Shane is from Ballybofey, Co Donegal. Shane studied Applied Science - Forensics at Cavan Institute.

"After receiving my leaving certificate results in 2019, I was very disappointed. I had enough points for the course I wanted to do in the LYIT but I had failed Maths. I decided to do a level 5 QQI course in forensic science at Cavan Institute. Little did I know that a PLC (Post Leaving Cert) course was the best thing for me at that time. I made a lot of new friends along the way.
When I went to Cavan Institute I had some information about forensics but not a lot. So that was a bit of a worry for me, but with help, I gradually learned more and more about forensics and science in general.
When I was studying at Cavan Institute, I learned many important skills like getting used to Moodle and Teams. Learning to reference assignments properly was a huge asset. All universities and IoT's insist on academically referenced assignments so I will be confident starting college with this knowledge.
I also got to do work experience in a laboratory in Donegal. It was in a creamery called Green Pastures. This was a big help as I learned things that I could use in the future. I got involved in many things while I was studying at Cavan Institute like the Open Days and when the 6th class students came in for science week. I was also involved in soccer for Cavan Institute.
In March when Cavan Institute was closed because of Covid-19, we adjusted our learning to an online experience. I had to work hard as I really wanted to get an offer from LYIT. I was determined to get an offer so I worked hard from September.
I was delighted when I received a Round 1 CAO offer from LYIT as I got accepted from my QQI grades that I received in Cavan Institute.
Now I will be studying Digital and Security Forensics at Letterkenny Institute of Technology
My advice for you is if you're not happy with your leaving cert results or you don't get an offer, don't panic, there are other routes. A PLC course could be the best option for you. With a PLC course, you get to enjoy what you are doing, you also get a certificate at the end of the year and if you work hard enough you can get an offer from the CAO for the college you want to study at.
Finally, the best thing for me was, I got to meet new people and made great friends on my course."