Testimonials

Every year, close to 5,000 people walk through the doors of National Learning Network centres throughout Ireland. As an organisation, we are committed to supporting our learners to achieve their potential and to develop new skills. Over 80 per cent of those who complete courses with National Learning Network go on to further education and training or employment.

Every one of our learners has their own story to tell. In this section of the website, we are introduced to just a few of the many thousands of people who have benefited from the innovative and high-quality training and support offered by National Learning Network.

Student Testimonials:

Karen Forrester (31) from Palmerstown in Dublin talks about recently completing a two-year course in Digital Photography in National Learning Network’s Roslyn Park College and her excitement at starting a degree programme in the Dublin Institute of Technology this autumn.

I guess you could say that I’ve always had an interest in photography. In my early twenties, I even completed a course in Communication and Media Production, which focused a bit on photography. But, somewhere along the way I got diverted from my goals. I got a bit lost. Before I started in Roslyn Park College I was working in retail. It wasn’t what I wanted to do.

The turning point came when I was admitted to hospital in 2007 with a relapse for Bi-polar Disorder, something that I had been diagnosed with in 2004. During my 8 week stay in the hospital, a member of staff suggested that I might like to give Roslyn Park College a call. I came in for a tour of the facility and really liked what I saw. I became eager to return to photography.

Despite my excitement, I must admit that I was very nervous about starting in Roslyn Park College. I had been out of college for such a long time, and the thought of getting to know new people was daunting. But I needn’t have worried. Everybody was very nice and approachable.

The great thing about National Learning Network is that you don’t feel that you are on your own. Everybody here has their own story to tell, and you met people who are in a similar position to yourself. It’s easy to feel relaxed. You don’t feel like anybody is passing judgement or treating you any different. It’s a place where you can learn and grow. Most importantly, it’s a place where you can be yourself.

The training I received at Roslyn Park College was excellent. There is a constant intake to the course, but everybody gets attention and support at their own level. The training is very definitely focused on the individual and the Digital Photography course offered a good mixture of both technical and practical elements. I worked in the photography studio, on assignment in the local community and also using the latest computer programmes and equipment.

My CV and portfolio was definitely strengthened during my time at Roslyn Park College and I was accepted onto Dublin Institute of Technology’s four-year degree programme in Photography.

I must admit that I am very sad to be leaving Roslyn Park College. I will certainly miss the place and the people. I made some very good friends here over the past two years, but I know we’ll stay in touch.

I feel like I have been on a real journey over the past two years. National Learning Network’s Roslyn Park College has given me the opportunity to follow my dream. A new chapter in my life is about to begin. I’m very excited about what the future may hold and where my career will take me.

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