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Mature student from Mayo, Sean tells about his journey to the three-year BSc in Horticulture course via a QQI Level 6 in Horticulture course.
About me:
A 29-year-old mature student undertaking a BSc in Horticulture with Kildalton College. I possess an obsessive motivation inclined towards positive environmental change inspired by the sensational landscape in which I call home in County Mayo.
My home and family life immersed me into a culture of the wild outdoors, quality food and an appreciation for the complexity of our native wildlife. This leads me to actively pursue a fulfilling and naturally supportive career as a horticulturist. My greatest passions within horticulture include but are not restricted to plant propagation, quality food production, and the leading movements in the field of bio-diversity.
What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology?
An exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio allowing for real hands-on experience and relationships with tutors. The outdoor, hands-on practical horticulture experience with Kildalton college's beautiful estate complimented by full access to the various facilities and student support of the Waterford Institute of Technology.
As someone who enjoys sea angling; the bus links to Dunmore East and Tramore from the city have allowed me to enjoy some of the best shore angling in the country, an activity that both relaxed me from my daily studies while enriching my overall college experience.
What have you done in life prior to studying here?
I was employed within the catering industry while also studying horticulture at further education level.
What words of advice do you have for new students?
Attendance of all lectures and tutorials is truly imperative. The single best way to be prepared for exams at the end of each semester is to simply show up and be present; vital information is exchanged during these classes that was lead you toward a thriving career in the horticulture industry.
When deciding to choose to study at WIT be sure to avail of the fantastic facilities on campus such as the Luke Wadding Library, it's an excellent place to study and research.
What have been the highlights of your college experience?
Work placement:
The opportunity to taste of the industry in spring 2019 has reassured my confidence in what I have learned in my course to date; refreshing the focus on my goals for my final year and future studies.
WITSU Representative:
Elected by my peers as the WITSU representative for our class, the role has challenged and encouraged my growth as an individual. This opportunity certainly benefitted my college life and learning as helping others and representing the class has been increasingly fulfilling. The position combined with personal life experience has allowed me to improve and develop leadership, negotiation, advocacy and organization skills.
Guest lectures and Field trips:
Should you chose WIT and Kildalton college, you will have the pleasure of enjoying many guest lectures and field trips to industry, elementary to practical networking and real-life experience allowing for a solid foundation for a thriving career.
The highlights for me in this regard included our Biodiversity field trip to Sandro Cafolla's, Design by Nature Seedhouse in Carlow; Ireland's only native wildflower seed producer, and Zoe Devlin's (Wildflowersofireland.net) guest lecture on Fascination of Plants Day 2019. The passions of these renowned naturists fuelled my inspiration to become involved in the protection and restoration of our sensational native flora and fauna.
What motivated you to return to education as a mature student?
Having worked for several years within the catering industry, my focus to return to further education and enrol on QQI Level 6 in Horticulture was a refreshing motivation for my new life path.
Selected after a competitive interview, as one of six students, I was given the opportunity to represent the college on a 4 week Erasmus and placement on an agricultural college Vineyard in France.
The Erasmus gave me an edge to my experience, broadened my horizons and deepened my hunger to return to higher-level education as a mature student; a decision that I have never regretted.
Anything you'd like to add
I strongly recommend as a horticulture student to have plant-related hobbies and interests outside college necessities.
I've always had a lifelong love of gardening, spending the last number of summers growing herbaceous perennials in my spare time. This year my focus was solely on the pollinator-friendly species and varieties which I have learned so much from; in both propagating and research. Horticulture, being such a broad industry, it's important to nurture your interests, as you will reap the benefits of this dedication.
If you’re interested in seeing what life on the BSc in Horticulture can follow me on Twitter at @Seanhort1
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
