On Friday 27th of September 2024 the school had the pleasure of inviting Ms. Susie Hall to Skibbereen Community School. She was warmly welcomed by our principal Mr. Anton O’ Mahony, the Religion department and the entire school community. She was invited to discuss teaching as a potential career option and about her career to date.
She taught for 41 years and would absolutely recommend it. Students were told that whilst not everyone can be famous, we can be successful in our own lives. One thing money can’t buy is how to be happy. Unfortunately people often equate success with money. If you know how to be happy you will live a wonderful life. It is no one’s job to make you happy and when you get up in the morning you should always have something you should be grateful for. Being grateful will carry you through any misfortune.
She was the first female in UCD to wear trousers in 1965. She had to fight for this as women were not allowed to wear them before that. She campaigned for maternity leave for adoptive parents and she was the first person in Ireland in the public service to get adoptive maternity leave in 1979.
She spoke about the importance of having dreams and to never let go of your dreams. If you have a dream, hold on to it and someday it will happen. She always wanted a motorbike and it gave her great joy when she got it. Dreams give you hope.
She spoke about having to give up teaching when she got engaged and when she turned 65. She loved teaching and mentioned that in Ireland no one will give you a job at 65. She retrained as a workplace and family mediator and emphasised the importance of volunteering. She said it was the best paid job as you don’t get money but you get so much out of it.
She said everyone starts out the same way but it is the choices you make along the way that makes the difference. However you must first work out what makes you happy. If you feel no one values you, you will not be of value. She loves teenagers and teaching. Teachers are in a position of great trust.
She is a big advocate of life long learning. Students were asked to never stop learning. You must keep your brain active. Keep an open mind. Reading is one of the greatest gifts in life. If you have an interest in something, it will last your entire life. She said you will have to be able to work with both genders. She warned of the dangers of sharing online and saw at first hand the devastating consequences of it.
She spoke of the benefits of TY. Students should ask themselves where am I going? What have I always wanted to do? What makes you happy? TY is exactly what you make of it. You will get out of it what you put in. Work experience is very valuable and it should be grabbed with both arms.
Do your best at whatever it is and behave acceptably was another key message. No one asks you to be the best but giving things a try is important. There is something for everyone in life to make you fulfilled.
She spoke about resilience and taking no notice of what people say about you as it doesn’t matter.
Our student referred to her talk as inspirational. We all at Skibbereen Community School thank her thoroughly for her time. We are already looking forward to her next visit!
Thanks to Ms. Orla O’Sullivan for organising.
