OPERATION SMILE COMMUNITY SERVICE
On Monday the 9th of april to Friday the 13th of April I did work experience in the Operation Smile Ireland branch in Dublin. I really felt like I was contributing to the charity cause. I arrived at ten am on the Monday morning and was greeted by the head of Op Smile Ireland, Teri. I knew Teri well as I travelled to Rome for Operation Smile with her during the summer. Teri gave me a tour of the office and then got me to fill out a few sheets describing what a charity is. I then spent a lot of the day packing sponsorship envelops to send out to donors in Ireland. this was boring and time consuming, but it was a great feeling to have everything done when i finished. After lunch I talked to Teri about the bake sale that I was doing in school for Operation Smile. She was very impressed and offered many ideas and resources to help me work out how best to do it. She said that later in the week I could print posters and take Op Smile T-shirts from the warehouse. On the Tuesday I packed more sponsorship letters to send out to donors. I planned more for my school Bake sale and came up with the ideas for the posters. The Wednesday i went started a project where I designed an add for op smile. I used footage of past missions to put together a 15 minute inspiring video. On Thursday I spent the day scripting that video. I then sent it into the UK branch of Op Smile. Hopefully I will see it on T.V. One day. On Friday I got to open the responses to the letters I sent out. Lots of people had responded with donations. I felt proud to have something to do with these donations. That afternoon I printed posters for my school bake sale, as well as gathering the Operation Smile merchandise from the warehouse. It was not as emotional saying goodbye as my other work experiences, because I knew I would see them again. After seeing the work that comes from donating, I am more inspired than ever to work with this charity. I can't wait to get involved again, and I hope my bake sale goes well for them.
On Monday the 9th of april to Friday the 13th of April I did work experience in the Operation Smile Ireland branch in Dublin. I really felt like I was contributing to the charity cause. I arrived at ten am on the Monday morning and was greeted by the head of Op Smile Ireland, Teri. I knew Teri well as I travelled to Rome for Operation Smile with her during the summer. Teri gave me a tour of the office and then got me to fill out a few sheets describing what a charity is. I then spent a lot of the day packing sponsorship envelops to send out to donors in Ireland. this was boring and time consuming, but it was a great feeling to have everything done when i finished. After lunch I talked to Teri about the bake sale that I was doing in school for Operation Smile. She was very impressed and offered many ideas and resources to help me work out how best to do it. She said that later in the week I could print posters and take Op Smile T-shirts from the warehouse. On the Tuesday I packed more sponsorship letters to send out to donors. I planned more for my school Bake sale and came up with the ideas for the posters. The Wednesday i went started a project where I designed an add for op smile. I used footage of past missions to put together a 15 minute inspiring video. On Thursday I spent the day scripting that video. I then sent it into the UK branch of Op Smile. Hopefully I will see it on T.V. One day. On Friday I got to open the responses to the letters I sent out. Lots of people had responded with donations. I felt proud to have something to do with these donations. That afternoon I printed posters for my school bake sale, as well as gathering the Operation Smile merchandise from the warehouse. It was not as emotional saying goodbye as my other work experiences, because I knew I would see them again. After seeing the work that comes from donating, I am more inspired than ever to work with this charity. I can't wait to get involved again, and I hope my bake sale goes well for them.
TRINITY BLOG
On Monday the 5th to Friday the 9th of march I was part of a work experience programme in the civil engineering department of trinity college. This experience involved travelling to and from trinity college every day, and taking part in different lectures, presentations, lab works and various jobs around the department. On Monday I was given the tour of the department. I was shown the different labs and places in the building. that day I spent mostly getting an idea of what life and work was like in trinity college, as well as getting to see all the behind the scenes work done by the technicians and staff to prepare for students coming in for their classes. I also spoke do a few students about their projects that they were doing for their masters. On Tuesday I came in and first off was given the job of dismantling a past students project. this was actually very interesting as I got to see how he had put everything together and how he had connected the circuits to the UV lights. After this, I took part in a concrete lab. In this I was put into a class of second year civil engineering students as we learnt how to make and test concrete. I really enjoyed this class and it was a real eye opener on how college practical lessons work. That afternoon I had another demonstration in the hydraulics lab. I learnt how pumps can be used in series and parallel, much like resistors in electricity. On Wednesday I got the chance to watch some concrete cylinders being tested. Samples of concrete had been taken and the technicians in the Lab were using a 300 tonne press to see how much weight the concrete could hold. I really enjoyed watching the concrete break, especially after learning how to make concrete the day before. We also tested a series of concrete substitutes, such as concrete mixed with rubber from car wheels and concrete mixed with recycled concrete from old buildings. On Thursday morning I attended a first year lab course. We were given the challenge of building a bridge out of wire and thin wood, and seeing how much it could hold. My group went awful, with a horrible bridge design and a max weight of 43 Newtons. However, even though we lost, I really enjoyed this exercise and had a good laugh with the students I was with. That afternoon I helped clean and work in some of the labs around the compound. On Friday morning I had a lecture in the general science labs, on thermodynamics. This was actually really interesting and I managed to follow most of what was being said. For lunch that day my boss took me and the team out for lunch. I felt this was a real nice way to say goodbye to the team. That afternoon I wrote an email to a student I had been talking to on Monday. I gave him a suggestion of a material to use as a mould in his project. He was very grateful of the idea and I think it may be the one he ends up using. At the end of the day on Friday it was time for me to say goodbye. It was sad saying goodbye to the team, but I got their emails and promised to return to visit them over the years. This was an amazing experience and has drifted me towards the path of civil engineering as a career choice.
