MY TY WEEK: Erica Gallagher (15) of Magh Ene College, Bundoran, Co Donegal

‘AT THE start of the year, I was in two minds. Had I made the right decision to do Transition Year? Now I know that I would have regretted going into fifth year.

“We’re involved in many different projects. Tonight, we’re taking part in a debate in Clones, Co Monaghan, as part of the Concern debates. I’m opposing the motion that foreign aid should not be given in times of recession. This will be my first time debating, although we’ve had a lot of practice in school.

“Next week, we’re starting our work-experience. I’m going to a local primary school; my duties will include yard supervision and helping the teachers across all classes. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was seven years old, so next week will prove whether it’s for me or not.

“We’ve also set up a mini- company to organise school discos, and we just had the first one. It was attended by students from all years, and it made over €800 profit.

“Another project is the AIB Build a Bank challenge. We set up a mini-bank in association with the local AIB branch, and students all take different roles in the bank. Students can even lodge money with us.

“In Transition Year, every day is different, and we’re learning new things all the time. I’d never have thought, for instance, that I’d participate in a three-day workshop on stilt walking for the Ballyshannon Festival, but it was enormous fun. I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.”