Ali Khanof Presentation Brothers College in Cork chose his voluntary work because it was near home. It was a lucky decision

You often hear that transition year is "a complete doss", almost to the point of boredom. That's what I expected it to be when I started, last September. But, although there has been less emphasis than usual on the academic side of school, many interesting and rewarding activities have filled the gap.

For me, they have included two weeks of voluntary work during November. I decided to apply to Share, an organisation involved in caring for the elderly that is, coincidentally, largely supported by my school.

I had no idea what to expect, and when I got the placement I was both happy and anxious. Luckily, a good friend was to work with me for the two weeks - but on the first day I had to turn up alone, as my friend had to travel up the country for family reasons.

When I got to the centre I was shown around by some of the full-time workers. I was offered a hot drink and told I could familiarise myself with the centre and play some snooker until the elderly people came in. So that's what I did - and it calmed my nerves considerably. After 15 minutes or so an elderly man came in. I wasn't sure what to do - should I greet him? - so I decided to hold my ground. As he passed the snooker table I gave him a casual hello and a slightly apprehensive look. To my great surprise he asked me very kindly for a game of snooker. I agreed happily, although I was slightly unsure about how well I should try to play, expecting age to be a hindrance for him. He broke and, three shots into the match, I realised I had underestimated the man. As I later found out, he had been a local snooker champion when he was younger, and he was the centre's reigning champion.

There was a host of characters there, spanning from the jolly to the slightly more conservative. My friend and I enjoyed their childhood tales about going on the "lang" and the simple pleasures they enjoyed in more innocent times, as it seemed to us. As they became more nostalgic we became more interested; we spent most of our time playing snooker with them, helping them with their activities - their favourite being bingo - or just chatting as they had their morning tea or coffee.

The general atmosphere was of quiet relaxation, a tranquil haven where the elderly could enjoy their golden years. It was a joy to work there and was indeed a splendid way to spend two weeks and to give back to society and the people who helped to shape it.

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