CIT Studentsâ€™ Union Magazine Volume Twenty, Issue 8

IN THIS ISSUE: Union Council Awards 2019, #CITCouples - finding love at CIT, Sports & Socs year in review, All the CIT news AND LOTS MORE!

Your Union Your Voice

Students’ Union Events & Activities 2018/19 SEPTEMBER Registrations – Welcome Desk and Freshers Packs Freshers Handbook Inductions – Group Addresses Class Rep Elections and Recruitment Be Safe Campaign expliCIT 1 General Meeting Blood Donor Clinic (Support role) Freshers Week National Accommodation Protest OCTOBER Sexual Health & Guidance Campaign Pre Screening – Mental Health Documentary (My Other Life) Union Council Meeting Class Rep Training General Meeting

expliCIT 2 Graduation Ball National Student Demonstration Union Council Meeting NStEP Training – Session 1 and 2 Garda Clinic CITSU Lidl Shopping Shuttle NOVEMBER Men’s International Day Campaign Union Council Meeting ‘Exams before Christmas’ Email Drive expliCIT 3 General Meeting Body and Soul Campaign National Voter Registration Drive Garda clinic Anti - Sexual Violence Campaign

DECEMBER expliCIT 4 Exam De-Stress Campaign Christmas Jumper Day – Charity Event JANUARY expliCIT 5 Be Safe Campaign Class Rep Training 2.0 FEBRUARY Union Council Meeting Rag Week expliCIT 6 Anti-Bullying Campaign Safety Week AGM MARCH Demonstration – Fund the Future Union Council Meeting General Elections General Meeting

Seachtain Na Gaeilge Event expliCIT 7 Student Race Day Anti-Sexual Violence/Harassment Campaign – It Stops Now Blood Donor Clinic Support (support) Garda Clinic APRIL General Meeting USI Congress Union Council Meeting expliCIT 8 Equali-Week Eclectic Picnic Union Council Awards MAY Exam De-Stress Campaign By-Elections General Meeting

Boards & Committees Academic Council Academic Calendar Working Group Academic Executive Academic Standards Board ACE (Accelerated Campus Entrepreneurship) Appeals Board Arts Committee Athena Swan

Campus Watch CIT Energy Team CIT Student Services Company CITSSERI Committee Conferrings Committee Faculty Boards Finance Committee Governing Body Infringements Board IT Steering Committee

Learning Resources Committee Library Committee Marketing Steering Group NStEP National Working Group MTU Working Groups/ Advisory Boards Safety Committee Societies Board Sparq at CIT Sports Board

Staff Appointments Committee Strategic Development Planning Student Assistance Fund Student Disciplinary Committee Student Engagement WG Student Finance Committee Student Administration Services USI National Council Volunteer Abroad

CONTENTS 4 SU OFFICERS’ ADDRESS & USI REPORT 5 UNION COUNCIL AWARDS

6 FLYNNER’S FLYING COLUMN 8 PHOTO GALLERY

9 VOLUNTEER ABROAD

10 ENTREPRENEURS AT CIT Prize for Innovation winner 2019

11 #CITCOUPLES inding love at CIT! F

11 #FANCYFOLLOWINGCIT IT student success in the real world C

12 LOVE CIT, LOVE SPORTS porting year in rview S 14 SOCIETY PROFILES Emilie’s story

15 S OCIETY PROFILES Erin’s story

16 S OCIETIES AWARDS

Special Guest speaker Molly Lynch

18 L IVE CIT, LOVE SOCIETIES Review of the year gone by

19 CROSSWORD Hard cash on offer!

Front cover: Presidential Citation award winner Nuttawud Nutchanat, Business Administration 2nd Year (centre) pictured with Council Award Winners (L-R) Matthew Kenneally, Marine Engineering 1st year; Niamh Cronin, Business Studies 1st year; Colm Healy, Social Care 2nd year; Jack Milne, Business Administration 4th year; Eimear Devane, Marketing 2nd year, and Konrad Im, Community Development 2nd year, at the CIT Council Awards. Picture: Michael O’Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

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I am delighted to see the contribution of both students being acknowledged and marked by CIT Students’ Union. Jack and Zack have been continually engaged in their various activities in CIT, whilst also making a strong contribution in their classes with valuable input to class discussions and a can-do attitude. Well done to both of them, they should be very proud of their achievements to date. Don Crowley Head of Department of Organisation & Professional Development CIT Students’ Union, Bishopstown, Cork. Tel: 021 433 5274 Web: www.explicit.ie

Email: supublications@cit.ie CITSU

CITSU

expliCIT Production, Design & Advertising Keith Brown, E: supublications@cit.ie CIT SU President Aaron Buckley E: supresident@cit.ie

VP Education Stephanie Kelly E: sueducation@cit.ie VP Welfare Jeff Jones E: suwelfare@cit.ie Projects Officer Owen Good E: suprojects@cit.ie Communications Officer Kasey Kenny E: sucommunications@cit.ie Entertainments Officer Daragh Cashman E: suentertainments@cit.ie Entertainments Manager Mick O’Mahony E: Event@cit.ie

Advertising Opportunities

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CIT has 17,000+ full and part-time students with over 1,500 staff. Why not use expliCIT to promote your business to this large audience? Our copy deadlines, advertising rates and technical specifications are available from our website www.citsu.ie and upon request from the Publications Office in hardcopy or via email. expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CIT Students’ Union. The views expressed in the magazine are those of their authors and are not necessarily those of CIT Students’ Union. All articles and pictures are the property of their respective owners and should not be reproduced without their permission.

STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICERS ADDRESS

As we approach the end of the current academic year, I would like to wholeheartedly thank you all for your continued support. It has been a pleasure to lead this union throughout the past year and I look forward to seeing you all back in CIT for the next academic year. Exam time can be very stressful so take care of yourselves throughout the coming weeks. I would like to wish you all the very best of luck in your exams and I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe summer. As you were,

Aaron

AM EX DE-STRESS

Watch out for posters, TV screens & Social media with details of:

7th-9th May 2019

PAGE_1_USI_FLYER_SHRUNK.pdf

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USI Noticeboard FUND THE FUTURE It is frustrating but not surprising that we have seen no action from Government to implement the Publicly Funded Education System as outlined in the 2016 Cassells Report. We have worked hard this year to keep higher education funding as a priority for the movement. USI met with Ministers for Education & Higher Education to discuss the issues and have secured a strategic dialogue to ensure we continue these conversations. On the 21st of March, the campaign from the Coalition for Publicly Funded Higher Education, of which USI are founding members, held the #FundTheFuture campaign. Thank you to the students of CIT who came out on the day. Don’t let that be the only action you take. Email your councillors, TD’s and Senators, talk to your friends and family about the cost of going to college, the SUSI grant that has not increased since 2012 and the growing class sizes. Higher Education Funding Postgraduate Student Workers Rights We have collaborated with SIPTU to investigate the current economic & working rights available to postgraduate students. We have surveyed, visited campuses and are moving towards a charter of best practice. ACCOMMODATION This year, USI took numerous actions to demand an improvement to the student accommodation crisis. On October 3rd, 6000 students marched on the streets on this issue, we repeatedly discussed this issue on mulitple forms of media, we presented to the Oireachtas twice and we lobbied Councillors, TD’s and Senators. Our efforts have worked and we have seen the Government propose legislation that will see rent caps cover Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and for extended tenancy rights to be given to students with access to the RTB. CONSENT For years, USI and individual Students’ Unions have been calling for action from Government on Consent - we have been heard. We continue to highlight that consent is OMFG - Ongoing, Mutual and Freely Given. We presented to the Oireachtas Education & Skills

1UNION

Committee and became leading members on the expert group NATIONAL formed by the Minister for Higher Education. The framework for “Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions” was launched in April. We will continue to work with Institutions and Government to ensure this framework is implemented in every Institution. We also ensured consent and sexual assault featured in our SHAG week campaign. Thank you to CIT SU for creating the “It Stops Now” Mural on campus following SHAG week.

