“I have dyslexia and I am also a hard of hearing student. I needed a lot of one-on-one teaching which was just not available at my school at the time. I really needed a reader and a scribe, and I wore hearing aids in school, but I really couldn’t hear a lot of what the teachers were saying with the classroom background. I only found out I was dyslexic when I was in 5^th year of school. I had already dropped my language because I wasn’t able to do it. I just didn’t think college was an option for me because I knew you needed a language to get into university and I just couldn’t do it. When I finally got my exemption in 5^th year, it was amazing because it meant UCD opened up for me. I could go to college and my future changed entirely.

The Access center gave me the additional supports I needed throughout college. This was huge for someone like me with specific needs. Once I had access to that little bit of help, I excelled. When I had to do nursing placement, they provided me with support and tips to help me adjust. I also got a scribe and reader for my exams in UCD. I wouldn’t have gotten through college without that support from Access. I really wouldn’t have

The scholarship gave me the chance to actually study and progress in college. I was working two jobs to fund myself; I didn’t get any other additional supports. I was also minding children in exchange for rent in my digs. The scholarship meant I could take the time I needed off from working to actually study for my exams and do well.

I think it’s an incredible honor to have someone funding you, even just that little bit, I hope one day I’ll be in the situation where I will be able to support UCD and the students because it’s made such a difference to my life. They really don’t know how much it impacts your life. The stress alone without the scholarship is incredible. I’m currently doing my farming exams while nursing at St. Vincent’s. I’m hoping to go on to do a postgrad in public health to eventually work out in the community.”