On Thursday 14th of September , Our year all gathered in the social area at half to make our journey to Knock. Everyone as tired as each other as we only received our Junior Cert results the day before. We reached Knock at half 10 as we gathered in a function room full with other teachers and students from different schools in Connacht. Throughout the day we listened to a different guest speakers talking about there experiences etc.
First up was Fr. Peter McVerry to talk to us about homelessness. Fr McVerry is the founder of the 'Peter McVerry trust, this helps homeless people by sheltering them and listening to them to make them feel loved and wanted. He spoke about his experiences with homelessness and the stereotyping against them. He told us that even saying a hello to a homeless person means the world to them instead of walking past and ignoring them.
Next was Dr. Cara Augustenborg. Cara is chairperson of 'Friends of the earth'. Cara talked about climate change and the effects it has on todays world. Being truthful i did accidentally fall asleep at the table as i just didn't find it that interesting.
John Lonergon was up next, Former governor of Mountjoy prison . I was looking forward to his talk because i thought it would be interesting to hear about working with inmates and being in a prison everyday, I was slightly disappointed as he dodge that topic and talked al ot about Dublin vs mayo in the All Ireland football final. He also talked about the community and how important it is to make it a good
Now for the speaker that had me saddened when she stopped talking was Joanne Riordan. Joanne was born with no limbs, leaving her with no arms or legs. Joanne talked about her life and whats she's achieved in such a short space of time as she is only 21. Joanne is only one of 7 people in the world that are born without any limbs, but this doesn't stop her in doing what she believes in. She spoke about her trip to the U.N and how she gave a speech and it got standing ovation which she said was a big deal , she was also named as Young person of the year in 2014, shes also appeared on the Late Late show. She now has a robot that is being trained to do things she can't so someone doesn't have to constantly be with her. Joanne explained how she doesn't like the word disability but prefers the word 'unique. As she says herself ,No limbs, No limit's. Joanne used a lot of humour and had me laughing throughout her speech
Overall being 100% honest i found the day very long and boring until Joanne spoke. She really did make the day better , but i did have an enjoyable nap on the way home
First up was Fr. Peter McVerry to talk to us about homelessness. Fr McVerry is the founder of the 'Peter McVerry trust, this helps homeless people by sheltering them and listening to them to make them feel loved and wanted. He spoke about his experiences with homelessness and the stereotyping against them. He told us that even saying a hello to a homeless person means the world to them instead of walking past and ignoring them.
Next was Dr. Cara Augustenborg. Cara is chairperson of 'Friends of the earth'. Cara talked about climate change and the effects it has on todays world. Being truthful i did accidentally fall asleep at the table as i just didn't find it that interesting.
John Lonergon was up next, Former governor of Mountjoy prison . I was looking forward to his talk because i thought it would be interesting to hear about working with inmates and being in a prison everyday, I was slightly disappointed as he dodge that topic and talked al ot about Dublin vs mayo in the All Ireland football final. He also talked about the community and how important it is to make it a good
Now for the speaker that had me saddened when she stopped talking was Joanne Riordan. Joanne was born with no limbs, leaving her with no arms or legs. Joanne talked about her life and whats she's achieved in such a short space of time as she is only 21. Joanne is only one of 7 people in the world that are born without any limbs, but this doesn't stop her in doing what she believes in. She spoke about her trip to the U.N and how she gave a speech and it got standing ovation which she said was a big deal , she was also named as Young person of the year in 2014, shes also appeared on the Late Late show. She now has a robot that is being trained to do things she can't so someone doesn't have to constantly be with her. Joanne explained how she doesn't like the word disability but prefers the word 'unique. As she says herself ,No limbs, No limit's. Joanne used a lot of humour and had me laughing throughout her speech
Overall being 100% honest i found the day very long and boring until Joanne spoke. She really did make the day better , but i did have an enjoyable nap on the way home