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STUDENTS

SUSTAINABILITY This year, we developed a new Mental Health Campaign, Re:Charge. STUDYING ON We wanted students to be able to enagage with this campaign if COLLEGE they were accessing supports or looking after their mental wellbeCAMPUSES ing through self-care. USI developed new materials, including flyers, study planners and portable chargers which have been circulated by CIT SU this year. Our new +Connections App is available on the play store and app store for free. This app signposts services available to CIT students both on and off campus and have a space for students to share their stories in a blog section. If you are interested in writing a blog, we have One4All vouchers for all blogs posted on the app. Y

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INCLUSIVE SEX EDUCATION Our USI supports the introduction of objective sex education in schools USI m acce which would include LGBTI+ relationships and identities, as well as education on consent and abortion. We made a submission to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on RelationshipsLook out for V and Sexuality Education and have attended press conferences and throughout th rallies to keep this issue on the agenda. National Student Engage-Your vote mat ment Programme (NStEP) USI is one of the three partners and we support the NStEP Coordinator on a day-to-day basis. This year, we have rolled out another year of training across 23 institutions. We are currently undertaking a strategy consultation and will have additional funding to deliver a more ambitious plan to 2021. Lorna Fitzpatrick Vice President for the Southern Region @USI_South | south@usi.ie

Students’ Union Council Awards 2019

ecently, the Students’ Union hosted the Union Council Awards at which Class Reps were presented with Certificates of Merit in recognition of their voluntary contribution to campus life. The Certificates were presented by Dr Barry O’Connor, President, Dr Áine Ní Shé, Registrar & Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr Dan Collins, Academic Admin & Student Affairs Manager. This was a great opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these students in the presence of their family and friends. Class Reps play a very important role in the work of the Students’ Union and underpin its success

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in actively representing all the students of the Institute. They are the link between the Students’ Union and the wider student body and are the voice of their class. They are key to student engagement in CIT, at both a local and national level. They are also pivotal in ensuring students in their class have a sense of belongingness and they are key to fostering a culture of inclusivity for our diverse student population. The Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers, Aaron Buckley, President, Stephanie Kelly, VP Education, and Jeff Jones, VP Welfare, presented six Class Reps, who had been nominated by their class members, with awards in recognition of their ‘Outstanding Voluntary Contribution’. This year 79 nominations were received.

Two amazing young men (Zack and Jack), and I am delighted to see them honoured and recognised with these awards. Breda Kenny

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By James Flynn

Whats been in the headlines?

Flynner’s Flying Column FIND JAMES FLYNN ON FACEBOOK - THE FLYNNER FILES (current affairs), DA FLYNNER ROUNDS! (off-the-wall humour). #flynnerswordsofwisdom – FACEBOOK/TWITTER.

Recently, on a coffee break, I noticed how the Cadburys Snacks have shrunk; the Wafers have reduced their bars from 3 to 2, and the Shortcakes from 6 pieces to 4. I mean, chocolate is getting smaller in size and less tasty. You only have to see the way they are shrinking the tubs

of Cadburys Roses every Christmas. But then again, when you see the way the major chocolate companies are clearing the Indonesian Rainforests so as to make way for Palm Oil plantations – a major source in the manufacture of chocolate, and many other cuisines –

WHAT’S THE CIT-UATION ERE?!

5. CLANCY WIGGUM “9-1-1, this better be good!” and “The harder we all push, the faster we all get through!” Morally and commonsense challenged Chief Wiggum (The Simpsons) may be, but some of enough to love Springfield’s finest cop.

Summer is nearly upon us, and for those who are looking forward to a whole few weeks on Netflix; I give you… my TOP 10 GREATEST TV COPS! So STOP in the name of the law and read on!

6. FRANCIS PONCHCHERELLO Saturday TV in the 80s was never without CHiPs. Cops on motorbikes cruising in pairs (which never happens in real life) along California’s highways, Erick Estrada (with his straight-laced partner Jon Baker) was supercool as Ponch who made a generation of women swoon.

1. FRANK DREBIN The late Leslie Neilsen offered up fantastic one-liners as Frank Drebin in Police Squad! before promotion to movies for the Naked Gun trilogy. Drebin always hadn’t a bumbling clue yet got his man in the end!

7. ANGUS MACGYVER There may be well a few ladies who are still waiting for Richard Dean Anderson, star of MacGyver, to whisk them off somewhere exotic using only his genius, his Swiss Army knife, two rubber bands and four pieces of cardboard.

2. SONNY CROCKET Never felt the need for socks, or sleeves on blazers, but we all thought it was cool in the 80s. Played by Don Johnson, Sonny was the big, suave draw to Miami Vice, and remains an icon of 80s fashion to this very day… seriously!

8. STACEY SHERIDAN Played by Heather Locklear, she was the most attractive draw of TJ Hooker, a most popular 80’s US Cop Drama. Looked great in uniform, Stacey made many a male want to be arrested by her!

3. THE REAGANS Why Blue Bloods is such a contemporary draw… the uncompromising Danny, the leadership of Commissioner Frank (Tom Selleck), the will-they/won’t-they of Jamie and Eddie (it is!!), the moral lynchpin of Erin as they maintain NYC law and the spirit of family… don’t ya just love it?

9. GERRY BOYLE Crass, unconventional, unorthodox, Brendan Gleeson fitted brilliantly as Garda Sargent Boyle in The Guard to capture the regionalist surrealism and tacit subculture that is not-so-deniable in Ireland even today. A masterpiece.

4. THOMAS MAGNUM Long before Blue Bloods, Tom Selleck played the lad’s lad private investigator who, via Magnum PI and the good vibe Hawaiian lifestyle to go, made women want to be with Tom, and men want to be Tom!

10. JIMMY MCNULTY Dominic West beat off stiff competition to land the role in HBO drama The Wire. McNulty, an exceptionally brilliant good cop to go!

