Graduate Voices

What some of our Graduates have to say about their student experience of MDI.

Brian Malone, B. Rel. Ed. (History) 2008

MDI is Ireland's best kept secret. It's a small close knit college where everyone knows your name. My experience of the Religion and History programme was extremely positive. Religious Studies offers students the opportunity to grapple with the great questions of faith, theology, religion and contemporary culture. The History programme covered a wide range of topics from Irish, European and World history. Combined with my teaching practice placements, the course provided a great foundation for teaching in the classroom. The main advantage of the course is the different career options it offers students. Many of my colleagues have entered teaching and other professions whilst some have pursued postgraduate studies. I have been offered employment this September and I am very excited and confident in my ability as a teacher, having spent four years at MDI. Although MDI is a relatively small college, it has plenty of clubs and societies and social activities for everyone. As a member of the Wexford senior football team I became interested in the MDI football team. The team has had great success in the last four years, competing in three All-Ireland finals and winning one league final. I would highly recommend MDI to anyone interested in teaching and looking for a college which provides students with ongoing support.

Bernadette Henry, B. Rel. Ed. (English) 2005

MDI was the best four years of my life. I opted to study English because I loved reading, and wanted to explore the subject of literature in a dedicated and energetic way. At MDI, I was delighted to find that I was taught by lecturers who love literature and film even more than I do. I can honestly say they broadened my outlook and deepened my knowledge in so many ways, and gave me an appetite for English that will stay with me for ever. MDI changed my whole world view and opened the way for my creativity to assert itself. The whole environment enhanced learning, encouraged growth and taught me the real value of education, making me realise just how valuable a person I am and what I can achieve in life. I am currently teaching in a second-level school in Dublin.

Rachel O' Sullivan, B. Rel. Ed (Music) 2007

My experience at MDI was most definitely in the 'unforgettable' category. I always knew teaching was the career I wanted to pursue, but was confused when it came to deciding on colleges and courses. When MDI was suggested and the nature of the college explained, I was delighted. The course itself is challenging but without a doubt extremely rewarding. The college is designed for open minded students with a love for the study of Theology and their chosen subject, Music, English or History. I have to say that I enjoyed every minute of MDI, both the academic and social side. The staff, from the canteen staff to the caretaker to the lecturers, are fantastic and are always there to help in any way they can. Since I graduated I have been teaching in a school in Cork, close to my original home. I'm facing into my second year in the secondary school and I love every second of it. It is unquestionably true that without MDI I would not be where I am today.

Alan Healy, B. Rel. Ed. (History) 2008

MDI is an extremely enjoyable college to attend both from an academic and social perspective. During my four years in MDI, the subjects were both interesting and challenging. The mix of theory and practical courses prepares you well for the teaching profession and indeed other professions. The Religious Studies programme was well complemented by the History course that offered exciting insights into topics as diverse as the Italian Renaissance and the modern Irish Labour Movement. In first year at MDI, I found it very easy to get to know fellow students and staff. Although small in size, MDI has many clubs and societies for all students to experience. MDI has a strong reputation for, and involvement in, sporting activities which was very appealing to me. Currently I am a member of the Kilkenny Intermediate hurling team and I have had underage success with Kilkenny minor and U-21 teams. MDI offers students a chance to compete in both hurling and football competitions. In 2008 I was a member of the MDI Senior Gaelic football team that won the league final and also a member of the St. Pat's/Mater Dei hurling team that performed very well in the Fitzgibbon cup. I would highly recommend MDI to any student interested particularly in the teaching profession and those who wish to partake in sports and leisure activities.

John White, BA Irish Studies and Religious Studies 2008

I wasn't sure which course to go for when the CAO applications needed to be filled out, but I was sure which college to go for. I had heard so many good things about MDI that the choice of college was an easy choice to make. In the end, I chose to do the B.A. degree course, and for me it was the correct course to take. I had not yet made up my mind about my eventual career, so I felt a B.A. would be the best option. It allows you some extra time to think about a career and is flexible enough to allow you to branch off into different areas of work, including teaching and journalism. I will be pursuing a postgraduate programme in journalism this September. If you are unsure of what route you'd like to take when applying for a college course, I would definitely recommend the BA degree course at MDI. The college is friendly and supportive, with a lively social scene. You make a lot of new friends, both inside and outside of college. The subjects you cover are interesting and challenging, and experienced support is always at hand from your lecturers. I think that the best decision I made so far was to attend MDI, as it has opened up lots of new and exciting doors for me.

Lorraine O'Reilly, BA Irish Studies and Religious Studies 2007

MDI provides students with a very welcoming and friendly environment which is pivotal to both the academic and social aspects of college life. What I love about the course is the career options it provides. The course laid out the foundations of a career plan for many; some students including myself decided to continue on to postgraduate study, and later I intend to pursue a PhD. With regard to the Religious Studies component, one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences was getting the chance to work in one of Dublin's homeless shelters for one week. This was an experience that words cannot accurately describe and I know that the other students who also took part in different religious placements such as working with Trócaire also felt that same sense of awareness that is often otherwise ignored. Finally I would like to mention the staff of MDI; not alone did they demonstrate a passion for the subjects which they taught but with their endless and tireless contribution to the common good of each student, they provided us with a positive attitude not only towards pursuing a career but also towards a pathway through life.

Noel J. Collins, B. Rel. Ed. (Music) 2005

I began my studies at MDI as an undergraduate music student and continued my studies to postgraduate level. MDI is a unique college because of its size which gives it a strong sense of community. There are many advantages in choosing MDI. There is ample opportunity to learn from other students by participating in group learning activities and music students can avail of individual tuition for their chosen instrument. As a music student you are at the heart of college activities and student events such as Graduation, Liturgical events, the MDI Chorale, Symphonia, and Music Week. I highly recommend MDI to perspective students; it is where my full potential was realised and fulfilled.

Barbara Smyth, B. Rel. Ed. (History) 2005

MDI offers a personal atmosphere with plenty of support when needed. The course was both interesting and challenging. In second year I went abroad to St. Michael's College, Vermont, to study and complete my teaching practice. This was a fantastic opportunity which allowed me to look at and experience the US education system first hand. As MDI is a college of DCU, I also played on one of the badminton teams in DCU. During teaching practice, there is always a great atmosphere and buzz around the college as students share their thoughts and experiences of being in the classroom. Since finishing my studies in MDI, I have been employed as a full-time Resource Teacher in Dublin and will be returning to college as part of my professional development to pursue postgraduate study in the area of Special Education Needs.