Interviews
Name: Alexander Fay
Qualifications: General Science
About: Alexander Fay is a Senior Freshman General Science student who has come through the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP). TAP support people from areas with low progression rates to third level institutions, offering them an alternative path to Trinity.
Tell us about your route to Trinity?
When I was in 6th class, I was handed a letter from my teacher about the TAP Maths & Science scholars programme, aimed at students with an interest in science. I went along to a meetup in the Science Gallery, where they had us making little LED lights while passively learning about the science behind them. This was my first time around Trinity, and my first time doing something academic outside of school. I kept going to events that TAP organised for us over the years. During that time, I met people who heavily influenced my idea of education. Neither of my parents got the opportunity to access further education when they were my age. Despite this and a lack of history in my area of college as an accessible option, I never ruled it out for myself. Upon reaching 6th year, I applied to the TAP Foundation Course and spent a year in TAP getting a bearing for college life before moving into a general science degree.
How has Trinity changed your life?
TAP, the Foundation Course, Trinity, and everybody I’ve met along the way have changed my life for the better. And they aren’t done changing my life completely just yet. I’ve been given the support and tools to be able to tackle social challenges and engage academically in a way that makes me proud of where I’m from and where I’m going. I’m now involved with the Archaeological Society, youth exchanges, and local kids camp in my own community. I wouldn’t be here and be who I am today without these people.
What do you enjoy most about Trinity?
It’s the ‘localness’ that I enjoy most. I live in North Wall, a ten-minute walk from campus, and take great pride in where I come from. It’s an area with a tight-knit community and I often feel that this is replicated in some way in Trinity. I’m forever bumping into people I know, wherever I turn on campus. I feel like a local, I feel like I belong here.
What has been your proudest moment on this journey so far?
My proudest moment has to be graduating from the TAP Foundation Course. It was a day that captured the feeling of support and motivation that everybody at the Trinity Access Programmes had given me. Not only during that year, but every year since I got that letter in primary school. It’s something I take great pride in, being able to call myself a TAP student.
Why is it important that Trinity alumni support TAP?
The work that TAP do is simply amazing, it is because of their guidance that I am able to achieve my goals. They are constantly doing more than anybody could ever ask of them, and I think it’s right to recognise this and do whatever we can to support their efforts. I do what I can by volunteering as a TAP ambassador, giving school talks and campus tours; and I would implore anybody who can, to support TAP. I can’t overstate just how much my life has changed, and how many more lives could be changed too.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m keeping a very open mind for now. As much as I’d love to go on to further studies in physics, I would also love to get involved in education. I believe that how we teach, at all levels, needs to change and my experience with TAP inspires me to get involved in making that happen.
The Trinity Access Programmes were established in 1993 to increase educational progression by young adults and adults from low socio-economic backgrounds. The programmes include educational outreach initiatives, alternative entry routes to Trinity and a post-entry progression programme involving a range of international companies.