THE MAIN AGENDA In October 2017, I wrote about the need for the LGBT to become a more potentially transforming movement in the bigger field of politics, human rights and equality, and there has never been a more pressing need for such than when you look at what is happening that is adding to the long list of human rights abuses in Brunei. Where the ruling Sultan has recently decreed that, from April 3rd, men convicted of having gay sex will be executed by stoning, while women guilty of lesbian sex will be caned 40 times. There has been outrage from LGBT and other human rights groups, but the United Nations, which includes the US and the EU, has not been overtly noisy about this issue. Just like last time, where the UN Human Rights Council have expressed mere “concern” to Russia regarding gay people being interned in concentration camps in Chechnya. Of course, regarding the West’s delicate relationship with Vladimir Putin, things must tread preciously there, and maybe

HAPPY DAYS

Summer is upon us, and Marquee, Musgrave Park, Indiependence, Townlands … County Cork is set for a rocking summer alright! 6

endangering the Orangutan Species in the process, I suppose it makes one wonder is it all that bad? Also acts as a contradiction of any concerns one may hold about chocolate being “Cocoa Farm Friendly” when packaging is saying nothing about the origins of Palm Oil, no? And staying in this part of the world…

the fact that Brunei have vast stocks of oil and financial muscle is the reason why necessary cynicism will be applied once more. But...Hold the phone! Maybe another factor for such softly-softly is because the UNHRC have Saudi Arabia on the Council, where, as I recall, being LGBT is also punishable by Death (by beheading)? But then again, we must understand why the UN acts with such hypocrisy; after all, there are all those Mid-East oil stocks that have to be worried about so as to ensure that global transport will keep going at affordable prices, and knowing how volatile the Middle East has perpetually been, setting off the Saudis might set off the region worse than it is, and we do not want consumption for our very affluence to be too profoundly hit, do we? And that may explain why LGBT rights needs to be shelved in a convenient area when the unsentimental issue of pragmatism comes to the fore. This has never been a better time for the LGBT to stand up and be counted, now Human Rights gives her call.

MEND YOUR WAYS

ing the latest wave Health Minister Simon Harris is now blam vice on… Brexit! of cutbacks to the beleaguered Health Ser idn’t-Do-It!!-Kid” Not since Bart Simpson was made the “I-D amongst some; by Krusty the Clown has a fad taken off rechauns.) Make “Brexit Made Me Do It!” (instead of the Lep accrues… the most of the fad while indecisiveness

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T: 021 4326264 E: camms@cit.ie W: www.camms.ie 7

Photo Gallery

Lougheed, President of MarketMichele McManus, Lisa Scannell, Pio Fenton, CIT, Ray of Business and Humanities, Faculty of Head van, O’Dono ing Institute, Cork, Gerard Airport, Kevin Cullinane, Cork MD thy, Kathryn O’Dwyer, Cork Airport, Niall McCar and Joanne Hegener, ught Ballinlo mith, ClaireS with Airport Cork ing Head of Market for the Best Marketing Bursary and hip Interns Blackrock recipients of the Cork Airport ing Students’. Communications Campaign Developed by CIT Market The winning proposal received a bursary of €2,500.

Culinary studies student Danny Berhane wins the overall award in Paris, which is part of FICHAT, and run in conjunction with the Irish Dairy Council. Danny is pictured here with Culinary Lecturer Sinead Clancy.

At Cork Racecourse Mallow for the RedFM and CIT SU Student Raceday 2019 in March. Giddy up!

Congratulations to the MA in PR & New Media Event Management class, for co-ordinating and presenting the second iteration of CIT’s new International Student Documentary Festival – “STORY?” The class pictured here with Head of Faculty Business & Humanities, Ger O’Donovan, CIT Department of Media Communications lecturers Fiona Collins, Frank O’Donovan, Emmett Coffey, CIT Arts Officer Sarah Morey, Kevin Tuohy CIT Arts Office and guest John Driedonks. Photo Darragh Kane.

CIT LGBT* Society launched Ireland’s first instructional handbook on how to set up Gay/Straight Alliances or Gender & Sexuality Alliances in secondary schools. The handbook was launched to students and staff of Cork Milsecondary schools by Lord Mayor Mick Finn in Corks d: lennium Hall. CIT LGBT* Committee Members picture Perera, Patricia , O’Brien e Caoimh nd, Desmo e Michell Nuttawud Nutchanat and Konrad Im.

This years Volunteer Abroad participants - Back Row: Tiarnan McKeown O’Neill, Ibrahim Salaou and Sean Freeman Front Row: Grace Aribasoye, Elizabeth Emeru, Dami Fagbamila, Niamh Savage and Ciara Sheehan.

CIT VOLUNTEER ABROAD Programme recipients Before this Summer even begins, we have sent 112 students with the CIT Volunteer Abroad Programme to over 19 different countries. Our students have given 480 weeks which is over 9 years of their time towards volunteering. This year we are sending 9 scholarship recipients to 5 different countries and our bursary students to even more. The programme eliminates the financial barrier that students face of fulfilling their dream of volunteering abroad. Students are coming from different backgrounds, Engineering, Social Care, Business. There is no one size fits all when it comes to volunteering. Volunteering is for everyone. Is volunteering abroad not just one big holiday? some might say. With hard work comes great reward, we say to that. students get hands on experience building, teaching and learning. Students learn so much about the cultures they are immersed into. They are there not only to help another community but to learn and grow themselves and to have fun. Education runs much further than the classroom.

CONTACT THE SOCIETIES OFFICE AT 1ST FLOOR STUDENT CENTRE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Wishing the very best to CIT students who received a Scholarship to undertake Volunteer programmes abroad this summer... Ciara Sheehan, 4 Weeks Philippines, SERVE Common Engineering Year 1 Ciaran O’Donnell, 4 Weeks, Mozambique, SERVE Phd Student (Engineering) Year 2 Dami Fagbamila, 8 Weeks, Mexico, EIL Social Care Year 4 Elizabeth Emeru, 8 Weeks, Vietnam, EIL Montessori Education Year 3 Grace Aribasoye, 4 Weeks, Vietnam, SERVE Biomedical Engineering Year 4 Ibrahim Salaou, 4 Weeks ,Mozambique, SERVE BIS Year 2 Niamh Savage, 4 Weeks, Kolkata, India, Hope Biomedical Engineering Year 3 Sean Freeman, 4 Weeks, Kolkata, India, Hope Mechanical Engineering Year 2 Tiarnan McKeown-O’Neill ,8 Weeks, Mexico, EIL Software Development Year 1

OF CIT

P R I Z E F O R I N N O VAT I O N WINNER 2019

Prize for Innovation 2019 Winner – Donegal Native, NUIG Science Graduate, CIT Mechanical Engineering Student, Serial Entrepreneur (founder of Hexafly and TUNIC), Patrick McGarvey has many notches on his belt and continues to work towards bigger and bolder goals and successes. But what can we learn from Patrick’s achievements, his drive and his insights?

