PRIZEGIVING SPEECH 2007

Many people believe that to be a success academically you need to be the smartest kid in the class. You either have it or you don’t. But my standing here today is proof, I hope, that this is not the case. There  are so many guys in my year who are smarter than I, but the reason I’m here right now is because I was incredibly motivated to achieve a certain standard which as it happens was enough for me to win the gold medallion.

For over 8 years in this college I have watched those who have come up here to receive their gold medals and thought to myself that for them to achieve that they must have worked all year, and sacrificed any prospects of a decent social life. I wasn’t sure how they could do it, but the one thing I was sure of was this was not the life for me.

I sat in that audience and was content to get my bronze medal and had no desire to achieve more. I knew myself I had the potential for more but it would mean sacrificing my social life. I wasn’t prepared to do so and so every year I would find myself staring at a bronze medal thinking I can do better. This isn’t the best of my abilities.

However I never wanted more. I had no particular aim in life. One school day would end and another would begin, all I could think about was my weekend and getting out of class.

But something changed the summer before 6th year. I found a purpose, something worth aiming for. I had spent my previous few years in the college not wanting to consider my future because to be honest the thought had always scared me. I was used to the safety net of school.

However I began to develop an interest in psychology. As I began to explore it in more depth I found myself fascinated by the subject. Here was something I wanted to do with my life. Something worth pursuing.

I was soon to learn that without a continental language I couldn’t study the topic at any of the NUI’s. That left one college with high demand and a 565 point minimum requirement standing in my way.

I was left in a state of utter disbelief. I could never get those points and even if it were possible it would mean giving up my social life.

Once 6th year began I decided this was it. This was my one chance to give it everything I’ve got and see if it was possible.

I began to study not because I was being forced to but because I knew what I had to do if I wanted to study psychology next year.

Once I knew what I had to do it all became easier, and as soon as I start putting the work into my subjects they began to seem less intimidating.

However I found I wasn’t just becoming more involved in study, I was beginning to engage with every aspect of life in Terenure College. I went on the kiaros retreat which gave me a great chance to get to know the guys in my year. After a 6 year absence from the sport I rediscovered rugby in the school and I joined the glorious F troop. I also began to hang out with the guys in my year outside of school. Instead of being faces on a corridor they became good friends. 6th year gave me some of the best experiences of my life while all the time my grades were rising.

I soon realized that success requires a perfect balance between study and leisure and fortunately I had found it. 

I also realized that my teachers were a tremendous resource and I need to exploit them more fully. I began to listen to them and accept their guidance and within no time I was on track.

I also became aware of the tremendous support that my family and friends were able to give me. Throughout the year they were always there.

To say there were no tough times during the year would be a lie. After my Christmas exams even though my results were much improved I was still a long way off my target. I began to take a defeatist attitude. I gave it everything I had and it still wasn’t enough, was my initial reaction; however I didn’t loose my focus or my motivation. I kept going and my mocks brought me to within inches of my goal.

I still haven’t quite reached  it but I know that in 2 weeks time I will be ready to give it everything I’ve got, and I know that  regardless of how I get on I will be achieving my full potential and nothing less.

THANK YOU

Jason Somerville
Terenure College Sixth Year Student 2006/2007