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Academic to angelic - college student's hope for a better future

18.12.18

A friendship with an autistic child, and a life experience in Fiji, provided the clarity and focus needed for Cara, a Kildare College graduate from the class of 2018, who now hopes to become a teacher working with special needs children.

After starting at the College halfway through Year 8, it wasn’t until Year 10 that Cara’s perspective and outlook changed, and her journey in life was defined.

“I was a bit of a naughty student to be honest, I didn’t know where to focus my attention and I played up a lot”, says Cara.

Through the holidays of that year, Cara had taken the opportunity to work at a regional school in Fiji staying with a host family and assisting in the classroom. Having experienced the community’s way of life, their positivity and their gratefulness, Cara returned to the College with a renewed freshness.

“I learnt to appreciate the opportunities that were given to me. To have an education is such a privilege, and to be able to help other young people achieve their goals is something that I want to be a part of”.

It was also around this time that Cara started spending a lot of time with the family of a friend who have a child with autism, and found a lot of enjoyment in this, becoming a volunteer with organisations who organise events and functions for children with special needs.

Cara thanks the dedication, passion and commitment of the teaching staff, for guiding her and providing the clarity she required to set her on her chosen pathway.

“I value the way the teachers go out of their way to help the students, they’re inspirational role models. They display the qualities that I want to have as a teacher, that selflessness and determination to help the students succeed”.

Cara believes that Kildare, while providing amazing opportunities academically, also helped her mature as a person. Exemplifying the Brigidine spirit that Kildare instils in all their students, Cara now lives out the values in her day to day life.

“I will definitely continue my volunteer work with special needs children. I’m also returning to Fiji in the New Year to work in a school for 7-weeks, which will be another amazing experience that I will cherish.

Cara received an ATAR of 98 for her SACE, and received a Merit Certificate for Child Studies, placing her in the top 1% of the State. Next year, Cara hopes to undertake tertiary studies in teaching to become a teacher for children with special needs.

Strength and Gentleness