'It's never too late to shine. Reach for your own personal star,it's worth it.'

'It's never too late to shine. Reach for your own personal star,it's worth it.'

Norma reflects on the experiences that shaped her life.

Norma McCullough

Trinity College Dublin

2012

This item is protected by original copyright

This content may be downloaded and used (with attribution) for research,teaching or private study. It may not be used for commercial purposes without permission.

Norma McCullough

Reflections

Life Story

Belfast

2010s

I was one of the first to sit the dreaded 11 plus exam,which I failed,even though I was on the borderline to pass. This affected me deeply as I thought I had let my parents down. However,it also motivated me to work hard and take an interest in everything around me. I did lots of courses and eventually,years later,after two marriages,five children and the tragic loss of a much loved so,I decided to further my education to make him and my other children proud of me. I got a certificate in community development then went on to do an access course in Women's Studies and was offered a place in Queens University Belfast . At the age of sixty one I passed my driving test and received my bus pass. Now as I reach my seventies,my proud family are wondering what mountain I'll be climbing next. As I tell my many grandchildren,never give up on your dreams. Its never too late to shine,reach for your own personal star,its worth it.

Irish Research Council for Arts,Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)