Tony O’Connell returned to education after 25 years in employment. After finishing his undergraduate degree he enrolled in the MA in History (Research) at Mary Immaculate College. He tells us about his journey.
Name: Tony O’Connell
Course: Masters in History (Research)
College: Mary Immaculate College
Returning to Education
Little did I think that when I entered Mary Immaculate College, Limerick as an undergraduate in that I would eventually find myself parading around the corridors of the College four years later, as a post grad research History Masters student! I am loving every minute of it.
I spent over twenty-five years working with a multi-national company. Then I had the opportunity of leaving full-time employment and making a complete change to my life. I had always entertained the idea, but never imagined it would happen. When MIC offered me a place as an undergraduate, I was thrilled.
From undergraduate to postgraduate
This began a very personal journey on an academic path. So far, this has led me to complete my Liberal Arts Degree with a 1st. Subsequently MIC accepted me into the college’s postgraduate Masters programme. To say that I can’t quite believe that I am where I am today is an understatement.
When I’m conferred in two weeks time, it will be an extremely emotional day for me. I never doubted that I would graduate once I got to College. The getting there was the bit that I thought would never happen. Once in the academic system, fellow students, friends and lecturers broadened my mind and horizons. It was those people who believed I could go on to further study. Once I didn’t think I had it within me but now I see myself as Dr Anthony O’Connell and you know what, it just might happen!
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