FET Graduate Ceara Shaw’s journey after the Leaving Certificate.

The Leaving Certificate is just around the corner, and everything seems to be about points and what comes next. For many, the path is straightforward – do the work, get your exams, get the points and go to university.

But what if you change your mind along the way?

That’s exactly what happened to Ceara Shaw. She aced her Leaving Certificate and was accepted onto her chosen course. Instead of following in the footsteps of her friends heading straight to university, she took some time out to explore her options and found a route that suited her better through Further Education and Training (FET).

“There’s a great saying that I find really helpful: growth and comfort cannot coexist. You need that discomfort to grow and mature. I took a different route, and I would encourage other students to go against the grain and do what you want to do.” She says.

While all her friends were booking accommodation and preparing for lectures, Ceara was feeling unsure. Instead of committing to a four-year degree she wasn’t sure about, she made a bold decision. She took a gap year to travel and work abroad.

“All my friends went straight to college, and there was a moment where I worried that I was being left behind. Everyone else was getting their accommodation, books and lectures, and I was heading abroad. But I know now that I made the right decision for me, as some of my friends aren’t sure if they picked the right course.”

During her travels, Ceara discovered her passion for yoga. She realised that she wanted to explore this further before committing to a fulltime degree, so she applied for the Yoga and Holistic Therapy (now named Yoga Teacher & Outdoor Wellbeing Facilitator) Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course in Kerry College, Killorglin.

“There was a diverse range of ages on the course, and I enjoyed that multigenerational aspect of listening and learning. We had communications, health and safety, body alignments and medical contradictions modules, as well as outdoor adventure classes and stand-up paddleboarding.”

FET allowed Ceara to study something she loved while gaining real-word experience.

“The most beneficial aspect was the work experience: I spent three weeks in a yoga and surf lodge in Co Mayo, giving me a chance to put what I learned into practice.”

But beyond the skills and training, the support system in FET helped her transition from school into adulthood at a pace that felt right for her.

“There was a lot of support, too, from our classmates and from Kerry College, so I was given a chance to prepare for the real world without being overwhelmed by the demands of it.”

After finishing her PLC, Ceara felt surer of herself and her future. She moved to the Netherlands to study English Literature, this time knowing for certain that she was making the right decision.

“Now, having had this space between school and college, I have a much better sense of self.”

Ceara’s story shows that it’s okay to change your mind and explore different options. It’s also a great reminder that success isn’t just about points or going straight to university after school, it’s about finding the right path for you. FET offers a flexible pathway that provides opportunities for you to grow, learn and discover your passion before making a long term commitment.

If you’re a student feeling unsure of what you want to do after the Leaving Certificate, remember there’s more than one way to succeed. Like Ceara, taking time out to discover what’s right for you might just be the best step forward.