It is up to each student to get a result for themselves, as one enthusiastic TY participant discovers
IS TRANSITION YEAR worth doing? This is the question I'm constantly being asked on my journey through the year. And it's a tough one because I believe it is up to each individual to get a result from the year.
Some people may not be suited to TY as it isn't very structured, and it is up to you to get involved in what you are doing. But to others it is perfect. It is not a year based on academics by any means, so to those students who may not be academic it is their chance to shine.
I have seen the most unlikely girls in my year turn over a new leaf and get involved and make the most of the period. But as we were told on the very first day, "You will get out of it what you put in." This phrase couldn't be more apt for the transition year programme.
Those who make the effort to do lots of things are evidently those who have the most fun. You have to be prepared to leap into things without having to be pushed and without anyone holding your hand.
In terms of the opportunities in my school . . . where do I begin? From the TY musical in November to the Young Scientist awards, YSI (Young Social Innovators), Young Entrepreneurs, the
Gael Linn course, ice skating, art trips and modules on podcasting, Japanese, First Aid, a law workshop, ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), and a trip to Westport, we had these and many, many other amazing opportunities to try out new things.
TY is like a broken-up jigsaw waiting for you to piece lots of elements together. Those who only do a few things end up with a very small, uninteresting jigsaw; those who do everything that comes their way end up with a fantastic result and a fantastic year!
A big part of TY is also dedicated to trying to figure out what you want to do in the future, who you want to be and who you are now. The two weeks of work experience give you an insight into the working world, and career choice booklets try to guide you down the right career path.
As well as that, I personally have found that TY really brings the year together. You get to know who your friends are and you make lots of new ones besides. TY has given me experiences and chances that I simply would not have time for in any other year. It gives you life experience that you could not get from a textbook. You are often thrown into the real world and therefore you learn to be independent and stand on your own feet.
So, if the question is "Is TY worth doing?" I cannot answer that. But if the question is "Was TY worth doing for me?" I would say, undoubtedly "Yes".
Roisín Walsh is a student at Mount Anville Secondary School in Dublin
