Joanne Shanley

I had absolutely no confidence and I didn't get on that well in school. I left at 18 and did various different jobs for about six years but didn't really know what I wanted to do. My dad John came here last year to do his Junior Cert. Dad coming here gave me the confidence to try this year. The teachers here are so different, really encouraging. It's not at all like school and I feel a lot happier about learning this time round.

Zhyan Sharif

I'm from Kurdistan in northern Iraq. My three children speak English and they are always laughing at the funny things I say when my English gets mixed up. So, I really wanted to improve that and learn some computer skills. The college is close to home and the teachers are so helpful but I do find it a little difficult looking after my husband, children and the house while I study . . . but I think it's worth it.

Joan Dunne

I left school at 14 and worked in a clothing factory for 45 years. It closed in March. I cannot begin to explain how much joy I feel now that I am learning again. I am doing nine subjects and I just can't get enough. Our teachers are excellent - really encouraging and helpful. I find it so interesting - maybe everyone should do their education like me. Eventually I would love to go on to third level.

Vivienne Morris

I'm at the start of my Leaving Cert course and I'm really happy to be back getting an education. I left school at 15 so I was a bit nervous about coming back, but my husband and my daughter really encouraged me. I'm doing five subjects and it's grand really. We don't get too much homework at this stage but I'm enjoying the studying so far and the teachers make you realise you get out of it what you put in.

Liam Woolhead

I came back to college because I need my Leaving Cert for what I want to do. I would really love to be in the Air Corps or to be a journalist. It is brilliant here and the teachers are so nice. We're here every day, Monday to Friday so we get a lot of time and help from the teachers. The college here is great, I'd recommend it to anyone. The point is you have a chance for a better future with a better education.

Mary McGuigan

I was living and working in France for 11 years. I left school in Belfast after my GCSEs but I always wanted to return to education. I have a daughter so while we were living in France I couldn't afford the fees for college or to stop work. On the VTOS I can do that. The teachers here are exceptional and so encouraging. I am finding the whole experience so interesting and challenging.