Former Tralee VTOS student, Maura Sheehy, winner of the Florist of the Year at the Irish Wedding Awards 2018, writes of her experience of returning to education…

Studying in VTOS Tralee was a very positive experience for me.  The first thing that springs to mind when I fondly look back at my days there is the fun we had.

We definitely spent more time laughing than learning but somehow the work also got done!

Meeting people from different cultures, sharing their life experiences broadened by mind and allowed me to build my confidence.

Returning to formal education can be daunting especially after so many years out of the workforce.

Tralee VTOS was very welcoming and I received great support to complete my studies.  One of my favourite things about studying in Tralee VTOS was the diversity of culture it offered.  I met people from different cultures, a great mix of students.

After leaving Tralee VTOS, I used the skills I learned to set up my own business called ‘Maura’s Cottage Flowers’.

It helped me to have confidence to meet with people, to promote and grow my business.  Also, I am now involved in making presentations to groups, writing gardening articles and promoting outdoor classrooms in the Farmer’s Journal.

It’s still not easy but I am now better able to cope after my VTOS experience.

I would highly recommend VTOS Tralee to all.  It provided a safe environment to build confidence.  I met lovely people of different ages from many different countries.

• Tralee VTOS is holding an open information morning on Wednesday, May 23 from 10am to 1pm. Call in and find out more about adult education.