ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
Leona Rogers
Graduate
SPN Nursing Studies Level 5
My Experience in BCFE
The first couple of days I was so nervous returning to college to do a course as a mature student in my 40s, as I did not know anyone, but I soon made friends within our class-group.
I had no experience of using a laptop for completing assignments, but I soon learned with the help of the fantastic teachers. They showed me how set up folders and how to download notes and submit my assignments online. I had the best time ever and I was so emotional leaving. If I can give new mature students some advice, if you are worried about how tough it might be or how it might be in a class with younger students please don’t stress. The help I got from my teachers and classmates was brilliant, so a mixed group worked out very well.
The teachers in BCFE are the best I have ever had, so very helpful. They encourage you to work to your potential, and support each student throughout the time they’re here.
Please do not give up on your dreams.
Yvonne Byrne
Graduate
SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced
My own personal journey does not end with this course. This course and the Mental Health Awareness module has begun my path towards my end goal; with such information, advice and guidance I am forever grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Even with such a difficult time of Covid19, I was able to receive a positive education in the comfort of my own home. I am disappointed I could not engage with the public during weeks of placement; however, I know the extra information disseminated during that time will stand to me in my career as it progresses. I am grateful for the insight and knowledge I now possess from this course and will not only implement it in a professional manner but also personally. Life comes with hardships and while it has no instructions; I strongly believe we all deserve the necessary tools and guidance to deal with any and all challenges we face. Thank you BCFE.
Gloria Odigie
Family Carer
SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced
Hello all, I am Gloria Odigie, a family carer, I just finished studying Advance Social Care, Level 6, SVC, Ballyfermot College of Further Education. I returned to college having put my Nursing on hold to care for my loved ones. This course is an asset to me in that it has transformed my entire life about social model of caring for a client on a person-centred approach having believed in biomedical model approach for patients’ treatment and recovery for several years. I have come to understand that social care entails a multi-disciplinary team of holistic plan for a child, young people, and individual. My learning experience about the issues of mental health illnesses and various treatment approaches, care of people with disabilities and how to support them to self-care, independence, and recovery with the enablement to conquer the societal stigma, labelling, discrimination is of great benefit to me. Talking about rehabilitation of people with disability, the trainings, programs, education, along with awareness campaign does really support and promote social inclusion. The importance of self-care and setting a realistic goal for a better future cannot be over-emphasised because skills development helped me in all my academic works. I look forward to supporting children, young people, adults and their families with practical assistance and emotional support of a holistic approach that uses their strengths, talent, and gifts rather than their disabilities. I appreciate all my classmates, tutors, and the entire staff of this college for their inclusiveness. I will recommend Ballyfermot College for anyone wishing to further educate themselves. Thank all.
Dean Marshall
Graduate
SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced
I am currently studying my Level 6 Advanced Cert in Social Studies in Ballyfermot College, approaching the end of the college year brings time for reflection both personal and professional and in that reflection, I have looked at how accommodating this college has been to my needs as to the needs of my classmates. Studying during the time of covid isn’t an easy task although the team at BCFE have evolved completely to the situation and have made necessary arrangements to suit students such as extension deadlines on assignments, shorter classes to reflect the needs of parents within the class and have provided elements of wellbeing, positive mental health and a high quality of care to all students during times of stress, unease and uncertainty and I could not recommend this college enough to others.
Roisin Meenan
Graduate
SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced
I completed the Social and Vocational Integration QQI Level 6 course in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in BCFE and believe that it is a fantastic college. The support and encouragement myself and my fellow classmates received from the course coordinator and lecturers throughout the year was outstanding! This course pointed me in the right direction in terms of what I wanted to do with my future. It gave me a taste of so many different aspects of social care; and although the workload could be tough sometimes, the lecturers were always there for high quality support and guidance. I highly recommend this course as between the course content, the exceptional lecturers and the welcoming and social environment within the college, it was a wonderful experience and I have grown both as an individual and as a professional because of it.
I am currently doing a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Care in Technological University Dublin, Tallaght Campus.
Michelle McAuley
Graduate
SVC Social Care Studies Level 6 Advanced
My name is Michelle McAuley and I am a graduate of the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Social Care. I think this year has been the hardest year for anyone to go back to college specifically those who’ve had a long break from education. It’s a dense course packed with information and a lot of assignments but the staff here at BCFE are so good to us. From extending deadlines, responding to emails and helping us on every single part we needed. This course covers a wide variety of topics needed to help integrate those who wish to further educate themselves or those who wish to get a job within the sector.
Alan Doherty
Musician - composer - producer - videographer
PTH Irish Traditional Music Performance Diploma (HND) Level 6 Higher
Growing up in Dublin I was surrounded by amazing singing sessions. When I found out there was a course on Irish music I jumped at it. Studying in BCFE on the Ceoltóir course made me believe I could have a career in music, which is all I even wanted to do. Getting the chance to study Irish and other types of folk music and also learning about the music industry was something that was taught to me on the course. And thankfully 25 years on I am still making a successful career in my music.
Daoirí Farrell
Multi award winning singer and performer
PTH Irish Traditional Music Performance (HND)
During my two years of study here, I found myself emerged in all things music and I really loved every minute of it. I came out at the end a more confident and knowledgeable musician. I started playing the bouzouki during my time on this course and it was a solid foundation I needed for the music career that lay ahead of me. For that I thank all the lecturers at BCFE on the Ceoltóir course for their continued support.
Frankie Gaffney
Author and Lecturer
BET Pre-University Level 5 Certificate
I didn’t do well at school, I started a course in Ballyfermot College of Further Education when I was 25. This course directly led to my being accepted by Trinity College Dublin, where I eventually attained a BA in History and English Literature, and an M.Phil. in linguistics. Last year I got my PhD there. I also had a novel published (Dublin Seven), and have written various articles along with multiple appearances on national TV and Radio. The gentle introduction to academic writing I got at BCFE really helped me build the foundations to get back into education and progress to the highest levels, and allowed me to excel in University. The atmosphere at BCFE was great, the staff really supportive and helpful, and the small class sizes meant there was an opportunity to avail of the sort of one on one attention from teachers that is rare at third level. I cannot recommend this institution enough, the course really got me out of a rut, and started me on a path that would change my life.