We would like to congratulate current MIC student Sarah Ryan-Purcell (B Ed and Psychology) on receiving her Gaisce Gold Award from President Michael D. Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin on Tuesday, 5th July.
Sarah is going into her Third Year at MIC, and has previously been a Class Representative and is part of the MISU Executive Committee for 2022/2023, in which she is taking up the part-time elected position of Irish Language Officer.
On her Gaisce Gold Award experience, Sarah notes;
"My Gold Award experience was life-changing. It afforded me innumerable opportunities for personal development. The Adventure Journey was definitely the most challenging component of my award experience as my organisation, management, critical thinking and indeed navigation skills were put to the test! There were many hiccups along the way but these obstacles only contributed to the sweet sense of accomplishment at the end of the journey. I went with my college classmates whom I had never met in person, as our entire first year of college was online. As Class Rep., I wanted to help everyone get to know each other and so invited classmates to join me on my Gold adventure challenge. The best way to make friendships is to face a common challenge and I can tell you, this adventure journey was certainly that!
Meanwhile, my community involvement activity highlighted to me the positive impact of volunteering. My parents have always encouraged me to contribute to the community. I have accompanied my mother many times, delivering Meals-on-Wheels to the people of Blackrock. At this stage, I know 'Route 2' like the back of my hand!
Both of my parents have served on the committee of St.Michael's L.T.C. also in voluntary capacities. My role as cantor at St.Michael's church - which I continue despite finishing my 52 weeks - is very fulfilling. I am heartened to learn of the hope, joy, and even relief that my singing brings to our parishioners, particularly during the time of the pandemic.
I have always had a passion for music and was very grateful for the opportunity to develop my piano skills under the instruction of an exceptional teacher, Gemma O'Herlihy, at the Cork School of Music. She always challenged me to 'go the extra mile and I exceeded my own expectations. I saw and felt myself improving and this motivated me to try harder. I still thoroughly enjoy playing piano and look forward to sharing my passion with pupils as I train to become a primary school teacher.
Just three years ago, I could never have imagined myself heading off alone to California for eight weeks to partake in a science internship program at the University of California, and yet there I was in the summer of 2019. I have always been a home-bird but I surprised myself with my eagerness to travel independently and seek out new experiences. The benefits of my residential project cannot be put into words. I came back a different person, after spending eight weeks with like-minded students with whom I have so much in common. We loved nothing better than to spend the evenings (after-internship hours) playing sports and then the nights playing cards! I was very upset to be leaving at the end of the session but eagerly anticipate a return visit to the West Coast!
Throughout my Gaisce journey, my PAL, Niamh Casey, has been promoting physical wellbeing. Tennis training was my physical recreation activity and I glad to say that I have kept a routine of playing tennis a couple of times a week since. The hour a week for Gaisce is a great stepping stone towards developing an active lifestyle. I am grateful for the sense of structure and routine it gave to my sporting activities - even in the cold and the rain, you'd find me on the courts! I look forward to entering senior tournaments in the coming season.
I hope that we can encourage more students to pursue these awards when we return to MIC in September."
You can read more about the award ceremony here.
Pictured: Sarah Ryan-Purcell
Pictured (from left to right): Aoife Nolan (MIC Alumna) and Sarah Ryan-Purcell