NWRC Manager of Strabane Campus Angela McConnell features in the Derry Journal as Friday's Child.
http://www.derryjournal.com/lifestyle/friday-s-child-angela-mcconnell-1-7845131
This week’s Friday’s Child is Manager of North West Regional College’s Strabane Campus, Angela McConnell. A former nurse, Angela began working with the College in 1996 combining her expertise in the caring profession with a love of teaching. A loyal native of Strabane, Angela is married to John and has three children: Barry, Mark and Rachel. Angela was the winner of the 2016 Manager of the Year at the Strabane Business Awards, and is looking forward to welcoming prospective students to the College’s Derry Road Strabane Campus on their Open Day, Tuesday March 28 from 5.00 p.m. The College will also host Open Days in Strand Road and Springtown on March 29 (12noon – 8.00pm), and Limavady and Greystone on March 30 (5.00pm – 8.00pm).
How would you describe yourself?
I am happy, loyal, positive, fun, love to laugh and my glass is always half full.
Happiest childhood memory?
Going to Bundoran and Portrush on holidays. I loved the amusements.
What was your first job?
I worked in Lifford Hospital in the kitchen washing dishes when I was 15.
I was so proud of earning my own money.
Favourite book?
Lesley Pearse – Trust me. It has everything- love, war, laughter and tears. I love a happy ever after!!
Favourite film?
It has to be the old cine films of us as a family when we were children.
Favourite television programme?
Definitely Casualty. I love the drama and diagnosing conditions.
Favourite expression?
To try is not to fail; the greatest failure is to fail to try.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Going out for a nice meal and laughing with friends and family.
Favourite holiday destination?
I love Gran Canaria, laying on the beach listening to the waves.
What makes you angry?
Selfish people and people who hurt other.
What makes you happy?
Making a difference in students’ lives, seeing them progress and shaping their future.
What human quality do you most admire?
Humility.
What human quality do you least admire?
Arrogance.
What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?
The worst thing to happen to me was losing my Dad and two brothers.
What is your greatest fear?
Anything to happen to my husband John or my children Barry, Mark or Rachel.
What has been the high point of your life to date? Seeing my three children grow to be great young people who work hard and have lovely qualities. By looking at them I know we have done a good job.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a strong person who was compassionate and caring.
What is your most treasured possession?
A clarinet belonging to my father which was given to him by Benny Goodman the famous Jazz player.
If you won the lotto what would you do with it?
I would set up a high spec luxury nursing home with a bar and spa and offer one to one care. Then I would go to the Caribbean for a wonderful holiday with my husband John.
If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?
I would ask for another three wishes!!!
No seriously I would love my nephew Kieran, who has autism and is non-verbal, to speak and say “Hi Aunty Angela”
If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?
The song is ended but the melody lingers on…..…
