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Introduction
to Team D.A.R.A
In
2010 VTOS Athy offered a new Fetac module called
Teamwork. The aim of this module is to promote and
foster co-operation and communication within a team
orientated environment. As a group we decided to
call ourselves Team D.A.R.A. (Dreams Are Realistically
Achievable) we believe this name embodies the
quintessential role of Vtos Athy in the promotion of
such positivity, realisation and fulfilment. For
our core assignment we decided to produce a
questionnaire with the express intention of gauging the
influence and impact of Vtos Athy upon the lives of past
and present students. To that end we formulated and put
into circulation our 16 question survey for all those
who wished to participate. We are delighted with the
excellent response to our survey and because of the
volume of information collated we have decided to
publish just a selection of student’s statements that
accurately reflect the role that VTOS Athy has played in
their lives.
 I
had worked as a builder’s labourer prior to my entry
into VTOS Athy. I had always regretted not fulfilling my
potential in school so I looked on VTOS as an
opportunity to put things right. I had no specific plan
in mind when I first enrolled, I just wanted to do my
best and see where it brought me. I have to admit I was
pleasantly surprised when I started classes; I was under
the false impression that it would be more like school
where information is just given to you, how wrong I was.
The tutors must take immense credit for this as they
frequently went beyond the call of duty in order to help
and encourage students. For me VTOS Athy opened a door
to a whole new world, it helped me to find a focus for
where I wanted my life to go and I have since followed
that route. It gave me self confidence and also
instilled in me the notion that education is a lifelong
process. VTOS Athy is a place where there are no
strangers, where there is a feeling of camaraderie that
will lift you when you feel under pressure. Entering
VTOS was a turning point in my life, the encouragement
and assistance I received enabled me to look at
opportunities I had never dreamed of before. I am
currently studying in Carlow College for my B.A honours
degree in Humanities.
VTOS
student
 I
applied to VTOS Athy following a recommendation from a
friend. At that time I was juggling my part time job in
a pharmacy in addition to being a full time mother. I
had no idea what to expect and I felt like a child going
into school for the first time, I was so nervous. Having
come through the process that is VTOS I can honestly say
that I spent three of the best years of my life there. I
am now a more confident and independent person because
of my positive experiences in VTOS Athy. To a stranger I
would say never turn the opportunity to re-enter
education through VTOS. The whole set up is great and it
is my personal belief that the dedication and hard work
of the staff makes it what it is. Thanks to my
experience in VTOS Athy I am now back in employment, it
has been for me a life changing journey that has added
great wealth to me personally through my heightened
sense of self-esteem and self confidence.
VTOS
student
 After
being made redundant from my job in insurance
administration I found it extremely difficult to secure
alternative employment. After a year of being unemployed
I decided to enquire about doing the E.C.D.L course with
VTOS Athy. I had no preconceptions or expectations of
VTOS but I found myself to be extremely nervous and
anxious about returning to education as a mature
student. Initially it was my intention to just undertake
a few computer classes; however I ended up completing a
full business award. If I were to choose a one word that
would best describe VTOS Athy it would have to be
“empowering”. My whole experience was enhanced by
the influence of the tutors who were always very
approachable and helpful. I would have no hesitation in
recommending VTOS Athy to anyone considering a return to
education. Aside from the obvious educational benefits,
VTOS also provides a great opportunity to mix with other
people in similar circumstances. Thanks to VTOS Athy I
am now more self confident and I am currently in third
level studying for my B.A in business, graduating with a
qualification such as this will I hope allow me to
re-enter the work force in the not too distant future.
VTOS
student
 Prior
to my entry into VTOS Athy I had been employed as a
dental nurse, I had always hoped to return to education
with a view to possibly progressing on to third level.
Naturally like so many others I was nervous and
apprehensive about returning to education as a mature
student, I need not have feared as all my fellow
students were so supportive and welcoming. The tutors
are always accessible and will continuously do their
utmost to guide and assist each student. For me VTOS
Athy is a place where you are accepted for who you are,
and not what others think you should be. I would have no
hesitation in recommending VTOS Athy to anybody who
maybe contemplating a return to education. It has
changed my life, it can also change yours.
VTOS
student
 The
first day I walked into VTOS Athy I felt lost, alone and
completely bewildered. I was at a cross roads in my life
as I had only recently been made redundant from my job
as chartered safety practitioner. I did not have a
specific plan in mind when I first started; I just
wanted to keep my options open. My first year was one of
great enjoyment and satisfaction; I quickly formed new
friendships and settled in really well, and in addition
to this I have always found the tutors to be extremely
helpful, friendly and professional. The mixture of age
profiles, life experiences and socially diverse
backgrounds allows for the expression of varied and
insightful opinions. I view my progression through VTOS
as a journey, and for me this journey is in itself as
important as the destination. VTOS Athy has provided me
with a hugely positive experience and in particular my
discovery and interest in art as form of expression came
as a surprise to me, and I fervently hope to pursue this
interest after my time here. As evident in my case VTOS
can help people to discover and cultivate those hidden
talents that may be lurking just beneath the surface.
VTOS
student
 I
left school at the age of seventeen without any formal
qualifications; I did so in order to take up employment
in a local factory where I continued to work for the
next twenty years. I had always wanted to return to
education because I believed I had let myself down due
to my immaturity and lack of effort the first time
around. I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve
academically and in the process gain some formal
qualifications. After being made redundant my
opportunity to return to education presented itself in
the shape of VTOS Athy. For me VTOS Athy is about
people, the tutors here are incredibly genuine,
sincerely supportive, honest, encouraging and selfless,
without peer in my opinion. There is also a great
feeling of solidarity among the students themselves,
with all prepared to support and encourage each other.
VTOS has the potential to change your life, you just
have to accept and confront the challenges as they
present themselves by committing yourself and working
hard. For me personally my decision to enrol in VTOS
Athy has had a profound effect on my life, its influence
is beyond measure in so many ways. My journey to date
has been thought provoking, reflective and immensely
enjoyable, it has provided me with a level of insight,
awareness and realisation that only comes from working
with genuinely selfless, talented, diverse and
interestingly humble dignified people.
VTOS
student
“We
are where we are” This catch phrase has become
synonymous with the current predicament that we as a
nation are experiencing. The phrase in itself exudes a
sense of dejection, resignation and helplessness
regarding our plight as a people; we should not allow
this to be the case.
Team
DARA suggests that now more than ever do we need to hear
about the positive stories and experiences of people who
are trying to make a difference not only in their own
lives, but also in the lives of countless others, this
is why we initiated this project. As can be seen from
students’ statements, VTOS Athy is a shining beacon of
positivity, inspiration, hope and fulfilment, it has
changed peoples’ lives in the past, is currently
helping to change lives, and will we hope continue to do
so far into the future.
VTOS
Athy is about people, not statistics; it is about people
who have dreams, expectations and aspirations. It is
about people, many of whom have had significant life
experience, and many others who still rejoice in the
exuberance of relative youth. The diversity of the
people within VTOS Athy allows for the articulation of
varied attitudes, opinions and insight, this further
compliments the learning environment that is promoted in
such a dedicated, passionate and professional manner by
all of the tutors involved. As articulated by one
student, the tutors form the rock upon which VTOS Athy
is built. If you aspire to change direction in
your life, or dare to dream of what can become, then
perhaps VTOS Athy is where you belong.
Finally
the members of team DARA would like to express their
gratitude to all those who participated at various
stages during our project, and also a special word of
thanks for everyone who has taken the time to read
through our presentation.
“Any
dream worth dreaming, is worth every effort to make it
come true”. Evan Gourley
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