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

“Taking the first step, I imagined it to be far more difficult than it actually turned out to be” Patrick brought his early stage business into a programme called New Frontiers. This is a programme funded by Enterprise Ireland designed to develop early stage start-ups. “For someone coming from a scientific or technical background going into the business world, that was a very good introduction to how it operates. It’s well funded and well organised so it’s a very good step in from a technical background” Patrick was able to use what he has learned in college and apply it in a business context through the New Frontiers programme. “It’s not just financial support, they will also guide you step by step of what you need to do” With his college degree, a successful start-up and entrepreneurial training under his belt Patrick knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to merge his love of science and sustainability with innovation invention and industrial application and this brought him to Mechanical Engineering in Cork Institute of Technology.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN CIT

“I like the Innovation side of Mechanical Engineering and the industrial application. With both companies that I have been involved in there has been a common element in both. It is the environmentally friendly aspect of it but also the industrial job creation element so Mechanical Engineering sort of satisfies both…It’s an exciting place to be, on the cutting edge of science and transferring it to Industry” Where many people who have founded a successful business would see it as a regression to return to full-time education, Patrick sees only the opportunities. He made it his business to find a place that nurtures his entrepreneurial talent as well as providing him with the education needed to make these businesses successful. “I’ve done bits and pieces around the country in different colleges but the campus here is hands down the most busy campus. There’s always something going on and it’s always well attended. It’s always active. I can’t say enough about CIT.” It was in CIT that Patrick then began to develop his award winning business TUNIC.

TUNIC

“The first thing that we wanted to address is the reliance or the over reliance on antibiotics in the animal feed industry. Not so much here in Ireland, the standard that we have here for animal care is unbelievable but internationally, especially in the US and other places where there is more intensive farming, there’d be a lot of cows who have never seen a blade of grass. So, they’re basically fed antibiotics in their diet and it’s just part of their normal diet. The more you use antibiotics, the less effective that they become so the process that we developed is a natural solution to that. The

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compound that we are interested in is called Beta Glucan as an autoimmune system improver in animals and in people from a natural source as well. It’s not only good for the immune system but it’s also good for the gut bacteria in all sorts of animals.That’s the first issue addressed I suppose and then there is a co-product alongside that, that is a protein supplement that we can produce from the same process. There is growing demand around the world for animal feed proteins aswell and as more and more people are being lifted out of poverty there is a bigger demand for better quality food. That’s a global issue as well and the idea is that the process that we developed can be applied anywhere around the world. And what’s unique about our process is that we are energy efficient which makes it financially viable. The name TUNIC actually came from another angle that we were looking at involving bio-plastics the one that we were looking at was called Chitan and the translation from Greek is TUNIC because it was discovered in ancient Greece.” It is with this newest business that Patrick won CIT’s Prize for Innovation 2019. But its doesn’t stop there. “The next step for TUNIC I suppose is engaging with other third parties who are interested be that other businesses or Government organisations, It would be further engagement with international companies and further process development and refine that back to a fine T” Patrick’s drive and passion for what he does is undeniable and a successful future seems inevitable for someone with such determination but what is his key to Entrepreneurial Success?

ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS

“Take the first step, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. The wonder of it is that you can start off doing it as one hour a week if that’s what you want and you’ll more than likely you’ll find yourself getting dragged in and then before you know it, it’s the thing that your getting yourself out of the bed in the morning for” Many people fear the all or nothing approach to starting your own business but Patrick emphasizes how this definitely is not the case. Keeping your education and your side hobbies or even full time jobs is not only beneficial but can actually aid entrepreneurship. “And if you are working another job, the experience gained there is guaranteed to be in some way applicable across the board. Steve Jobbs, before he was in Apple had odd jobs here and there and one of his hobbies was calligraphy. So he did a course in it and enjoyed it but he thought ‘what is that ever going to be useful for?’ and now, font is one of Apple’s biggest selling points” Patrick McGarvey is a living example of the benefit of taking that first step on your entrepreneurial journey. “Taking the first step is the biggest hurdle...Once you’re in a bit, once you’re down stream a bit, you’ll start seeing ideas everywhere...It’s addictive, it grows and it takes a life of its own”

If you are interested in TUNIC or would like to speak with Patrick you can contact him at; businessdevelopment@tunic.ie or visit enterprise.cit.ie

If Entrepreneurship and Innovation is something that you are interested in, make sure to visit www.enterprise.cit.ie to avail of the all supports in place to make your idea a reality.

#CITCollegeCouples The Alumni Office ran a competition around Valentine’s Day to hear from CIT college couples. Many heart-warming stories were received from CIT Alumni and students alike but we could only pick one winner. Caroline Bourke and her partner Rory were those winners and they won a VIP one night’s stay in the Hayfield Manor Cork. You can read their story below and you can also read about Killian Hughes and his partner Sarah who were our runners up and just recently got hitched!

WINNER: CAROLINE BOURKE AND HER PARTNER RORY Rory and I clapped eyes across the canteen in 1982. I was 1st year Chemistry, he was 2nd year Marine Engineering. We had a bit of a relationship on and off for the next two years and beyond. We lost contact in 1985 when Rory headed off to sea. We both got on with our lives finding ourselves single once again in 2013. I looked Rory up in 2014 through a mutual contact. We met up one weekend in March in Pontoon, Co. Mayo, 29 years since our last meeting, so different but so familiar. Happy to say it’s been a great five years...

RUNNER-UP: KILLIAN HUGHES AND HIS PARTNER SARAH HUGHES Sarah and myself met in 2012 during registration week! Sarah was a student leader and I was Vice President of the Students’ Union! We ended up going out on the Thursday night with all the student leaders and the union and from there we have been with each other since! We were married on the 30/03/2019 after six years and half years! All thanks to the CIT! #CITCollegeCouples

#fancyfollowingCIT

See more at: twitter.com/CITAlumni www.cit.ie/alumni

The CIT Alumni Office develops and supports alumni relations at CIT through a number of initiatives. The office encourages links between CIT and its graduates and supports the ever-growing CIT Alumni Association. The Association proudly has almost 30,000 members. GRETA JOCYTE

GRETA JOCYTE

I studied BIS in CIT and went into a career in Software Engineering straight after graduating. I progressed to a mid-level engineer after a year, and I came back to do a Masters in Information Security here.

Three years on I’m a development manager and I spend a lot of time encouraging young women into STEM careers. I’ve had to overcome a lot of fears along the way and learn to say “yes” to opportunities I’m afraid of, I’ve found that’s how I’ve grown the most.

SINEAD MORRISSEY I studied Recreation & Leisure Management in CIT from 20082011. I then went on to complete 4th year to attain the Bachelor of Business Studies degree. When I left CIT in 2012 I moved to Melbourne where I lived for four years working in hospitality management. While the lifestyle in SINEADMORRISSEY Australia was great I realised that there was more opportunities for me in Ireland. I moved home and started working for CEC-Cork English College. The company is actively marketing to international students. Essentially my job is to visit target countries and build relationships with our partners. I enjoy my work immensely and the opportunity to travel is a huge bonus. I am forever grateful to all of my CIT lecturers for providing me with the knowledge base and confidence so I could work in such an interesting industry.

