CPC students visit Zeminar

Transition Year students from CPC went to the RDS on Wednesday 11 October to take part in Zenimar, an event aimed at 'generation Z' to brighten our future, writes Chloe O'Connell. There were a collection of activities and representatives from colleges and different organisations. The event — running for three days through 10-12 October — was host to a number of different speakers all talking about their life challenges and experiences, with a different set of speakers every day.

These included Eilis Barret, Emily Duffey, Nicole Ryan, Blindboy, Dr Harry Barry and many more. Each speaker discussed different issues they faced in their lives or some of the problems they solved. Speakers like Blindboy and Nicole Ryan spoke about how drugs had affected their lives, Blindboy telling of his own personal addiction and Nicole Ryan recalling her brother’s accidental overdose. Dr Harry Barry spoke about how to manage social stress and anxiety. Eilis Barret told about how she became a teenage author and Emily Duffey outlined how she developed sleeping bags that provide aid to the homeless.

The RDS was split into nine mini Zeminars for people to explore — the Main Stage, the Well-Being Gym, the Spin Cycle Scene, Gealzon, CEO Boss It, Club Corner, Youth Org United and the Activation Zone. Each section offered a different experience. The Well Being Gym focused on positive feelings, expressing ourselves and learning how to manage our mental health. The Spin Cycle Scene was a place to give students the opportunity to mix with members from other schools across the country and reflect on the event. The Gealzon was where students met with representatives from Gaeltacht’s across Ireland. They were shown what each Gaeltacht had to offer in case they were interested in going on a Gaeltacht course over the summer holidays.

CEO Boss It was a zone which was home to representatives of colleges. This space allowed students to see what career options were open to them, what college courses would be suitable for the career they wish to pursue. Nearly all colleges in Ireland were represented in some way. Club Corner was where the organisations for sports and hobbies were placed. There was a wide variety of organisations in this area, including Learning to Swim, National Rescue Boat Service and Scouts to name a few. Youth Org United was also home to mainly sports organisations ... to showcase sports and increase participation, this zone was sponsored by Dublin County Council. The Activation Zone was a space to showcase Science, Technology and capture the imaginations of people. The Main Stage area was used for the speakers.

It was a brilliant experience for all TY students.