Name: Nicole Cassidy
Age: 16
From: Enniskillen
School: St. Fancheas’s College
Family details: Parents Gregory and Catherine; twin brothers, Patrick and Jonathan aged 18 who are studying in St. Josephs College and sister Rebecca aged 11, who is in first year in Mount Lourdes.
Subjects studied: I am currently in Year 12 in the final year of my GCSE’s studying Maths, English, Religion, LLW, Double Award Science, History, Music and Drama.
What does being Head Girl/Boy mean to you? It was an aspiration of mine for quite a while and I was overjoyed to have been chosen as Head Girl alongside my Deputies Aoibheann O’Callaghan, Erin Maguire and Savannagh Leonard. I feel privileged and humbled to represent such a wonderful school and the pupils in it. It is a great opportunity to make a positive impact both in the community and on a personal level.
Your plans after school: I hope to complete my A levels and go to University. I also have a ‘bucket list’ of all the things I want to do in life such as travelling, possibly writing a book and just enjoying life and being happy!
Your career aspirations: I am interested in Pharmacy and I have really benefited from my week’s work placement in Corry’s Chemist Enniskillen earlier this year.
Will you consider emigrating; if so, where? I would like to explore and experience different cultures across the world and gain knowledge first hand of life experiences and work opportunities. Perhaps even volunteering in developing countries and experiencing a completely different lifestyle compared to what I am used to. I think I would always have a need to return home to Fermanagh eventually as it is where I am from and all my family and friends are here.
Please outline any extra responsibilities you have within school: I am an Anti-Bullying Ambassador for my school where I work with a team of positive, approachable people who will provide support, advice and friendship to others at any time whilst promoting inclusion for all. I am also part of the Student Council where we meet every week discussing and bringing forward new ideas. I am part of the Pastoral Team providing support and friendships for all students at any time. I also a member of the Music Committee and Reporters Club. Other responsibilities include public speaking and helping worthwhile causes such as cross community and charity events.
What are your hobbies and interests outside school? I have a keen interest in playing Gaelic football for my club Enniskillen Gaels with a lot of my friends and I also enjoy going to the gym. I find it’s a great way to socialise and to take a break from any pressures from exam stress. I enjoy going to concerts and festivals with my friends and look forward to many in the summer time. I enjoy volunteering in my local area for example annually reading at the Graan for three months a year. I have recently become involved with Clogher Don Óige and I look forward to returning to Taizé again this year on their pilgrimage for young people.
What person (known to you or not, alive or dead) do you most admire and why?
I really admire Fr. Brian D’Arcy. He has helped me grow in faith from a young age by teaching the word of God in a modern way. He is genuine and down to earth and always has something interesting to say and can talk about challenging issues in a way which makes us think and see life from a different perspective.
What are your views on:
• Integrated education: I feel it’s important to respect and have an inclusive attitude in all aspects of life. In many ways we are already integrated. Currently, Saint Fanchea’s College is working closely with Devenish College in delivering a shared education initiative around World War One. Many of our A-Level pupils in Saint Fanchea’s College already take a qualification in other schools through the Fermanagh Learning Community. Furthermore, pupils from the Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and the Erne Integrated College come to our school to complete an A-Level in Business. Real collaboration between the schools is already helping pupils to break down barriers and stereotypes, while giving younger people the opportunity to build friendships with others in our community.
• Brexit: I think Brexit is a very worrying development. Its effect on imports and exports to the European Union can affect trade for local businesses in Fermanagh. It could lead to goods being more expensive for us.
• Same sex marriage: I feel that it is right to respect an individual’s orientation. We are all equal and have the same rights.
• Northern Ireland’s politicians: I feel they are all intelligent and capable people who are trying to represent people from different backgrounds and beliefs. They need to work more closely together and be positive role models for the good of all.