Helen McEntee sat her Leaving Cert in 2004 at St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School, Navan, Co Meath.
What is your most vivid Leaving Cert memory?
It was a really sunny day – typical exam weather – and I was studying for my French paper the next day. I say ‘studying’, but I was lying in the back garden – with my French book over my face. That urge to be out in the sun is so strong in my memory.
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
I really liked all my teachers and got on well with them, but I probably spent most time with Ms Burke – my French teacher. She was very kind and supportive; just a very positive person.
Your most difficult subject?
Physics. Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have chosen it; it wasn’t a subject I was particularly good at and it’s the subject I did least well in.
Your favourite subject?
I loved art, music and English. I’ve always loved drawing, being creative, playing piano and had a really great English teacher. For my music practical, I did a duet with my best friend, Niamh.
Can you recall what points you got?
I got 400 and something – I’m not 100 per cent sure what. Let’s put it this way, I wasn’t aiming for 500 or 600 points. I could have worked harder, but I was happy with what I got.
How important were the results?
Not very – but, because of the results, I ended up in DCU, which I loved. The friends I made shaped my next few years. The degree was a good base for me.
What did you do after school?
I studied economics, politics and law at DCU and afterward completed a postgrad in journalism and media at Griffith College.
What would you change about the Leaving Cert?
I would take away some of the pressure at exam time. The fact that I did art and music – which had practicals and coursework – was a great help for me. Having that across the board would take some of the pressure off students.
What advice would you give your Leaving Cert self?
The same advice I give everyone: just do your best.
– In conversation with Carl O’Brien
