Hi, my name is Eimear Walsh and my journey with TUS Athlone began when I moved away from home at 18, leaving Donegal behind to start a chapter I knew very little about. At the time, I didn’t know the town, didn’t know a single person, and had no clear picture of what the next four years would hold. While it felt daunting at first (and a very long way from home), Athlone slowly became a second home, shaped by the people, experiences and opportunities I encountered along the way.

Like many people leaving school, I didn’t have everything figured out. For a long time, I thought teaching was the obvious path. It felt like a stable option, and I liked the idea of being able to see the beginning, middle and end of your impact. Right up until sixth year, it was the plan I always came back to. However, when I came across the Digital Marketing course at TUS Athlone and started looking through the course objectives and modules, I realised this was something I would be genuinely interested in. I remember telling my family and friends and being met with a few surprised reactions, as I had been so set on teaching for years. I was a little unsure myself about taking such a jump into something completely different.

What really helped me make that decision was a Zoom call with Claire O’Connor, who was the Student Recruitment Officer at the time. That conversation gave me the clarity and confidence I needed, and it’s one I’ll never forget. Looking back now, it truly was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was also incredibly fortunate to later work alongside Claire as part of the Student Ambassador Programme for two years, something that made the experience feel even more full circle.

I completed my degree at TUS Athlone, proudly graduating with a First Class Honours (1:1). What stood out to me most throughout my time at TUS was the strong sense of community. The small class sizes meant I truly got to know my classmates and lecturers, who were always supportive, approachable and genuinely invested in our growth. It felt like the perfect balance of academic learning and practical, real-world experience.

Throughout my degree, I was lucky to be involved in a wide range of opportunities that helped shape both my personal and professional development. Highlights included taking part in the Digital Speaker Series, where we heard from leading industry voices such as LinkedIn and Gym+Coffee, as well as visiting organisations like Croke Park, Google and the Guinness Storehouse. These experiences brought learning beyond the classroom and gave valuable insight into the industries I hoped to work in.

Since graduating, I’ve made my way back home and am now working full-time as a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Donegal Airport. It’s been a great full-circle moment, applying everything I learned at TUS while being back in familiar surroundings, with slightly better views than a lecture theatre.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of everything I gained during my time at TUS Athlone, from the skills and confidence to the friendships and experiences that shaped my journey. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out, sometimes, the best way to discover your direction is to take the leap, even if it feels a little scary at first. I’m delighted to now be an Alumni Ambassador, as it gives me the opportunity to maintain a lifelong connection with TUS and stay involved with a place that played such a big role in my development. It’s something I feel very lucky to be part of, and I don’t doubt it won’t be the last chapter I write with TUS.