By Sean Murphy
HUNDREDS of young adults from across Donegal and beyond came to Letterkenny yesterday afternoon to plot their futures.
They travelled to Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to glean expert advice from the education specialists.
The students, many of whom are sitting Leaving Cert exams in the coming weeks, spoke of their hopes and desires amid the financial reality of the modern world.
Gone for some is the experience of living away from home and exploring the world as independent young men and women.
Several spoke to the Donegal News of their need to remain at home and undertake hour-long commutes in order to afford their places at university.
Others were excited about the prospect of spreading their wings, making new acquaintances, friends for life, and taking their first steps in their careers.
Ellen Shaughnessy, Shauna Murphy and Suzanne Kennedy at the ATU open evening.
Educators at ATU during the Open Day at the fledgling university’s Letterkenny campus highlighted its excellent courses and high standard of learning.
ATU at Letterkenny was inaugurated only four years ago when Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) officially became part ATU on April 1, 2022.
A spokesperson said: “They offered prospective students and their families a valuable opportunity to explore university life and gain key guidance.”
James Cassidy leads a tour at the ATU open evening.
Among the students was a group of Inishowen friends who were keen to explore degree options in subjects like engineering, construction, and quantity surveying.
Jamie McGeoghan (18, pictured) of Moville Community College wants to be a construction professional who manages building costs as a quantity surveyor.
He told the Donegal News that the ongoing crumbling homes controversy of mica and defective concrete blocks is the inspiration for his career choice.
Jamie, whose exams start next month, explained why quantity surveying is his chosen field and said: “Honestly, the reason is money and because of the mica problem across Donegal.
“There is going to plenty of work over the next 10 to 15 years and more. I know people whose homes are affected by mica.
“It’s a massive issue, especially where I come from in Inishowen.”
He added: “I was always going to come to Letterkenny for university, mostly for financial reasons. Like me, most local students consider it their No1 option for that reason.
“Also, I have friends here already and that helps. Plus there is a TFI [Transport for Ireland] bus service. It has really improved and lots of students will use that to travel between Inishowen and Letterkenny.
“I can drive but the cost of fuel nowadays is so dear. Then there is everything around the cost of living. So I will travel up to college and back. The exams start soon. I’m ready for them.”
The Open Day for students who are considering further and higher education options helped those find our more information about courses, career pathways and financial supports.
To find out more about ATU’s open days at the Letterkenny campus visit the atu.ie/opendays website.