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 Cory Crowley who graduated in 2010.
Name and position:
Cory Crowley - Diploma in Personal Training and Nutrition - Online PT/Nutrition/Life Coach.
Lives:
Clonakilty.
Best memory of Sacred Heart:
4th year - the whole thing, from start to finish, was honestly one of the best years of my life. Killary, hanging out in the USA (Upper Social Area) and trying so many different things. In hindsight, I’m glad transition year wasn’t optional. Had I been given the choice, I probably would have skipped it. I’m so happy that didn’t happen.
Also in 5th year we also had an “Appreciation Day” where a piece of A4 paper was stuck in the hallway and everyone got to write a kind message on it. Then, at the end of the day, you got to take it home. I still have mine - I’m rather sentimental.
What were your favourite classes?
Ms Bell’s English class - I feel like Ms Bell was one of those teachers who really “saw” me if that makes sense - she definitely made us feel like our opinions were valid and that we mattered.
LCVP with Ms Goggin - another absolute HERO - who treated us like her own ❤ and finally Biology - even if Sheila G didn’t think so! I really did love Biology which is probably why I find my current role so interesting.
Tell us about your career progression to date:
How long have you got?
SO, I finished school in 2010 had no clue what to do with my life. I ended up enrolling in UCC in a bid to keep my parents happy - I really disliked my course, so I dropped out, moved to Australia, lived there for 4 years, working various jobs. Then I found myself selling houses in Brisbane…very random. Then I moved home, continued to work in Real Estate and then got a job in accounts in Clonakilty Blackpudding. I worked there for 3/4 years. Finally, at the age of 27 I figured out what I was passionate about, which is helping people, so I enrolled to do a personal training course and a life coaching course. I qualified in 2019, then moved to the UK to work with a leading Nutrition company, Mac Nutrition, which didn’t quite work out. So, I moved home last year when COVID hit, and I thankfully got a job offer to work with someone who inspired the whole change in career path, and I don’t feel like I’ve “worked” a day since then.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?
Psychotherapy or Counselling. I just love working with people, my current job is incredibly rewarding, so if I wasn’t doing this, I would certainly try to pursue something similar.
Advice you would give your teenage self:
Don’t worry about not having everything worked out! Even the people who look like they’ve got it all worked out, certainly do not. We’re all just winging it. There is no blueprint to life, just do what makes you happy. Try not to spend too much time living up to the perceived expectations of others.
Favourite quote or motto?
Becoming is better than being - Carol Dweck.
It taught me to realise that the joy is in the journey and that’s where all the growth happens. Growth is more desirable than a permanent state.
What is your hidden talent?
Yoga - I’m obsessed! I’m pretty sure if any of my old teachers knew that this was my answer they would laugh out loud! The person I was in school would never have DREAMED of sitting with herself for more than 30 seconds. However, it has totally changed my life.
Huge thanks to Cory for taking the time to answer our questions.
See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link.
