Zara Neely

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education

Donegal – Letterkenny

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course? 

My name is Zara, and I am in my first year at ATU Donegal Letterkenny studying Early Childhood Care, Health, and Education. I chose this course because I have always wanted to become a primary school teacher. I loved my time in primary school because the teachers made education so interesting and exciting, and everything was so fun. This course gives me the knowledge about children from birth to six years of age which will be a great help for me when it comes to working with children. This course also opens so many doors, opportunities, and routes for us, we can go into so many different careers with it. 

What are your favourite modules on the course?  

I have really enjoyed all the modules so far, however ‘The Early Years Environment’ and ‘Understanding Children’s Behaviour’ would be my favourites. The theory and practical elements of these modules are so interesting and hands-on. ‘The Early Years Environment’ provides us with so much knowledge about children, their environment, the skills necessary to care for children and so much more. ‘Understanding Children’s Behaviour’ gives us a much deeper understanding of why children behave certain ways. We look at numerous factors that affect it and how we can support it. I always look forward to our practical classes as they are so engaging and enjoyable. We learn so many new skills all of which are important and beneficial for working with and caring for children. 

Is there anything else about the course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?  

I really enjoy working in groups for practical projects because it is fun, productive and beneficial for learning as you learn more when talking about and discussing topics with others. They are also a great way to make new friends. Booking a study room in the library to work on practical projects together is so easy to do. They are quiet and they give us a space where we can focus and work together. I find practical classes so beneficial because you get to put the theory from our lectures into practice. Some days we are making Play-Doh and other days we are caring for simulation baby dolls, there is always something exciting happening! 

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?  

One of the best things about this course is how fun and hands-on it is, it is not just sitting in lectures today we get a brilliant mix of theory and practical learning. There is always something happening, whether it is group projects, practical workshops, or creative activities like setting up tuff trays or making sensory resources, you are always learning in an engaging way. Getting to work with my friends on group practical projects is so much fun, and having the chance to be able to be creative and have fun while learning makes the experience so enjoyable. 

If you were speaking with a first year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?  

For students who are considering this course, I would recommend ATU Donegal because there is such a welcoming and friendly environment. You get to become involved in everything, talk to people, and make new friends. You are encouraged and invited to get involved in every aspect of the course. I would recommend that you participate in as much as you can because the facilities are excellent, and they are so beneficial. For instance, you should make great use of the library because it is a quiet space for studying and working on assignments. Enjoy it because the year flies in. 

If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?  

I love to keep myself busy outside of academic life. I spend a lot of my free time in the gym or out running, which are both huge passions of mine. I train regularly between four and six days per week. I love taking part in running events with my family, both locally and abroad. Alongside my course, I work part-time in the retail store ‘Next’ here in Letterkenny. I am also a huge Formula One fan, I never miss a race, and I have been lucky enough to have attended two Grand Prix’s with my Dad. 

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for?  

My plan after ATU is to complete my Masters in Primary Education and become a primary school teacher. I want to make a positive impact in the classroom and to create an environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. There are also so many alternative career paths I can follow too, this course is ideal because it opens so many doors and opportunities. I also would love to travel the world and go to so many more Formula One Grand Prix’s!