LIVE CIT, LOVE SPORTS

Would you like to have your club featured in expliCIT? Simply email your submission to: supublications@cit.ie

By Miriam Deasy

Sporting year in Review

NMCI Sailing Club members who competed in the EDHEC Cup in France

CIT Sailing Club in action at the Harbor Cup in Los Angeles

AFL: The Australian Football League Club is in its second year in CIT. Winners of the Cork Colleges Cup as well as the Irish Universities Cup. 17 players selected for the Irish Universities team. Badminton: Competed in the Student Sport Ireland League (2 teams), ISBT Competition and the Intervarsities. SSI League Finalists and 5th team overall at ISBT’s. IIntervarsities Cup quarter-finalists. Canoeing: Won “Most Improved Club” at the intervarsities. At the “Galway Fest”-had two 1st place finishers. At the “Colligan Race”-had a 1st place finisher. Darts: Competed in the Winter league, the Spring league and the K Cabs shield. Equestrian: Competed in the Colleges Tetrathlon which includes running, swimming, shooting & show jumping-two members placed in the

running. We also competed in the intervarsities. Kickboxing: Competed in the Irish Open international event, which is the biggest Kickboxing competition In the World. Powerlifting: Competed in the IDFPA National Full powers 1 & 2, IDFPA Push Pulls, winning many medals at each event & also setting numerous National records. Two members won 4 golds & 2 national records at the World Championships in Virginia. Successfully hosted the IDFPA Push Pull in April. A number of members have been selected for the Irish Muscle Powers and for the World Powerlifting Championships. Members successfully sat their international referee exams, have 7 National and 2 international referees. Sailing: Competed in the IUSA Westerns, IUSA Southerns and ITRA’s. 3rd in Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup. Student Yachting National

AFL, Cork Colleges & Irish Universities Cup Champions

Champions and our second team finished 4th. Qualified to represent Ireland at the Student Yachting World Cup in autumn. NMCI Sailing: Competed in the 51st EDHEC Sailing Cup in France as well as various IUSA competitions with the CIT Sailing Club. Tae Kwon Do: Competed in the Intervarsitieswinning a silver and bronze. Hosted a selfdefence seminar in CIT. Members attended gradings. Tennis: Competed in the National Irish Intervarsities in DCU. Volleyball: Competed in the Student Sport Ireland League, Mixed Volleyball league, Intervarsities, Munster Open and National Beach Volleyball competitions. SSI womens finalists. Mens Plate Finalists at Munster Open. Mens bronze and womens gold at the Intervarsities.

Volleyball club members at the intervarsities

COMPETITIONS HOSTED

SCHOLARSHIPS

AFL Europeans - live streamed all over the world! The Rebel Run with over 1200 participants. CIT’s annual Fun Run & Walk Mixed Volleyball tournament Christmas Day GOAL Mile Push Pull Powerlifting competition Mixed Martial Arts tournament Munster Open Volleyball tournament International Cork City Sports, local, county, Munster & schools competitions on the track. Cork City school sports attracts huge numbers of primary school children.

65 Sports Scholarships awarded to both male and female athletes across 13 different sports including athletics, basketball, boxing, camogie, GAA, golf, handball, ladies football, orienteering, powerlifting, sailing and soccer. Applications forms for 2019/2020 available from August on www.cit.ie/sports.

SSI League Badminton Finalists

Josh Beecher at the Canoe Clubs training

CIT graduate & former CIT Powerlifting Club member, Eoin Mc Enery.

CIT Powerlifting members who competed and hosted the Push Pull.

CIT Powerlifting Push Pull 2019 CIT Powerlifting Club provides a safe haven for full time students to lift in, and a controlled environment with an outlet to compete. In the overall ethos of the Club, members have put a great emphasis on mental health this year and raised funds for Pieta House at this Push Pull competition. CIT are very excited for what the future holds for these young lifters and look forward to more high participation levels at the next competition which is the National Full Powers 2 in Monaghan on August 10th and 11th. While some members have also been selected for the Irish Muscle Power in the RDS in June. My thanks to every member of the Powerlifting Club who chipped in to ensure the successful hosting of this event, and special mention must go to Ross O Connor and Rachel O Mahony who put in long hours to ensure this successful hosting which judging from the feedback from lifters, coaches and spectators, sets CIT in a very positive light indeed. Lots done, and lots more to do for this exciting and hardworking Club!

Now that the chalk has finally settled following what can only be described as a fantastic competition held by CIT Powerlifting this weekend, we can finally take a moment to appreciate and reflect on the day. The weekend kicked off early for lifters of CIT Powerlifting, finishing their college classes and immediately turning their hand to help setting up their own gym for the venue of a lifetime. The Tyco gym was transformed from an ordinary training grounds into what can only be described as the ideal competition space with the main focus being pointed directly towards the main platform. As one entered the Tyco in the early hours of Saturday morning, still sleep eyed and looking forward to the post weigh in fry up, spectators, lifters and coaches alike were met by the sight of the platform laid out in front of them. It was mesmerising and the anticipation of a day filled with PB’s was heightened. The enthusiasm to step on the platform was awoken in each and every individual as the excitation was palpable. In a wave of nervous energy amidst the fluster of weigh ins, one gained an insight into complete strangers lives; how their training had been going in the lead up to the competition, the successes failures both on and off the platform and the learning curves that we are all continually adjusting to in the sport that we endeavour so willingly and readily. It was a flurry of rising energy in the venue with many new faces taking to the platform for the very first time. With every weighed in, it was finally time to put the hard work to practice, to leave the sweat and tears on the platform, to push bodies beyond their limit, to chase the numbers that many have merely dreamt of. The day began with ladies bench, followed by men’s bench and deadlifts to follow. The day kicked off with a smashing start, with CIT lifters gracing the platform in all flights. CIT lifters could be seen everywhere, whether it was competing, refereeing, giving a helping hand or spectating. A group of individuals who, for the most part, entered CIT not knowing what Powerlifting was, nor how they would grow to love the sport and build a network of comradery, so close it may be called a family. Urging each and every lifter to strive to meet their truest potential, to move the weights off the floor, to record and give tips, to console and support. A deafening roar could be heard from the crowd for every individual taking the platform. If one did not know what had been held in the venue that day, I am sure they may have wandered in to have a look for themselves and witnessed a network of close

knit individuals. Many record attempts were made and broken on the platform with CIT powerlifting garnering many records throughout the day despite the CIT lifters themselves being oblivious to their successes.

