Amy O’Brien (19) from Mitchelstown, Co Cork shares her reaction to the CAO offers from a student’s perspective.
She has a keen interest in journalism and is currently a contributing writer to the Avondhu and the Echo. She attended Presentation Secondary School Mitchelstown and her first choice was Law at UCC - let's see how she got on as the CAO Offers drop...
Today, the 28th of August, Leaving Cert students across Ireland received their CAO offers. For me, it was one of the most highly anticipated dates in the entire year. Finally, I would know my college course…something I’ve been aspiring to since I was little. Anyone who opted to do so, would’ve been able to start filling out their CAO before Christmas.
It feels quite long ago now, having gotten through the mocks, practicals, orals, sitting the Leaving Cert exams and the entire Summer. I distinctly remember sitting on the couch, in front of the dazzling christmas tree, reading my list of college courses out to my Mam. I’d arranged and re-arranged my courses in order of my preference, until I had 10 options. Seeing the prospects laid out so clearly before me, I was already growing so eager to start college.
Edging towards today, offers day, felt like edging towards the next chapter. After 2pm, I’d know what I’d get to study for the next 4 years and where I’d be living in less than a week's time! I couldn’t contain the excitement this morning. But like many of my friends, I naturally felt a combination of emotions earlier. Having already received results last friday, and the relief and pride that came with seeing my marks, I felt confident I would get the course I hoped for. Even so, a tiny portion of me still felt nervous and doubtful that I would get my top choice. That I’d done enough.
We received our results on Friday morning and since then, the weekend has been one packed with celebrations around supportive friends and family. I’ve received an onslaught of well done text messages, of congratulations cards and I’ve been stopped on the street more times than I can count by people wishing me the best.
This week has also involved a lot of shopping. I’ll be moving into student accommodation this weekend so I've busily been buying all the bedding and bits for living on my own. All of 6th year, I tried not to think about my dream course and location too much incase I didn’t get it. To avoid getting my hopes up and the disappointment that would arise. However, since I got my results on the 23rd of August, it’s been absolutely all that I can think about!
So, suffice to say, at 2pm, I could not wait to receive my offers and I can confirm that I got Law in UCC! I’m absolutely ecstatic and everyone in my house was elated for me, all the hard
I also really hope that everyone else who received an offer today is happy with it. Likewise, if college isn’t your next step, I hope you're excited for your future. Personally, I am elated with today’s news and ready for this change. I’m so looking forward to the next chapter of my life, studying something new and all the different experiences to come!
Massive thanks to Amy for sharing two big days with us over the past week and all the best to her and all those who are making some big decisions.
BUT, there are so many options no matter how things went for students. Over on RTÉ Learn we have help, advice and lots more.
