A Year in Transition
I remember transition year fondly. As I step into the adult world as a new graduate, I feel I am once again in a moment of transition. With this mind-set, and the advantage of time, I feel like I can really look back at my fourth year and understand how it benefited me in my development.
Walking into school on the first day of transition year I was intoxicated by the promise of the months to come. After the shock of the Junior Cert, I needed a well-deserved break! And while the year didn’t disappoint, I found my time more rewarding and insightful than the doss year I had dreamed of. Credit must go to my school’s programme which was so well laid out. We had a choice of some classes – film studies, food science, music and more. We were encouraged to get involved in all aspects of sports, music and extra- curricular activities. There was classes like multimedia and textiles where we learnt skills we had never encountered before. It felt like a whole new adult and creative world was opening up before us.
But it wasn’t just all about play. Transition year offered the opportunity for us to try and develop our working skills. Emphasis was put on beginning to search for work placements, and we were given tips for how to approach our dream companies and businesses. I was put to the test on my own productivity as I researched and messaged several places. I was over the moon when offered a place in the Gaiety School of Acting – where I assisted in the office and had the chance to sit in on the adult classes. My interest in acting peaked at this point and I felt that I had really got a glimpse of how it was to train as an actor. My second week I was lucky enough to work in a leading marketing agency. This placement was something I was not sure I was going to enjoy – I knew little about the area and I was scared that I would not fit in for my brief time. Little did I know that I would actually enjoy this week more! I loved the meetings and productions that I was taken to and I found myself looking at the media in a completely new way. It was because of this that I believe fourth year is so important. These two weeks gave me a real taste of the working world and completely changed my expectations of what I wanted to do with my life.
Another popular part of transition year is the voluntary work involved. As part of the programme we all had to spend a week doing charity work, which was assigned to us. I worked in an Enable Ireland store in the city centre, and had such a rewarding experience. We learnt the importance of giving back to society and how to incorporate time in our busy schedules to helping others. I also began my life-long love of trawling for vintage and second hand clothes. Why would I bother spending my pocket money on expensive high
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street stores when I could find one of a kind pieces for a couple of euro and contribute to charity? Important life lessons for all young stylish students!
However the peak of the year, without a doubt, was my exchange. My school offered a variety of trips and chances to travel but the Australian Exchange was the only thing I wanted to do from the start. An amazing Australian student, Laura, came to live with me and my family for a month. I couldn’t have asked for a better room-mate and I loved showing her Dublin city. I found myself learning a lot as we did all the touristy activities and explored. Seeing it through someone else’s eyes I really appreciated where I grew up. I was so upset to wave Laura off at the airport but knew in a couple of months I’d be following her over for my own adventure. The month I spent in Australia was one of the best of my life. I travelled around and saw the country, went to a local high school and made friends I’ll have for life. Without this opportunity I may never have had the chance to truly experience a different life at such a young age again. I grew on the trip and along with the rest of my transition year programme I learnt so much about myself. The importance of taking this time to explore and try out new things is something I will keep with me for life. Transition year taught me that sometimes we need to take a breather and push our boundaries in order to make memories and pave the path for our futures.
Emma Lane Emma attended St Louis High School, Rathmines, Dublin 6
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