B.Ed. Gaeilge
Biography
My name is Siobhán Cronin, and I am a Quercus University (Academic) Scholar. I am currently in my second year of the Education Gaeilge programme, with German being my second subject. I attended Millstreet Community School and Coláiste Íde, Dingle in my transition year. I play fiddle and piano and love to sing, particularly in the Sean-Nós style, and I have competed in many competitions such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and An tOireachtas. I’m an avid debater and this year, I was a member of the UCC team that won the Gael-Linn 3rd Level Debating Competition at Oireachtas na Samhna. Drama is also a great love of mine and this year, I am secretary of An Cumann Drámaíochta in UCC. So far, I have directed several of our sketches and I am really looking forward to the society’s production of “An Triail” later in the semester.
Why did you choose the programme?
I have always loved languages, particularly Irish and German, and this really inspired me to choose the Education Gaeilge programme. After seeing the course listed on the UCC website back in 2020, I instantly knew that it was for me. As well as having a great love for languages, I have always wanted to become a teacher. The BEd Gaeilge programme is quite unique, in that it allows students to qualify as post-primary teachers of Gaeilge and another subject after just four years. Therefore, there is no requirement to complete the Professional Master of Education (PME) afterwards, saving both time and money.
Why did you choose UCC?
UCC is a truly excellent university, and I am so happy that I chose to study here. My three siblings have all studied at UCC and after hearing about their positive experiences, I knew that it was the place for me. As well as the wide range of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered, there is a choice of over 150 different clubs and societies, meaning there is something for everyone. There is always a fantastic atmosphere around campus, and of course UCC offers the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme.
Describe your Quercus experience
My experience of Quercus so far has been exceptional, and I am so honoured to be a University Scholar on the programme. The scholarship has a magnificent list of benefits, including a fee waiver, campus accommodation and bursary, allowing me to be free of financial pressure. The mentoring side of Quercus is another aspect that has really benefitted me. I am so lucky to have an academic mentor who guides me with my studies. I am also offered life coaching as part of the Quercus scholarship. I must commend the Quercus team - John, Michèle and Elaine who are so supportive and do everything they can to help me along the way.
What do you enjoy most about your UCC/Quercus experience and what was your most memorable experience/achievement in UCC?
I am thoroughly enjoying the UCC and Quercus experience, and I am really excited for the coming semester. It is almost surreal to be on campus with my friends, and I’ll never take the in-person lectures for granted! UCC has such a beautiful campus and I am so lucky that I have the chance to study here. The Quercus Induction Day was such an excellent opportunity to meet my fellow scholars, and to put faces to names. The Student Led Quercus Lecture Series also gave a fascinating insight into the lives and work of the other scholars. If I were to give advice to incoming Quercus students it would be to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. It is a privilege to be a Quercus scholar and it opens the door to endless possibilities.
