My story: 'You have to love what you are doing...'

Ellen Howley followed her heart when deciding on her college course.

"A lot of people thought I should go on to study medicine or biology, as I was quite strong at sciences in school," said the 19-year-old from Waterford

"But my main passion lay with languages, and I really couldn't imagine a career as a doctor," said Ellen, who picked arts in UCD.

The course gave her the opportunity to study both English and French, her favourite subjects in school.

"At the end of the day, it's you who has to do the work, it's you who has to get out of bed every morning to study and write and research, so you have to love what you're doing," she said.

"Next year I hope to go on Erasmus to Paris. It would be great for my fluency, and international experience is really important for your CV. It's a chance you don't get in every course, so I fully intend to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad."

Moving to Dublin from Dunmore in Waterford was a huge change for Ellen.

"The first few weeks of first year is daunting, but once you're friendly and join as many clubs and societies as possible, making new friends is a breeze.


- Jade Nolan

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