My MIC Story - April Tracy

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is April. I’m 35 and I’m from Limerick. I’m in my second year at MIC Limerick where I’m studying on the Bachelor of Science in Psychology programme. I attended St Nessan's Community College in Moylish.

Why did you decide to return to education?

After having my three boys, I knew I wanted a career in Psychology. Parenting neurodivergent children can sometimes feel like you are running backwards – going places yet getting nowhere. The better I became at supporting their needs the more I realised it was where I excelled.

During covid, I began studying part-time with UCC to see if we could juggle family life with me studying. When the CAO opened, we just decided I’d go for it.

I don’t really overthink big decisions if they’re not permanent. I knew if the load got too heavy, I could always defer for a year and that I wasn’t 'stuck'.

What is life like as a mature student at MIC?

It’s a juggle not a struggle! It’s tough, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t but MIC is a lovely small close-knit college and help is always there when I need it. Lecturers are very understanding that my main commitment is to my family, college comes after. I honestly don’t believe that support would be possible in a bigger college where the student population is greater.

Has it been easy to get to know people and make new friends?

I’m quite chatty and outspoken so for me it has been easy to get to know people and make friends here at MIC. Equally, I notice students on the periphery of social circles all the time. Students just have to put themselves out there, as daunting as it may seem. It always pays off!

What do you love about studying at MIC?

Every lecturer in the Psychology Department has been so supportive from my very first day. Their knowledge in their fields is second to none. From the research they publish to the life experience they share with us. I’m looking forward to getting out on placement and utilising the wealth of knowledge I have gained so far in the programme.

What do you love about college life?

I enjoy the craic and the banter! I’ve made great friends with everyone in the group. No matter how stressed we are leading up to assignment deadlines or exams, we’re all still in room 302 together having a laugh.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am a mammy of three, I don’t have spare time!

What would you like to do after your graduate?

I’d love to do a PhD! That would be the ultimate goal. But I also want to work before I reach retirement age, so we’ll see.

What advice do you have for mature learners considering returning to education?

Don’t overthink it! Time will pass regardless; you will never regret trying. There is an abundance of support waiting to help you succeed here at MIC.

Looking back, what would you say to your younger self?

I wouldn’t have filled in a CAO leaving school. My goal was to make it to the finish line – to get a Leaving Cert and get a job. A lot of my close circle in school would have been going on to do trades or work. We didn’t have the guidance to know third-level was an option open to all. 

If I could go back, I wouldn’t advise my younger self to go to third-level then because everything we experience shapes us to be the people we are today. I certainly wouldn’t have been as present on campus if I went to college then.

What word would you use to describe MIC?

Supportive.