Paul from Cootehill, Co Cavan attended Beech Hill College, Monaghan.

"I came to Cavan Institute in September 2016 to do the Nursing Studies course with the intention of trying to get to adult nursing in Dublin. I had left school at 15 without any education. After only two months at Cavan Institute I discovered it was possible to study adult nursing in the UK. I then applied for some universities in London and also in Dublin. With the results I gained at Cavan institute I was offered two universities in London and also Trinity College Dublin. I am 100 percent certain I would not be at London South Bank University today without having attended Cavan Institute last year.

I am at present half way through my first year and doing my placements at one of the bigger hospitals in the centre of London. Doing the nursing studies course was the perfect stepping stone for my first year at London South Bank University. The first year at university is very similar to the year I had at Cavan Institute. I found all the Cavan Institute lecturers in the nursing studies course very helpful and they work tirelessly to help students gain places at different universities. This varies from helping with personal statements or advice on nursing matters as all the lecturers at Cavan Institute are fully experienced nurses with different nursing backgrounds.

The nursing studies course is designed perfectly in all modules to help the nursing student progress to the next academic level.

Also while at Cavan institute I was chairperson of the students committee. I found this a great way of meeting other students studying in other disciplines.

Once again, I am very grateful to everyone at Cavan Institute for giving me the opportunity that I have now in front of me in the UK and my future career as a nurse."