On Monday the 5th to Friday the 9th of march I was part of a work experience programme in the civil engineering department of trinity college. This experience involved travelling to and from trinity college every day, and taking part in different lectures, presentations, lab works and various jobs around the department. On Monday I was given the tour of the department. I was shown the different labs and places in the building. that day I spent mostly getting an idea of what life and work was like in trinity college, as well as getting to see all the behind the scenes work done by the technicians and staff to prepare for students coming in for their classes. I also spoke do a few students about their projects that they were doing for their masters. On Tuesday I came in and first off was given the job of dismantling a past students project. this was actually very interesting as I got to see how he had put everything together and how he had connected the circuits to the UV lights. After this, I took part in a concrete lab. In this I was put into a class of second year civil engineering students as we learnt how to make and test concrete. I really enjoyed this class and it was a real eye opener on how college practical lessons work. That afternoon I had another demonstration in the hydraulics lab. I learnt how pumps can be used in series and parallel, much like resistors in electricity. On Wednesday I got the chance to watch some concrete cylinders being tested. Samples of concrete had been taken and the technicians in the Lab were using a 300 tonne press to see how much weight the concrete could hold. I really enjoyed watching the concrete break, especially after learning how to make concrete the day before. We also tested a series of concrete substitutes, such as concrete mixed with rubber from car wheels and concrete mixed with recycled concrete from old buildings. On Thursday morning I attended a first year lab course. We were given the challenge of building a bridge out of wire and thin wood, and seeing how much it could hold. My group went awful, with a horrible bridge design and a max weight of 43 Newtons. However, even though we lost, I really enjoyed this exercise and had a good laugh with the students I was with. That afternoon I helped clean and work in some of the labs around the compound. On Friday morning I had a lecture in the general science labs, on thermodynamics. This was actually really interesting and I managed to follow most of what was being said. For lunch that day my boss took me and the team out for lunch. I felt this was a real nice way to say goodbye to the team. That afternoon I wrote an email to a student I had been talking to on Monday. I gave him a suggestion of a material to use as a mould in his project. He was very grateful of the idea and I think it may be the one he ends up using. At the end of the day on Friday it was time for me to say goodbye. It was sad saying goodbye to the team, but I got their emails and promised to return to visit them over the years. This was an amazing experience and has drifted me towards the path of civil engineering as a career choice.
O'GORMAN PROPERTIES BLOG
On Monday the 26th and Tuesday the 27th of February I did work experience in o Gorman properties in greystones. I had a lot of fun and was annoyed that it only lasted two days. On the Monday When I went in I had the job of answering the phones for the first hour. Then, one of the ladies who worked there and I drove to Kilcoole for an inspection of a house there. It was fun in the car as we talked about all the different types of clients she would get and the experiences she would have at the office. That day I did a few inspections, of all over the Wicklow area. We moved a Spanish couple into a house in bray and renewed a lease of a tenant in arklow. On Tuesday it was too cold to go outside so I worked at the desk for the day. I answered the phone, labels files and did market research. I actually found the research very interesting as I got to see how their personal database worked. I enjoyed this work experience and was annoyed when it was called short because of the snow. I would definitely recommend working in a smaller real estate agency then a big one because I was deeply involved in the work being done and I got to see the business side of it rather than just the real estate. Hopefully I will get to finish this week later in the year.
On Monday the 26th and Tuesday the 27th of February I did work experience in o Gorman properties in greystones. I had a lot of fun and was annoyed that it only lasted two days. On the Monday When I went in I had the job of answering the phones for the first hour. Then, one of the ladies who worked there and I drove to Kilcoole for an inspection of a house there. It was fun in the car as we talked about all the different types of clients she would get and the experiences she would have at the office. That day I did a few inspections, of all over the Wicklow area. We moved a Spanish couple into a house in bray and renewed a lease of a tenant in arklow. On Tuesday it was too cold to go outside so I worked at the desk for the day. I answered the phone, labels files and did market research. I actually found the research very interesting as I got to see how their personal database worked. I enjoyed this work experience and was annoyed when it was called short because of the snow. I would definitely recommend working in a smaller real estate agency then a big one because I was deeply involved in the work being done and I got to see the business side of it rather than just the real estate. Hopefully I will get to finish this week later in the year.
