Bridge to College Leadership Day at Trinity College

By Jack Walsh

On the Bridge to College Leadership Day, we had the exciting opportunity to present our posters and pictures to a panel of judges at Trinity College, one of Dublin’s most prestigious universities. This event brought together numerous schools from across Dublin, creating a vibrant atmosphere as we prepared for the day’s activities.

Presentation to Judges

The day began with all the schools presenting their creative posters and pictures to the judges. This was a great chance for us to showcase the hard work we had put into our projects, and to receive feedback from the judges. Everyone’s projects covered a wide range of topics, all aiming to highlight our leadership, creativity, and teamwork. It was inspiring to see the different ideas from other schools and the level of innovation that was present.

 The Quiz 

After our presentations, we moved to a large lecture hall, where we participated in an exciting quiz. The quiz was a fun way to test our knowledge, and it was a great opportunity to bond with other students. It was engaging and lighthearted, with everyone enjoying the competitive spirit.

Following the quiz, we were treated to a special lunch in a grand dining hall that resembled something out of a Harry Potter movie. The hall was large, with tall, majestic ceilings and long tables, creating an atmosphere that felt both magical and formal.

 Mentorship Talks

After lunch, we returned to the lecture hall for a talk by Georgia and Ciaran, the mentors of the Bridge program. They shared inspiring words about the importance of leadership and the potential each of us possess. They expressed how proud they were of all of us for completing the program, and encouraged us to continue building on the skills and values we learned.

Address by Local TD Garry Gannon

Next, we were honoured with a talk from Garry Gannon, the local TD. He spoke about the significance of leadership in today’s world and how important it is for young people to take initiative and make positive changes in their communities. His words resonated deeply with all of us, inspiring us to think about how we can apply our leadership skills in our daily lives.

Certificate Ceremony

One of the most memorable parts of the day was when we were called up individually to receive our certificates. It was a proud moment for everyone as we were recognized for our hard work and commitment throughout the program. The applause and cheers from our peers made the moment even more special.

Award Ceremonies

After the certificates, the event continued with several awards being handed out. The Student of the Year, Leader of the Year, and Team of the Year awards were presented, highlighting the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups throughout the program. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as each award was announced.

Finally, the top three projects were recognized for their exceptional quality and impact. These were the Project Awards, where the winners received accolades for their creativity and leadership. It was inspiring to see the range of projects that were presented, and it gave all of us new ideas and perspectives on what can be achieved through leadership.

Closing Remarks and Goodbye

As the event came to a close, we all gathered one last time to say goodbye to the mentors, judges, and fellow participants. It was an uplifting day that not only celebrated our accomplishments but also reinforced the importance of leadership and teamwork. Everyone left feeling motivated and proud of what had been achieved during the program.

The Bridge to College Leadership Day was a fantastic experience, filled with learning, fun, and moments of personal growth. It was an opportunity to meet new people, be inspired by others, and reflect on our own leadership journeys. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event and look forward to continuing to apply the lessons I learned in my future endeavours.