I wanted to be a nurse all my life but hated school after my dad died – now I'm making dream come true, says Donegal mum
A MUM-of-five is training to be a nurse three decades after leaving education at the age of 18.
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Tracey Calpin is training to be a nurse
Credit: Naoise Culhane
Now completing a tertiary bachelor's degree, Tracey told The Irish Sun: 'Your life completely changes. You're doing things you never thought you'd ever do.'
With dreams of becoming a nurse when she was younger, life took a tragic turn for Tracey with the sudden death of her dad.
Tracey told us: 'My dad died just before I went to secondary
'So I completely rebelled. I hated school, I wouldn't go to school. I didn't want anything to do with school. But I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was very small.'
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When Tracey had her first child, her
She said: 'When I had my first kid I was 18 then, and it (education) was never going to happen.
"So I put it to the back of my head. It's never going to be.'
The Letterkenny woman had hopes of becoming a mature student but felt it was a 'lottery' to get a place on a course.
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She said: 'I always knew I wanted to be a nurse but raising my family-of-five took priority.
'One day, someone told me about the tertiary bachelor's degree route. Immediately I knew this was for me.
Nineties kids TV presenter, 56, has barely aged a day in 20 years since legendary show as she gets an honorary degree
'With the second year finishing up, I still can't believe how well I am doing.
'My kids are also proud which is so motivating. What's great about my degree is I gained a Healthcare Assistant qualification, so I can work during the summer while working on my future.'
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With goals of becoming a palliative care nurse, Tracey took on work placement at her local hospice.
'SO REWARDING'
She said: 'I was working with sick people. That's when I knew I was where I was supposed to be. It's hard, but it's so rewarding. It's amazing.
'In my last placement, we had an end stage motor neuron disease patient who was very, very scared.
'But I just sat with her and did mouth care on her. It relaxed her a bit and it was just amazing to be part of that.'
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The Donegal mum admitted that if she hadn't taken the step to go back to studying, she would be stuck doing the "mundane stuff'.
'SAYING YES TO EVERYTHING'
Tracey said: 'I'm saying yes to everything. There's so many extras you get, especially at the university.
'You can do a suicide awareness course. We're taking preschoolers in to fix their teddy bears, bandage them up and just things like that. It really does make your life that bit better.'
'So I completely rebelled. I hated school, I wouldn't go to school. I didn't want anything to do with school. But I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was very small.'
Tracey Calpin
The Atlantic Technological University student said: 'I'm sure there's plenty of people who were sitting at home like me watching
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'I think they're just brilliant for giving people that chance to realise what they can be.
"It's absolutely amazing the whole thing.'
For others hoping to follow in Tracey's footsteps, the mum-of-five told how communication is the key in nursing.
She said: 'You're having to talk to people. They're most vulnerable, so you need to know how to communicate effectively.
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'I think you do need a passion for it - for nursing, especially.'
GO FOR IT
Tracey added: "Do not let fear, your age, or anything stand in your way.
'If you have to be a bit selfish, be a bit selfish, because it's all for the greater good in the end.
'Because your family will be enriched from you being happy and in a better job.
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'I can't stress enough what a great opportunity it is for people.'
There are currently 38 tertiary bachelors' degrees now open for applicants across the country for the upcoming academic year.
'THERE'S A PATH FOR YOU'
Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless said: "I'm pleased to launch the third round of tertiary degree programmes.
'These initiatives are giving more students than ever the chance to pursue their ambitions without being tied down by the CAO points race.
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'I understand that many young people feel anxious about their educational future, worrying each year if their Leaving Certificate results will be enough to get into the course they want.
'These programmes ensure that your exam results won't limit your options. If you're willing to study and work hard, there's a path for you in tertiary education."
To find out more information about Tertiary Bachelors' Degrees and to apply visit
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Tracey is a second year BSc Nursing student
Credit: Naoise Culhane
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There are 38 Tertiary Bachelors' Degrees now open for applicants
Credit: Naoise Culhane
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