CIT Biomedical Engineering 2 student, Christopher Thomas in action

CIT Nutrition & Health Science 1 student, William O’Donoghue in action

Having lifted with CIT Powerlifting for the best part of 4 years, I have never witnessed an event where the lifters of CIT Powerlifting have bonded so closely to appear as a family unit both on and off the platform. Many coaches and lifters alike commented on the comradery and readiness to help exhibited by CIT Powerlifting and the attention to detail put into the event. Coaches commented on the acute attention to rules exhibited by CIT lifters and how they did not fail on technicalities. I am honoured to be a member of a club who work so closely together and strive to improve the work of their counterparts despite their friends within the club itself being their biggest rivals on the platform. I have witnessed the club going from a small group of individuals who sometimes lifted and didn’t bond well being completely transformed to a group who would do anything for each other, who can often be seen hanging around together in college despite having different class schedules and assignments. It is extremely gratifying to leave the club in such capable hands of those of the next generation. While this is my final year as a CIT Powerlifter, I am satisfied that the future of the club is bright and full of many titles, records and championships. I cannot think of a competition more suitable to finish my college powerlifting career than competing in my home training grounds. To finally see the dedication and work come to fruition, to leave the college with that memory forever stapled in my mind, to have CIT Push Pull ’19 be the defining moment of my college powerlifting career. I am eternally grateful to the College, to the Sports Office, to the Club, to the IDFPA and to everyone who has supported us along the road for never doubting their belief in us. CIT Powerlifting will forever remain my home club and the place where I fell in love with a sport I was deemed ‘unsuitable’ for. I was an athlete, a horse rider, a dancer before I fell in love with powerlifting and it is safe to say that I will never leave the sport. If powerlifting has taught me anything, it is that there is no exact criteria necessary to pick up some weights, for anyone second guessing themselves, challenge yourself, you never know where it may lead you. The future is exceptionally bright for those at CIT Powerlifting and I highly anticipate meeting them on the platform in the future. I am very much looking forward to the new heights the club will be taken to in years to come.

CIT Social Care 1 student, Karina Lavery in action

LIVE CIT, LOVE SOCIETIES For full list of societies go to www.societies.cit.ie

Society Profiles...

Emilie’s story Hey there! My name is Emilie Martin and I’m in my final year of a Marketing degree. I started in CIT in 2015 and immediately wanted to get involved in societies. I had heard that you make friends for life when you join a society, you meet likeminded people and instantly click. I had a bit of a different experience. I initially found it hard to make friends in college, I had gone from knowing everyone in my secondary school, to having no one and not knowing where to turn.

The skills I’ve learned through my course have helped in my positions, however, having the chance to actually apply those skills in real life has been so rewarding. I have been managing the social media accounts regularly, posting updates, events and photos. I’ve had the chance to do both online and offline advertising for the society. Offline advertising can be just as important, e.g. TV screens, flyers, etc. There’s a lot more to think about, such as posters, e-mails, texts, room bookings, caterers, etc.

Second year rolled around, I was still in the Origami Society, but I eventually stopped. I tried to set up a ‘Vegetarian Society’ but I didn’t find many people who were interested. At that point, I had decided to stop going to any societies. I had made a couple of friends through my course, but I was still very much in my shell. Third year came, and I decided to take a risk. While everyone went on placement for the second semester, I decided to go on Erasmus to Germany. It was the best experience of my life, I came back with so many genuine friends, amazing memories and total confidence in myself. If you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, GO! You will grow so much as a person and realise many things you never knew about yourself.

So, I advise you to take a chance, do something you love, take the road less travelled. Join a society, go on Erasmus, get involved. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Express yourself through your interests and hobbies while you’re at college – you’ll be surprised at just how much you will grow as a person.

I came back from Germany ready for fourth year, and in just in August had decided to go vegan. I went to the Societies fair with my friend, Shannon as we wanted to sign up for some sports. While we were there, we spotted a girl sitting at a stand, Charley, with a sign “Vegan” in handwriting. I couldn’t believe there was a girl who was trying to set a Vegan Society up! Shannon and I ran over, we were so excited and immediately offered to be on the committee. The three of us decided to set up this new society together. We had our AGM, about 15 people showed up. Charley was elected as Chairperson, Shannon the Treasurer, and I the PRO and Secretary. I was thrilled to be the PRO, because it’s something that I’m interested in, and it suits my degree well. I also love being organised, so it was natural for me to be the Secretary. We immediately started planning events, one of our first ones being with UCC’s new Vegan Society. We all met up at Earth Café and connected with other vegan students. In the first semester we managed to hold an event nearly every week, and this semester we hope to do the same.

Emile and Shannon selling their own vegan cookbooks at the Societies RAG week Drive.

I first joined the LGBT society, I went to a couple of meetings, but life and college got busy, I wasn’t confident in myself and I no longer wanted to attend. I tried out the film society, photography, guild gaming, etc. I decided to join Origami in that same year, back when it was thriving! Back then I was extremely shy, and often found it hard to put myself forward. I remember when the committee was being elected for the Origami society, I thought, “hmm, maybe I could do something… I want to be a part of this”, however, my own anxiety held me back. I attended most meetings that year, usually on Tuesdays, it felt like an escape from classes and everyday college life.

As any new society, it took us some time to find our feet, but I feel like we’re on the right track. It’s not an easy job at all, and I couldn’t have done this without Charley and Shannon, who both have equally tough tasks every week too. Having this hands-on experience under my belt will benefit me in the future when applying to jobs, when I’m trying to figure out where I belong in society.

“

If you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, GO! You will grow so much as a person and realise many things you never knew about yourself.

Vegan Society trip to the Earth Café.

”

Society Profiles...Erin’s My name is Erin O’Connor and I am a 4th Structural Engineering Student. I am currently the vicechairperson and was chairperson of the Civil and Structural Engineering Society in 2017-2018. There have been many benefits to being involved in the development and growth of this academic society, which have impacted me both personally and professionally. The society has grown from strength to strength since it was founded three years ago, in 2016. The first year of the society was a steep learning curve for all involved, luckily I was able to help build on a very successful first year and ensure continued success. I can’t speak about the Civil & Structural Engineering society without mentioning Caoimhe Marley. Caoimhe was a founding member and instrumental in the start-up of the society in 2016 and has continued to advise and mentor the society, while now working as a graduate engineer with John Sisk and Sons on a large biopharma expansion in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

story

cial aspect of the events that attracts new members. The most popular events which are staples in our society calendar are ice skating, bowling, airtastic and our now annual ‘night at the dogs’. From this, there has been a major development in the comradery between students in the department in general. The link in communication between younger and older students within the department has had a fantastic influence on the work placement module which we have the option of taking in both the Civil and Structural Engineering programmes.

Erin with Caoimhe, Ali and Kyle at White Hart Lane stadium during the Societies London Trip 2018

Being a member of the committee has given me many opportunities, including enhancing my organisational and communication skill, which subsequently have become key skills to enhancing my CV. The structural engineering course can be time consuming and challenging, so adding the role of committee member to my already busy schedule has greatly assisted me to understand and overcome the challenge of time management. Being involved in the society has complimented

Erin and Kevin at Societies Open Day 2017

the skills that are developed within us as engineers; problem solving, time management and teamwork, just to name a few. These are skills which employers look for in the engineering industry, and with my continued involvement in the society are constantly developing. The civil and structural engineering society are extremely fortunate that we are part of such a supportive and helpful department. All lecturers within the department never hesitate to help if asked, and continually offer a helping and guiding hand whenever an event is being organised. One of the highlights of our academic society has been our annual overnight trip. The destinations have grown each year, beginning in Dublin, then London and this year we went to Barcelona. These trips are educational but we ensure to never forget the networking and social side, which is very important. Our annual trip has been fantastic in encouraging new members to come on board and spark interest in the society in general. We combine the social and educational aspects of our engineering education within the society. We organise educational and academic events within our calendar, but often it is the so-

“

The Civil, Structural & Environmental Department is quite small, with all students sharing computer labs. Being a member of the society has given all of us a fantastic opportunity to get to know those you might often see but may not know. I can personally vouch for the possibility of strong bonds and friendships to develop through being a member of the society.

