MICHELLE MCLOUGHLIN

Award Year: 1994

Course: Business & Legal Studies

Activities: St Vincent de Paul Society; Belfield Folk Group; European Law Students Association

Occupation: Solicitor; Lecturer; Business Consultant

We saw no barriers that could not be overcome and we believed we could make a difference. I was part of the very first Bachelor of Business and Legal Studies class in UCD. I arrived with enthusiasm and determination. As well as studying and learning, it was my time to give back, to focus on others, on societal issues of social justice and equality.

I joined the UCD St Vincent de Paul Society with likeminded students to try to make a difference. We worked with local initiatives such as helping out with Donnybrook Youth Club, visiting a nursing home, helping out students with their homework, and we were also part of a larger group who did weekly prison visits. We were there to listen, support, and help where we could.

During my time in College it was UCD’s turn to organise the St Vincent de Paul’s Intervarsity Conference. I worked with a fantastic group of students, mainly from Social Sciences, who all volunteered their time and hosted a fantastic conference. We chose the theme of social justice and focussed on what we students could do to contribute to a better society. We had such high hopes that we could change and improve society. It is a theme that is still current and a huge issue in our society today. We were privileged to have the then President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and Fr Peter McVerry speak at the conference.

I have fond memories of my time in UCD, the fantastic clubs and societies, the positive can do attitude and ethos of UCD, and all the wonderful friends I met in College.