Time flies by quickly, my first academic year is going to end, when I look back, there are really many cherished memories to last a lifetime. Here in Maynooth University, I not only make loads of good friends, but also get prestigious academic achievements, all of those will become invaluable treasure for my whole lives.
In this semester I had the honour to attend Education in Ireland International Student Ambassador Awards Ceremony, and also Education of Ireland Government Scholarship Award Ceremony was held at the same time. As one of the award winners, I was invited to Farmleigh House where grand award ceremony took place. After all, this was my first time to attend such a prestigious event, I felt quite honored and lucky enough. I never thought before I could have such a chance to visit the Irish official state guesthouse, not to mention I got such scholarship, so of course I felt quite excited. Perhaps It’s just because I opted Maynooth University as my top choice so that I could have such a opportunity to apply for this Scholarship and even won it. Before I moved to Ireland, I got a email from Maynooth University saying I have a chance to win a scholarship if I submit a personal statement about how to promote Irish university like Maynooth University in China. When I received email, I felt a bit surprised, and I attached great importance on it. I have researched lots of background information, and added much of my personal idea integrating many Chinese characters to finalize this personal statement., and finally it turned out to be a successful one, so I’d like to thank Maynooth University for giving me such a great chance!
The ceremony was held on 10th April, and I wore the suit that I already prepared for the event. I have never been to Farmleigh House before, so it actually took me some time before I found it. By the time I walked into the place, I was attracted by the beauty of landscape. I could see several cattle grazed on the meadowland in the distance, garden was elaborately trimmed, lush vegetation was everywhere, and magnificent Farmleigh House was just in the middle of the park, all of those formed a really nice picture! When I stepped into the house, the enthusiastic receptionist just came up and leaded me to the hall where many award winners were chatting, and photographing, so I just joined everyone and chatted with people too, and also I made many new friends there. By the way, I have visited Farmleigh House, It’s very luxurious, I was marveled at its ornaments. All the interiors were well decorated, and fine artworks hanged everywhere.
After a while, the Minister of Education and Skills Richard Bruton arrived, and he approached the crowds and took group photos with award winners. After that, he made a excellent speech in front of people and welcomed the coming of international award winners, everyone at the time was all delighted. Following that, the award ceremony started. Every winner was called up to the front to accept the award certificate and also photographed with the representative of embassy and Chief Executive in Higher Education Authority. All award winners felt quite honored and privileged, of course I felt the same too, and took lot of photos. It lasted about half an hour until it’s finished, after that we just walked around and met new friends and chatted a bit. The organizer was very considerate, providing many refreshments and beverages for us, It’s very delicious.
After a while, the several buses came in and took us to the Church Restaurant, which was the last part of all the event, having nice meal with award winners together and sharing our joy with each other. It was really fantastic! I think this event will become one of the most prestigious moments in my lives, and I’ll enshrine this memory in the deep bottom of my heart forever!