Being a member of the civil and structural engineering society has genuinely changed my life, both with friendships and has enhanced my career opportunities.

”

From being part of the society committee it has also given me the opportunity to be involved in the very successful I WISH initiative which is run here in CIT. This initiative is held to encourage girls to consider studying STEM subjects, which has been an honour to be a part of for the past two years. The society has given me the confidence to become more involved with different initiatives both within and outside of college.

Each year we try to complete a fundraising event through the society. Last year we organised a run for Palliative Care, where we raised over €600. This year we held very successful pub quiz where we raised over €450 for the Jack O’Driscoll Fund. Money raised from both events went towards fundraising efforts for students in our department, it is very important that we use the success of the society for good and make an effort to help those around us when we can. Being a member of the civil and structural engineering society has genuinely changed my life, both with friendships and has enhanced my career opportunities. The society has often come as a well needed distraction from college work, which can often be overwhelming. It can be a fine balance between the two, but college work always come first, although I have always preferred to help organise various events as part of the society. Personally it has been fantastic, and indeed an honour, to be involved in the development of the society and its exponential growth. I would encourage all CIT students to get involved and contribute to the many clubs and societies in the Institute – you’ll get back more than you contribute, grow personally and make fantastic and lifelong friends! We ended a very successful first two years of the society by being crowned CIT Best Academic Society in 2018 and 2019. This was a huge honour for all involved as it showed our hard work and continued efforts were recognised and rewarded. The challenge for the coming years is keeping that crown.

“ Molly Lynch, guest speaker at the Societies Awards 2019

Molly presenting Nuttawud Nutchanat the CIT Societies Supreme Individual Award.

CIT Societies Awards - The Motivational speech -

Special Guest Speaker Molly Lynch

Hi Guys! Before I start I want to first warn you all that standing up here in any sort of academic context, however loose, is totally not my vibe. I hated school. I never won any awards. I was never a prefect or head girl and the only time I did anything publicly in school was singing the angelus over the intercom which I’m sure you can imagine made me the super coolest girl in Christ the King...While I’m relatively used to being in front of hundreds of people it is usually as a character and not myself, so please excuse any lack of decorum or proper ‘guest speaker’ manners. It’s honestly really exciting for me to be here today as, not that long ago I was exactly where you all are. Doing my degree, hustling to make some money, trying to lay the foundations of a career, managing a typical millennial personal life and running a society. I desperately want to say something to inspire you all and honestly just express my utmost admiration for all that you do. I’ll give you a bit of context about what I do as. I am an actress who works in London, mainly in theatre. I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with people like Emma Thompson and Nicholas Lyndhurt as well as recording artists like Bryn Terlf, Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe. My performing career, since I moved to London has put me on stage with some of the worlds most famous and admired people and I’ve been lucky enough to travel in shows and work with world class directors and musicians. And I wanted to say that proudly now to you all because the first point I wanted to make is about modesty. Modesty is nice but, one thing I’ve learned from emigrating, is that we Irish are a bit too good at it. We have this lovely way of side stepping compliments and denying ourselves any praise. Every single one of you here has worked your butt off to make these societies and events work. You’ve done it purely out of love and passion. That’s something to be proud of. That’s something to brag about. And I don’t mean a fake social media humble brag. I mean a truthful affirmation to yourself that you have done something meaningful and worth while, a psychological pat on the back. Don’t be too proud or too embarrassed

to congratulate yourself. Say it in your head. No one else will hear you. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am and I’ll be damned if I don’t tell you I’ve worked with Oscar winners so please boast with me and value your hard work. The next thing I really want to talk to you about is education. Education can be messed up. I really HATED school. I hated the uniform, I hated that I was surrounded by only girls all day, I hated that it made me fear men, I hated the institutionalisation of the situation and I hated all the straight lines and boxes. I studied my ass off and got good results, but it made me miserable. When I started in CIT Cork School of Music it was like some one woke me up. I was valued for the weirdo I was, I was encouraged in areas I had never been encouraged before and most of all I had freedom. I truly believe the thing we miss in our education system is autonomy. That ability to freely study the things we love without limitations or judgement. But hey, look at what we have here in Societies? Freedom to organise and build a community ourselves based around the thing we are most passionate and fired up about. Whether it is LGBT rights, airsoft, graphic novels, mental health, yoga, dance or veganism. I was so lucky with my degree in the School of Music as it fulfilled me and inspired me on so many levels, and the one little gap it left for me personally, which was musical theatre, I was able to fill myself. That is what you are all doing, and taking such ownership and control over your own education and personal growth is a powerful thing and doing exactly that is what empowered me to make the brave decisions I made after college, into my career. It really is such a gift to have a vocation or a calling like all of us have here, be it art, medicine or anime, and my advice would be that if there is any way you can potentially make a career out of that calling: do it. Make it happen. If you are lucky enough to have that fire for something you have a responsibility to use it. And whilst I encourage you to do that let me also prepare you for inevitable within that pursuit of your dream. Failure. Not just your everyday failure. Failure in the thing you love. I think because in todays society we associate

Societies Award winners 2019.

failure with failing an exam, not getting high enough marks to do the module we want, not getting enough CEO points that we are not fully prepared for failure in the real world. I’m sure I don’t need to tell but that all that is complete fluff compared to real life stuff. Failure after college is more like getting dumped by text. It kicks you in the stomach. I’m talking hard core rejection. I’ve experienced that ten times more than I’ve experienced success. And that’s the thing about doing what you love. They say you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s true. You won’t “work”. But you will cry and you will hate yourself and you will want to quit. However, if you truly love what you do you will wake up the next morning and start all over again. That’s why I spent hours sweeping popcorn in a London cinema so I could afford to travel to that big audition to not get the part. That’s the extra ten hours of work you do a week for your society, on top of everything else, which you might feel goes unnoticed or unrewarded. Failure and pain is the true test of passion. I knew I loved the hell out of what I did, not when I succeeded in it, but when I failed miserably. Because my love for it was still there. And while we are on the subject, let me tell you what I’ve learned about success because I think I have meet and worked with some people who are considered some of the most ‘successful’ in the world. I want to tell you with my hand on my heart that their success does not make them happy. In fact, some of them are some of the saddest and loneliest I have known. And the times they are happiest is talking about their favourite song, their favourite teacher, their family, their dog or their weird hobby, and not the album with their face on it. I’ve drank champagne with millionaires, I’ve had dinner at a Tory bankers house, (and gone home on a bus by the way, I keep it real!), I’ve peered into the other side and most of the time they are just as miserable as we are. So please try not to equate success or notoriety or insta followers or money with happiness, and when failure comes along and hurts like a mofo try to remember how lucky you are to love something so much that it hurts that badly.

