Rebecca keeps her course options open

As one of more than 55,000 students eagerly awaiting their Leaving Certificate results, Rebecca MacLehose was, last night, nervous but excited.

A student in the Ursuline Secondary School in the Cork suburb of Blackrock, Rebecca was keeping her mind off things by staying busy.

Having applied for a number of courses including commerce with Spanish and food marketing, Rebecca is keeping her options open.

“To be honest, I’m not one of those people who was set on a course from day one. I’d be happy with anything along the business line. I’ve left my options open enough so it’s not the be all and end all if I don’t get my first choice.”

One certainty is her hope to go to UCC, in part so that she can remain living at home.

“I’m a home bird. I don’t think I’d survive a day living in student accommodation. All my friends wanted to move away for college, but I won’t be leaving my mom’s cooking for a while yet.”

Excited about catching up on sports and hobbies that have been sidelined by study, Rebecca is also determined to get involved in student life.

“You hear many people say that college is so different to school— that it’s so much better. I love tennis and dancing so, hopefully, if I get into UCC, I’ll be looking to sign up to those clubs.”

Like many of her peers, Rebecca’s focus on business courses was grounded in the hope of getting a job upon graduation.

“The guidance counsellor in my school encouraged us to think about what we will do afterwards because college is only three or four years of your life so you have to think ahead.

“I was looking at doing something with food marketing because I have heard a lot of good things about the food industry and I would like to travel when I’m a lot older. I think working abroad would be great so fingers crossed I get a job somewhere.”

Saying that, she doesn’t believe career should be the only reason that people accept a course.

“I know a lot of people have their sights set on a particular course from day one. But I also know a lot who are going for courses because there might be a particular job at the end of it.

“I think to each, their own. If you’re really passionate about something you’ll find a way of making a living with it, I suppose.”

Aware emigration is becoming an option for more and more graduates, Rebecca doesn’t necessarily view it as a negative.

“I know a few of my friends were looking at colleges in Scotland and even Australia as options. I think, for everyone I know, the idea of travelling, living abroad and seeing the world excites them, so I don’t think people see it as a last solution.”