Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!
This is where we connect with past pupils and find out what they’re up to now.
This week we linked with Sarah O’Donovan who graduated in 2016.
Name and position:
Sarah O’Donovan, current final year student and personal trainer.
Lives:
Ballinascarthy.
Best memory of Sacred Heart:
I’ve so many random lovely memories, but the musical in TY (Voulez Vous) was definitely one of them! Great memories from all of 6th year, from prank week (whoops sorry), to sitting in the GPR with all our year having a sing song in the days before graduation!
Mr Pegler setting off the fire alarm every day always gives me a giggle, and the week in Cappenalea during Transition Year was amazing!
What were your favourite classes?
Home Economics and Biology.
Tell us about your career progression to date:
I started my BSc in Nutrition & Health Science in Munster Technological University (formerly CIT) after graduation in 2016. Upon deferring my final semester last year, I decided to fill my time and study to become a personal trainer and fitness instructor, something I’ve always had an interest in. I have a passion for all things nutrition and health and the PT course really tied in with everything. I really fell in love with the industry and the work.
I am currently finishing up my final exams for my BSc and hope to work in the nutrition/PT field after, what exactly that role/area is yet I’m not 100% sure, but as long as I get to help people on their journey to a healthier life and relationship with their bodies and food, I’ll be happy and grateful.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?
I always liked the idea of teaching Home Ec or Biology!
Advice you would give your teenage self:
Don’t stress (which is easier said than done I know). I remember freaking out in 5th/6th year trying to decide what I want to do with the rest of my life, trying to pick courses and fill out my CAO.
Taking a step back and deferring my final semester and this past year (thank you, Covid) has taught me a lot about myself. I still have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life/ career, but I am enjoying the journey of trying to figure that out. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut and try things out, you’ll never know until you try if something is for you or not.
Favourite quote or motto?
“Everything happens for a reason” because it absolutely does, you may not see it at the time, or want to accept it, but there is a reason for everything!
What is your hidden talent?
I can drink a scary amount of tea in a day.
There is also a possibility that I still know all the dances, songs and lines from Voulez Vous…
Huge thanks to Sarah for taking the time to answer our questions! We wish her all the best in the future.
See you next week for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link!
