Jennifer Gleeson, class of 1995
What do you miss the most about Muckross life?
''I was never overly academic in the traditional sense. I found it hard to focus on subjects I didn’t have massive interest in. My favourites were probably Irish and Geography. So it was always going to be the people that I liked most about school I think! The craic and the messing between class or in class. The camaraderie, particularly as we graduated. I feel so deeply for the girls who won’t get to do that this year. The pandemic has changed so much so suddenly, it can be hard to grasp it all, the uncertainty is difficult. I can’t imagine what they’re going through having to navigate the transition out of school on top of what’s going on.''
What's your favourite Muckross memory?''Probably the stuff we did outside class to be honest! Like the outdoor pursuits trip or the trip to Eastern Europe in 5th year. Music and choir classes were also some of my favourite times, and Ms. Maguire, the music teacher at the time, was so lovely. I remember sitting in her Music Appreciation class and loving just listening to the classical music she played and observing her genuine love for it. We did concerts and weddings with the choir which I loved.
We also did a musical, West Side Story, in 5th year with Sandford Park which was so much fun. I still remember most of the lyrics from the songs. I loved every minute of doing that and still have friends I made while doing it.''
What are you up to now?
''Well I've taken a winding path career wise! I went to UCD and studied Geography and Sociology and loved both. I went on and did a Business postgrad in The Smurfit School. I loved the freedom of college, and the social life, but was never really set on any particular career path.''
''My last office job was as a Corporate Events Manager in a large Pharma company which I did for about seven years, and loved it. It was sociable and fun but not so family friendly so when offered, I took redundancy to be with my kids who were small at the time. During that time I got into cake making and now have a bespoke cake business (Sweetie Pie) that I run from home which means family life (my boys are 8 & 10 now) blurs with work a bit, but that’s the way I like it. I love the flexibility of working for myself. It’s not for the faint hearted but I’m lucky that I really love what I do!''
''Music is still a big part of my life, I sing with a brilliant pop choir (Casual Choir, check them out!) and I’ve just gone back to playing piano for fun. Despite the pandemic I’ve been able to continue lessons on FaceTime which I’m so grateful for. It is brilliant for headspace.''
''I’ve travelled a good bit too. After the sudden death of a family member I decided life’s too short to wait to do stuff, so I packed in my job, took out a loan and travelled the world for six months, one of the best decisions I ever made. Now more than ever I’m so grateful I did it. The restrictions as they are now are obviously curtailing travel, but I'm really looking forward to even being able to travel to Kerry which I do annually. And planning for further afield once we can.''
Advice for your 18 year old self:
''Listen to your gut, always. And forget other people’s expectations! I need to remind myself of both all the time! But finding the confidence in yourself and trusting yourself is crucial when it comes to being happy - that’s my wisdom for the day!''