Stratford Past Pupils Look Back: Ciara Murphy

Since leaving Stratford College in 2011, my student life has been full of surprises. Although in sixth year I grew to enjoy nearly every subject, I was always most interested in English and Classics, which led me to believe a career in journalism was for me. 

For years I had intended on going into Psychology and training to be a counsellor, however the ‘Leaving Cert fear’ hit me in 6th Year and made me believe I would never get the points for any course I wanted in that field.  Initially, I went on to study Journalism in DCU for three years and, although I felt there was a lot to learn in the course, I couldn’t help but think I was going down the wrong path. After reapplying through the CAO in 2012 and getting accepted into Social Work in Trinity College Dublin — I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Although the course itself is very challenging, I have learnt so much and grown so much through it. As well as a heavy workload on the academic side, we are also put on four placements throughout the four year course, and since enrolling I have had the pleasure of working with teenagers, the elderly, refugees and asylum seekers and persons in extremely vulnerable communities. I was even able to do an international placement in London for Jesuit Refugee Service throughout last Summer.

During my time at Stratford,  I met so many wonderful people, both friends and teachers, with whom I am luckily still in close contact. The teachers in Stratford College are fabulous at their jobs; I wouldn’t be where I am now without their help and support. 

Ciara Murphy

Read the 60 Years A Growing eBook for more Stratford memories.