Although she is a renowned international journalist and podcaster now, in September 2005, Naomi O’Leary fell into the same freshers trap that many an overly excited first year find themselves in – signing up for every society under the sun. “I did the typical freshers thing of joining more societies than any person could conceivably engage with”, she laughs.
O’Leary recalls that her enthusiasm for education meant that she was ecstatic about the prospect of being in College. “I was just so excited by the idea of learning about all these things.” In her first week, she got involved in a range of societies including DU Amnesty International and a debate in the Graduates Memorial Building (GMB). “I tried to throw myself into physical situations, challenging situations to put myself on the spot and train myself into thinking on my feet and thinking for myself.”
O’Leary emphasises the role of extracurricular activities in allowing students to challenge themselves and develop new skills. “To have access to all of those extra curricular activities is just such an incredible opportunity it’s really amazing.”
Thinking ahead, O’Leary describes how such experiences contributing to Trinity newspapers and Trinity FM allowed her to develop new skills and build up a portfolio. Two things that served her well when she was trying to launch her career in journalism. “You get those skills and you also build up a portfolio which you can show when you try to get your foot in the door in the media.”
Reiterating that, while her involvement in extracurriculars provided her with “really great learning experience”, O’Leary points out that you don’t have to have it all figured out in college. In fact, for people who don’t know what career they want to pursue she labels uncertainty “a gift” – “it means you can try out different things, see what you like and you never know what doors will open. Keep an open mind, be curious”.
One of the best things O’Leary says she ever did while in College was her Erasmus year, describing the experience as “completely formative” for her. Indeed, her time in Italy led her down the path of entering journalism. She explains that learning Italian helped her gain an edge in the journalism industry due to her ability to report on the news in Italy through English. And while Italy offered her a chance to explore a new country and its culture, O’Leary describes how the language skills she picked up there served her well. Even crediting her fluency in Italian with helping her to land a place on the Reuters journalism graduate trainee scheme.
It is due to this experience that O’Leary points to language skills as “a really great field to develop while you are at college”.
Reminding students of the opportunity they have at College, O’Leary says: “It is a privilege to be at college and to have access to learning … I think it is important not to take that for granted.”
As much as she emphasises the importance of education, O’Leary points out that the value of learning outside of the classroom shouldn’t be overlooked. “I would say that I learnt an enormous amount from just talking to my fellow students. It wasn’t just lectures and seminars themselves, it was the discussions we had afterwards.”
Her final piece of advice to often overly Trinity stressed students is a reminder to look after themselves, particularly amid studying, exams, extracurriculars and socialising. “Take care of yourself. People can really burn themself out if they’re not sleeping enough,” she concludes.
