Beth O'Brien, class of 2015

What do you miss the most about Muckross life?
''I miss being around my friends every day! We definitely took it for granted at the time, especially in 6th Year, when we often spent more time at school than at home. The Muckross girls are still my closest friends and particularly in these strange times, I miss being able to see them.''

What's your favourite Muckross memory?
''There were so many amazing memories, but one that stands out in particular is winning the All-Ireland basketball championship with the Senior Team when I was in 6th Year. The whole school came to see the match out in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght and we won in the last few minutes of the match - there was such a great sense of school spirit at big matches like that one.''

''After leaving Muckross, I went to Trinity and did a degree in European Studies with French and Spanish, a year of which was spent on Erasmus in Spain. After graduating from college, I went to Ballymaloe Cookery School in Co. Cork to do their 12-week Certificate Course, which was incredible. I made so many great friends and learned a lot. I moved to London after the course with some of my Ballymaloe friends to work as a chef. Unfortunately, it's all been interrupted by Covid-19, so I'm back home in Dublin for a while. While I'm here, I've been keeping busy by delivering sourdough starter kits and care packages in my area.''

Advice for your 18 year old self:
''It sounds like a cliché, but don't be afraid to follow your passion and take risks. I ended up taking a bit of a roundabout route but now I'm doing what I love and it's so worthwhile.''

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