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After moving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Roland Yengo has successfully secured a place at IADT to study Creative Computing, marking a historic milestone for his family.
Roland Yengo is embarking on a transformative journey that symbolizes the power of education and the pursuit of a brighter future. A seventeen-year-old who originally hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Roland has spent the last several years integrating into Irish society and pursuing academic excellence.
His journey took a significant turn when he moved to Ireland during his first year of secondary school, enrolling at St Aidan’s Community School in Tallaght. This transition was not merely a change of location but a leap into a completely different educational system and culture. Now, after years of hard work and dedication, he has reached a pivotal milestone by securing a place in his first-choice college course during the initial round of the Central Applications Office offers.
The excitement of this achievement was nearly overshadowed by a modern technological quirk. Roland discovered that he had been accepted into his preferred program via a text message before he even had the opportunity to log into the official system. While he jokingly mentioned that this spoiled the surprise he had hoped for, the underlying joy was unmistakable. For Roland and his mother, Malila, this success is deeply meaningful.
He is the first member of his family to sit the Leaving Certificate examinations and the first to transition into the third-level education system in Ireland. This achievement represents a breakthrough for the family, paving the way for future generations to pursue higher academic goals. The path to this success was not without its challenges.
Roland describes the experience of the Leaving Cert as one of the most stressful periods of his life, characterized by high-pressure State exams and a demanding schedule of projects. However, he also reflects on the experience with fondness, noting that the social bonds formed at school and the support provided by the faculty made the process enjoyable.
He specifically highlighted the importance of the guidance counselor at St Aidan’s, whose support provided a necessary safety net during the most intense moments of study. Despite the stress, his academic performance was stellar, with his final points significantly exceeding the minimum requirements from the previous year. Looking ahead, Roland is set to begin a degree in Creative Computing at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, known as IADT, in Dún Laoghaire.
This particular field of study appeals to his interests in both technology and creativity. While he has not yet set foot on the physical campus, he has thoroughly explored the facilities through an online tour and is eager to visit in person before the term begins. His long-term professional ambitions are clear; he envisions a career as either a software engineer or a user experience designer, roles that would allow him to blend technical proficiency with intuitive design.
Beyond the classroom, Roland is keen to embrace the holistic experience of college life. He is particularly interested in the social aspects of university, such as building new connections and joining student societies. Given his passion for the performing arts, he is specifically hoping to find a drama society where he can continue to explore his creative interests.
The transition will involve a daily commute from Tallaght to Dún Laoghaire by bus, a journey he is prepared for, although he hopes to obtain his driving license soon to make the trip more convenient. Roland's story is a testament to the opportunities provided by the Irish education system and the determination of an individual to make the most of them
Roland Yengo IADT Leaving Cert Creative Computing Higher Education
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