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB
On Monday the 20th of November I took part in the Sydney harbour bridge expedition and also claimed to the summit. First when I got there, I got changed into the gear required and did the safety practices. Then they told us a little bit of the bridges history. After this we headed out onto the bridge. First we saw the underneath of the bridge. I found this part amazing because of how symmetrical everything was as The builders only had pen and paper to plan this. Then after a bit of walking we saw the Sydney opera house. It was awesome. We continued to climb up passages until we began our ascent up the arch. Once we reached the top the sight was unbelievable. The Sydney opera house appeared to be glowing. The whole walk we were also being told about the history of the bridge through our headsets. After reaching the top we took photos and then began walking down again. This was really an amazing experience and I would strongly recommend it to anyone if they are in Sydney.
On Monday the 20th of November I took part in the Sydney harbour bridge expedition and also claimed to the summit. First when I got there, I got changed into the gear required and did the safety practices. Then they told us a little bit of the bridges history. After this we headed out onto the bridge. First we saw the underneath of the bridge. I found this part amazing because of how symmetrical everything was as The builders only had pen and paper to plan this. Then after a bit of walking we saw the Sydney opera house. It was awesome. We continued to climb up passages until we began our ascent up the arch. Once we reached the top the sight was unbelievable. The Sydney opera house appeared to be glowing. The whole walk we were also being told about the history of the bridge through our headsets. After reaching the top we took photos and then began walking down again. This was really an amazing experience and I would strongly recommend it to anyone if they are in Sydney.
FCA WORK EXPERIENCE
On Monday the 20th of November I went into the Federal court of Australia to sit in on a court appeal. When I got in that morning I was greeted by a judge called Justice Durkan. He then brought me up to meet the Chief Justice, who is basically the head of all judges in the country. After this I was brought into the courtroom and shown where to sit. I waited until the judges came in and under went the process of standing when they entered. In federal court appeals, there is no jury, only three judges. One of these was justice Durkan, and the other was the Chief Justice. An appeal is when a matter has been decided by a judge in a another court, but one party has been unhappy and asked for the matter to be reheard. This hearing was between "Angus security trust limited" and "O'reilly ltd " Angus security was demanding that O'reilly ltd pay for their legal costs from the last trial. I found this hearing really interesting, although hard to follow. I myself don't want to become a lawyer but I would recommend any of my friends to sit into a court room hearing if the opportunity comes up.
On Monday the 20th of November I went into the Federal court of Australia to sit in on a court appeal. When I got in that morning I was greeted by a judge called Justice Durkan. He then brought me up to meet the Chief Justice, who is basically the head of all judges in the country. After this I was brought into the courtroom and shown where to sit. I waited until the judges came in and under went the process of standing when they entered. In federal court appeals, there is no jury, only three judges. One of these was justice Durkan, and the other was the Chief Justice. An appeal is when a matter has been decided by a judge in a another court, but one party has been unhappy and asked for the matter to be reheard. This hearing was between "Angus security trust limited" and "O'reilly ltd " Angus security was demanding that O'reilly ltd pay for their legal costs from the last trial. I found this hearing really interesting, although hard to follow. I myself don't want to become a lawyer but I would recommend any of my friends to sit into a court room hearing if the opportunity comes up.
QANTAS WORK EXPERIENCE
On Monday the 13th to Friday the 17th of November I did work experience in the Sydney Qantas engineering head quarters. Qantas is the Australian version of Aer Lingus. I was there for a week and during that time I visited all areas of the campus. The main building had three parts, A, B and C. For most of the week I was in C. On the first day I had a tour of the campus. I saw all the different levels and departments and how they worked together to solve problems with flights. On the second day I got to sit in with a representative of each of the main sections. I talked to people from Boeing, Airbus, communications, catering and weather. I was really interested to see the jobs they had around the office and how their decisions influenced flights around the world. On Wednesday I was introduced to an "agile problem solving team", lead by Gerald Pendergast. I worked with him and his team designing an app that had all the live information an engineer needs to fix a plane. This work was very interesting and I felt I was really part of the team. One of my jobs was locating important phone numbers and putting them into a spread sheet to go onto the app. I continued this work on Thursday and also helped choose the layout of the app. On Friday I went down to the domestic terminal for the day. This was very fun and I got to help the taxiing of 3 planes out onto the runway. I also got to do a flight simulation. This was very fun. All in all I really enjoyed this work experience as I felt like I was involved in what was happening. This has influenced me into thinking about aerodynamic engineering when I'm older. I would really recommend an airline work experience to any of my friends.