erful things I believe you all make is community. We are a generation going through a huge culture shift. Besides of the internet there are very few things that bring us together in a shared space. Most of our parents and grandparents had weekly mass and their sense of community was based far more on face to face interaction than ours. I think our generation is trying to find the new place to centre our society around. Politics is failing us, capitalism is failing us, religion is failing us and we all know the consequences of this shift. It’s effected all of our mental health at some stage and we really are the lab rats when it comes to the true consequences this internet age will have. Common ground is so important today and so what you all do is more significant than I think you can even imagine, because you have all created a safe space, a common ground and a haven for your peers. Theatre became my safe place. My career was not the only thing that was shaped by my work with my society, it shaped my self worth and my relationships and empowered me more than any other aspect of my education. You probably have no idea the life altering effects the work you do has. Every meeting, every rehearsal, every what’s app group chat is providing a structure for social and emotional interaction that may not otherwise happen. Its those conversations you have after the meeting and its the creative output you provide to some one swamped by their academics that make you all remarkable. And while, on the surface we could all be looked at as groups of people who simply geek out about the things we love I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say, that in todays society, the community you provide could literally be changing and saving peoples lives. So to summarise, as we say in show business, I’m a big fan of your work darlings. You are all powerful, badass, passionate young people. Don't apologise for it, don’t play it down and please continue to practice your passions, be it as a career or as a hobby, because it is in the things we love that we find the essence of who we are and you are not only doing that for yourself but for all those who you invite to join you.

The last thing I want to talk about, and one of the most pow-

LIVE CIT, LOVE SOCIETIES For full list of societies go to www.societies.cit.ie

The Year gone by...

Indian Society Holi - “Festival of Colour”

annual showcase in March. We’ve had an amazing year. Looking back at a jam-packed Semester 2 we started off preparing for RAG Week. The The Enactus Society began preparing their new ACE preparation payed off as in total Societies raised over project which was a huge success. The project involved €1800 for the Jack O’Driscoll Fund. This included quizzes running a baking class with children from the Rainbow held by Post-Grad, Biotechnology and Civil Structural club. The Rainbow club supports children with Autism and Engineering Societies, LGBT* Prom and the Societies their families. Enactus also showcased Drive. 14 Societies took part in the drive intheir work on World Autism Awareness cluding the Anime and Manga Stand where Day and sold baked goods made with the you could customise your own mug, the children the next day on the main corridor. Vegan Stand where they sold customised They also hosted a Deal With Us workcookbooks and the LGBT* Society who shop and CV Workshop in collaboration made a match game with some fantastic with the Careers Team. prizes, as well as many more. The Civil and Structural Engineering The Societies Office continued to host Society who took best Academic Society workshops for students such as leadership this year had a great semester with inforskills, time management and a fun workmation workshops, nights out and a trip shop entitled “Using your Best Qualities” to Barcelona. The Construction, Biotechwhere the group used their personalities to nology as well as the Business and Enterproblem solve as part of a team. Another prise Societies too have had Workplace highlight has been the Annual Societies Information talks. Ball - this year themed “Great Gatsby The Music Society’s biggest event was Murder Mystery”. A fantastic night was Musical Society – Cast of the Battle of the Bands which won best had by all where all guests rocked their best RENT the Musical small event this year, their weekly jam ses1920’s style outfits and put on their best sions and collaborations such as the MuAmerican Accents. A fantastic performance sic/Anime Karaoke night and the Asian was also achieved by the DJ Society who Fashion Show kept them busy. The kept us dancing all night. Asian Fashion show was a collaboration Let’s not forget the Engineering and Huwith the Indian Society and the Korean manities “Greatest Showman” themed Society who re-branded this year. The ball which went without a hitch thanks to Korean Society also held Dance and Drathe fantastic organising committee with a ma Workshops, winning Most Improved magician and balloon artist as well as perSociety this year. The Indian Society also formances from the Waxies, Wired Deep, held their own events this semester, the DJ Aaron Stanton and the DJ Society. highlight being Holi - the Indian Festival of Colour and Indian Bollywood Night. We saw the Musical Society begin fundraising with a screening of Shrek in the Roundy for The Energy and Environmental Society their annual musical - this year RENT which despite being new have had litter pick up was our Supreme event winner at the Soevents but the highlight of the semester Korean, Indian and Music Society cieties Awards. The gang also held their Collaboration - Asian Fashion Show being Environmental Awareness Day featuring traditional Indian clothing. where they held a poster competition, quizzes and co-ordinated a shocking display in the main corridor which had rubbish collected from only 12 classrooms and placed in a transparent case. They also took home the Risiam Uile Award at Societies Awards Night. They have had environmental talks in collaboration with the Vegan Society who are also new this year. The Vegan Society have held games nights, quizzes, talks and tasting evenings as well as restaurant meet-ups. The LGBT* Society consistently run fun workshops such as arts and craft events, but also serious workshops on consent and mental health. The Society are constantly on their feet raising awareness about health and well-being topics. The society can probably be commended the highest for their launch of their GSA Handbook in collaboration with several secondary schools. This strives to bring equality to all and with this the LGBT* Society were awarded the Society of the Year in this years awards ceremony and Best LGBT* Society the All Ireland Best Civic/Charitable Society at BICS 2019.

Society - Civic/Charitable in a small college at BICS National Awards. Their Secretary Nuttawud Nutchanat also was the proud winner of Best Individual of a small college at BICS National Awards. Sci-Fi have consistently screened movies every week and organised a trip to DCC for Dublin Comic Con Spring Edition. This semester the Christian Union Society have organised several Bible Studies as well as Q&A sessions, lunch meet-ups and a Bowling Night. The Design and Media Society brought in Marvel Comic Book artist Will Sliney. The Debate Society has run weekly speaker training workshops, celebrated their birthday and also have had a collaboration with the Enterprise Society. Guild Gaming and the Anime and Manga Society have hosted Pokémon week which included a Pokemon hunt, Pictionary game, screenings and more. The Anime

Music Society - Battle of the Bands.

WIN €30! Across

1. Nuisance (4) 4. Direction (4) 6. Tradition (4) 8. Sluggish (4) 11. Severs (4) 13. Relevant (7) 14. Belonging to us (3) 16. Citrus fruit (5) 18. Subsequently (5) 21. Wash out (5) 22. Sleeveless garment (5) 24. Decimal base (3) 25. Long-necked mammal (7) 28. Radiate (4) 30. Plant ovule (4) 31. Paradise (4) 32. Without fat (4) 33. Escape (4)

Dance Society performing at Dublin Inters.

and Manga Society have also hosted their own Japanese Culture Night and are part of the Japanese Film Festival showing this year. The Trad Society have had music sessions in Crawford and Co. as well as lunchtime concerts. The Programming Society won best new Society this year and hosted their first ever Hackathon as well as weekly workshops including Guest Speakers. The Dance Society participated in Inters this semester and opened the Societies Awards night with their Harry Potter Themed performance. With that amazing round-up we’re excited for what next semester will bring. Be proud of your niche hobbies, find people to share your interests and have fun. We hope to see you at Societies Day next semester.

expliCIT April 2019 issue 8

Go explore

expliCIT April 2019 issue 8

Students' Union Council Awards

Students' Union Council Awards