied the Access Diploma in Combined Studies at NWRC and then a Degree in Advertising at Ulster University. Roisin has now returned to the college working as a Digital Marketing Officer in the Marketing and PR Team.
I truly appreciated the fact that you were treated like an adult, that you were on first name terms with the lecturers, and that the college had that university vibe, which turned out to be excellent experience in preparation for university later. I can't emphasise enough how fantastic this Access course is - especially if you're undecided about what you want to study. It's a fantastic chance for anyone, whether you want to try out different subjects before committing to a university, are returning as an adult learner, or simply want to widen your horizons.
Name: Roisin Henry
Age: 38
What was your previous education before coming to NWRC?
I attended St Cecilia's College until I finished my GCSEs, but carrying on to A Levels was not something I had planned, even though all my friends remained in school. So, I briefly stopped studying and decided to focus on my future. I wanted to ensure that when I returned to education it was something that I really wanted or would at the very least take me into university
Why did you choose to study the Access in Combined Studies at NWRC?
I was certain that I wanted to pursue my 3rd Level education, and the Access Course in Combined Studies immediately caught my attention due to the wide range of modules and courses it offered as well as the fact that it provided a direct route to Ulster University.
How did it feel returning to education?
I struggled with bad health between finishing high school and enrolling in the Access in Combined Studies degree, and it had been a while since I had been in a classroom, so it was nerve-wracking to make the jump back into learning again. However, the assistance I received from every member of the college staff, from Finance to Student Support to the instructors as well, was excellent. It made the transition back into education so much easier
Tell us a bit more about your course?
I studied a variety of courses, including sociology, business, English, and psychology, while completing the course part-time over a two-year period. I was a little worried because I didn't have my GCSE Maths when I left secondary school, but I was reassured and fortunately GCSE Maths was included in the Access Course as an extra course for me, which was amazing.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at College?
I truly appreciated the fact that you were treated like an adult, that you were on first name terms with the instructors, and that the college had that little university vibe, which turned out to be excellent experience in preparation for university later. The social side of the course was also fantastic; you were studying and collaborating with people from a variety of backgrounds, jobs, and ages, which was quite enlightening. Some of whom I'm still close with after 17 years!
What did you do afterwards?
After completing the Access Course, I enrolled right away at Ulster University, Magee, where I earned a BSc in advertising degree.
Would you recommend this course to other students?
I can't emphasise enough how fantastic this Access course is - especially if you're undecided about what you want to study. It's a fantastic chance for anyone, whether you want to try out different subjects before committing to a university, are returning as an adult learner, or simply want to widen your horizons.
What are you doing now?
I'm back in college, but this time as an employee! I am currently working as a Digital Marketing Officer in NWRC's Marketing & PR team which I am thoroughly enjoying.