On Monday the 13th to Friday the 17th of November I did work experience in the Sydney Qantas engineering head quarters. Qantas is the Australian version of Aer Lingus. I was there for a week and during that time I visited all areas of the campus. The main building had three parts, A, B and C. For most of the week I was in C. On the first day I had a tour of the campus. I saw all the different levels and departments and how they worked together to solve problems with flights. On the second day I got to sit in with a representative of each of the main sections. I talked to people from Boeing, Airbus, communications, catering and weather. I was really interested to see the jobs they had around the office and how their decisions influenced flights around the world. On Wednesday I was introduced to an "agile problem solving team", lead by Gerald Pendergast. I worked with him and his team designing an app that had all the live information an engineer needs to fix a plane. This work was very interesting and I felt I was really part of the team. One of my jobs was locating important phone numbers and putting them into a spread sheet to go onto the app. I continued this work on Thursday and also helped choose the layout of the app. On Friday I went down to the domestic terminal for the day. This was very fun and I got to help the taxiing of 3 planes out onto the runway. I also got to do a flight simulation. This was very fun. All in all I really enjoyed this work experience as I felt like I was involved in what was happening. This has influenced me into thinking about aerodynamic engineering when I'm older. I would really recommend an airline work experience to any of my friends.
BAKING AND MARKET WORK EXPERIENCE
From 14th to the 17th of November I lived with my uncle and helped him as a baker. He runs a small business in Australia that sells Irish Soda Bread. This work was fun yet difficult and tiring. As part of being a baker, he has to wake up very early to deliver bread to his markets. We woke up at 4 most morning I was there. I slept in the car until I was needed to help load or unload bread. What usually happened is we'd do all the deliveries and then do all the collection of ingredients. We would be driving for about an hour between stops, and we did not arrive home at his until about five most days. When we arrived home we would then work on his house, as they were in the process of renovation. One of the days, my cousin and I did a market for him. This was actually quite fun and insightful into how markets work. I sampled while my cousin worked with the money. This experience was interesting and fun at times, but also boring and difficult at others. I was very tired and my arms hurt from lifting bread. However I would recommend that if the opportunity arises where a student could do market work experience that they take it, as it was very beneficial.
From 14th to the 17th of November I lived with my uncle and helped him as a baker. He runs a small business in Australia that sells Irish Soda Bread. This work was fun yet difficult and tiring. As part of being a baker, he has to wake up very early to deliver bread to his markets. We woke up at 4 most morning I was there. I slept in the car until I was needed to help load or unload bread. What usually happened is we'd do all the deliveries and then do all the collection of ingredients. We would be driving for about an hour between stops, and we did not arrive home at his until about five most days. When we arrived home we would then work on his house, as they were in the process of renovation. One of the days, my cousin and I did a market for him. This was actually quite fun and insightful into how markets work. I sampled while my cousin worked with the money. This experience was interesting and fun at times, but also boring and difficult at others. I was very tired and my arms hurt from lifting bread. However I would recommend that if the opportunity arises where a student could do market work experience that they take it, as it was very beneficial.
LADY EVE COOKING CLASS BLOGS
On the 17th to the 19th of October, I took part in a cooking class in Dublin. It was a great experience that I really enjoyed. on the first day we sat and watched her run through some basic recipes. Then after lunch, we split into groups and tried to cook these recipes ourselves. It was fun working together to cook our recipes. Hugo, cillain and I cooked an apple tart and a tomato soup. The next day had the same layout. Cillian and I cooked a meat stew and some chicken nuggets. They actually tasted nice which was a suprise. The last day Jack and I were in a group together and we cooked a batch of oatmeal cookies and a burger. This entire course was very fun and good for me, as it allowed me to learn to cook under an experienced chef. I have made many of these meals at home for dinner. This is a course I would recommend to any student interested in learning to cook.
On the 17th to the 19th of October, I took part in a cooking class in Dublin. It was a great experience that I really enjoyed. on the first day we sat and watched her run through some basic recipes. Then after lunch, we split into groups and tried to cook these recipes ourselves. It was fun working together to cook our recipes. Hugo, cillain and I cooked an apple tart and a tomato soup. The next day had the same layout. Cillian and I cooked a meat stew and some chicken nuggets. They actually tasted nice which was a suprise. The last day Jack and I were in a group together and we cooked a batch of oatmeal cookies and a burger. This entire course was very fun and good for me, as it allowed me to learn to cook under an experienced chef. I have made many of these meals at home for dinner. This is a course I would recommend to any student interested in learning to cook.