I hope you all enjoyed the summer break. I’m sure many of you enjoyed participating in Crann summer activities – making friendships and engaging in various and possibly new activities. I’m sure some of you also had the chance to grow in confidence and independence through Crann’s mobility programme, Skills on Wheels and the Independent Living groups. It was amazing to see so many families at the End of Summer BBQ again this year. Thank you to all the families staff and volunteers for making this occasion so special every year. This year the barbecue marked milestone for me and my family as it was the first time we met another family from Kerry, our home county – this is something we always longed for. The fun isn’t over yet – there is a Halloween Party, Murder Mystery Party and a Conservation Area event still to come!
Today I would like to reflect on my journey participating in the Journalism, Podcasting and Radio course which is run in conjunction with Radio Kerry.
I have always had an interest in the journalism area because I’ve always loved storytelling through writing – which is also why I started this blog – I’m very thankful to the communications team at Crann for offering me the opportunity to write for the monthly newsletter and express my thoughts on a range of topics with the rewarding Crann community. I have had truly amazing journey doing this blog, which in turn has grown my confidence. If you have an interest in creative expression through writing, speaking or working as part of a team, Crann offers Breaking Barriers Theatre Group with a variety all the opportunities available to help people with neuro-physical disabilities express themselves and grow in confidence. The creative arts is more than just acting, there is something for everyone!
Following my success growing my confidence through the Crann blog, Breaking Barriers Theatre Group and advocating for people with neuro-physical disabilities, I wanted to challenge myself and take my confidence to the next level by exploring all avenues in the media industry.
Through discussions with one of my personal assistants, and the career coaching at Crann, I discovered that journalism, podcasting and radio would be the perfect course for me as it would be an opportunity to explore a bit of everything.
I’m so glad I did this course as it opened my eyes to the vast range of opportunities available in the media industry – from editing, producing, marketing and sales, to being behind the microphone – there is something for everyone.
Since November 2024 to now, I had been given the opportunity to practice editing, preparing content for shows, presenting music and talk shows, participating in and facilitating debates, preparing and reading news bulletins, exploring podcasting and more!
Through the course I discovered there is great flexibility with podcasting as you can create a podcast yourself and do podcasts about any topic with any length. My focus is now on using podcasts to advocate for people with physical disabilities.
Thank you to my wonderful instructors and personal assistants, and also to Mary O’Grady, Career Coach at Crann.
Recruitment has begun for journalism, podcasting and radio enthusiasts for November 2025. if you would like to learn more about this course visit https://kerrycollege.ie/full-time-courses/digital-journalism-podcasting-radio-tralee/
