Alma Mater

In my mind, my schooling only really began when I started at the Salesian Convent, Fernbank, Limerick, in fifth class. We're a Dublin family, but we moved to Limerick when my father was transferred by Guinness.It was only then that I started to learn and have confidence in my ability. For two years under one particular teacher in my Dublin school I had lived in terror of being punished. Removed from that atmosphere of fear, I blossomed. I was told I was marvellous - something which hadn't happened to me at school before.I stayed on with the Salesians through second level. I focused on the subjects I enjoyed. In languages, Latin and art, I prospered. I was good at most things but not great at maths.At school, I was quite insubordinate. I challenged the system and got into quite a bit of trouble. I challenged the church and the role of women in it. I questioned issues relating to women and the moral issues that were shoved down our throats. I was in a class of high achievers and I was the most outspoken. Fortunately, I had a lot of good friends and we supported each other.I was one of the youngest in my class and did the Leaving Cert when I was only 16. I was too young to matriculate and didn't really know what I wanted to do. I thought maybe I would do something in art, but I was also anxious to be independent and get into the workplace, earn money and travel.I did a secretarial course at Micky Macs' in Limerick, which was excellent. I thought about joining the civil service. Instead, I joined AIB and went to work in London. I enjoyed the development end of the business but, as the bank became established, I found it less interesting.I decided to come back to Ireland and go to college. I was accepted to do both English and legal science at TCD, but opted for law because I decided it was a more marketable qualification.Trinity was wonderful. I loved the life, but I didn't have time to participate in the trappings of student living - the clubs and societies and the debating. I had to pay my way and spent two days each week working as a secretary.Legal science was taught as a humanities' subject rather than as a professional qualification. That suited me because Iwasn't sure what I wanted to do. It was a four-year course and I loved all the subjects.I was very lucky and was in a very good class. I was 21 and the others were just out of school, but I didn't feel a misfit. I made a good core of friends who were younger than me. I also met quite a few of the postgraduates - among them, my husband - who were drifting in and out. Kader Asmal was my tutor.I was a late starter in politics. I stood for the local election in 1991 and the general election the following year. By then I had realised that my main interest in law was its influence on social change. I found a very happy home in politics.The role of my parents and key teachers - Brigid Russell and Antonia O'Callaghan - were important in my life. I wasn't indulged at home but my parents were always supportive in everything I did. They were disappointed when I didn't go straight to college, but still they supported my decision to go to London when I was 17, which was very nerve-wracking for them.When I was in first year in TCD and my brother was also at college, my father had a heart attack and had to retire. It was very tough for them but they made huge efforts to support me. Having one or two good teachers who believe in you and give you confidence is important, and you can get that in any school.Liz O'Donnell is Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. She was in conversation with Yvonne Healy