Sister Helen Connolly
When faced with maths for the first time in 60 years as part of an apprenticeship, Sister Helen Connolly’s first instinct was to give up. Instead she persevered and has completed the apprenticeship in just 12 months, gaining passes at every stage.
Sister Helen, 73, is a member of the missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and also works full-time as a carer in a residential home which forms part of the convent where she lives.
Encouraged by an assessor, Sister Helen applied for an NVQ at Level 3 in Health and Social Care, but became anxious when she realised the course included key skills – the application of numbers and communication.
“My first thought was to give up and not continue with the course as it had been many years since I attended school and I was never the brightest of students,” she said. “My second thought was why let my age take over my life? I love my life as a carer and if I did this course, it would be an inspiration to younger staff.”
Sister Helen worked hard, needing little guidance or assistance with using the computer or the website, and completed the course in less time than the usual 17 months. “I have more confidence when caring for residents”, she said. “It has given me satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Learning helps to keep the mind active and is a way of helping others. A challenge is always good for a person and it keeps the mind young!”
