# data[].attributes.body
Although not related to school itself, the climate change was an important part of my 2019, as seeing as i attended with schoolmates, i figured it was enough of a connection to include. this march was incredible to see, as it showed the strength of irish teens resolve, and how we are willing to fight to achieve what we believe in. we only have one planet, and its our responsibility to care for it!

# data[].attributes.body
As the focus of fourth year was less on academic studies than years before, it gave me opportunity to explore my more creative side. A large part of this was my engagment in the art enrichment, something I had never experienced before. I surprisingly found myself enjoying it immensely, which inspired me to delve into it further in my personal life. The theme of creative expression is continued in many projects I undertook this year.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the first, and more memorable projects from fourth year. Opinions on this project vary wildly to say the least. I enjoyed the challenge of creating something that was functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Im happy with the result I produced, and I hope Mr finucane is too!

# data[].attributes.body
This was without a doubt one of the most challenging projects I undertook in TY. Although stressful, it allowed me the creative freedom and expression I craved and missed during third year.

# data[].attributes.body
The gaisce hike will go down as one of the most strangely enjoyable and memorable points of TY, albeit arduous, strenuous, and bloody annoying at times. As it was the last trip we would take as a transition year group, it felt more symbolic than just a long walk. The 40ish km we treked up and down the mountains for me signified the journey of a year we had just gone on, with its own ups and downs. Only now that weve gone on this pilgrimmage of sorts, we're able to move on and 'transition' into fifth years, and eventually (hopefully) competetent graduates. Regardless, I'll hope the memories with me for a long time. Not so much the blisters and bruises though.

# data[].attributes.body
At the end of Easter, my hockey teams and I were lucky enough to visit amsterdam to play two local hockey teams. I had never been to Holland myself so I was incredibly excited to see the city. Ignoring the turbulent and fretful flight over, andsnapping my glasses before we had even landed, the trip was nothing but enjoyable. arriving on Kings Day showed us the wild side of the city, with the Anne Frank house and walking tour showing us historical elements, cappingit off with a canal tour, showing us the serenity and beauty of amsterdam. Although we lost our matches by a large margin, meeting the other teammates and seeing their daily lives was insightful. Certainly  city to revist in the future!

# data[].attributes.body
The ski trip was without a shadow of a doubt one of the highlights of my transition year. Before this trip, I had never seen snow over an inch and a half, let alone skiied on it! This experience truly took me away from all I was comfortable with, and I enjoyed every second. Visiting Italy for the first time, getting to walk around Milan and experience its culture and people, and spending a week skiing in the mountains with my friends is not an experience I'll soon forget. The memories of completing my first red slope (without falling!), going iceskating outdoors at 11pm, and eating tradional gelato in the shade of Milan Cathedral will stick with me through the years.

# data[].attributes.body
As with hockey and volleyball, I was very priviledged to take part in a coaching course in rowing. This took me out of my comfort zone, and what I was used to and knew. This involved teaching first years techniques I had only begun to be comfortable with, and rowing in a real life boat! On water! I feel this challenge was beneficial for me, and the bonding experience of trying not to tip the boat, and trying to win the race between us, strengthened my friendships.

# data[].attributes.body
Along with volleyball and rowing, I was so glad to have been able to take part in hockey coaching. This gave me an opportunity to improve my hockey skills, communication and leadership, and gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sport.

# data[].attributes.body
Similarly with rowing and hockey, I got to partake in volleyball coaching and umpiring. This was something I was more familiar with. I enjoyed being able to play again with the people from previous years, and new people I met this year. Cant wait to start up the season again in September!

# data[].attributes.body
With the amount of work experience I've done this year, I genuinely think I've spent more time on the southbound dart than in school. There are far too many to write about in detail here, so I'll briefly mention one of my more memorable ones; working in Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The experiences I had were wildly ranged, going from participating in surgery boot camps with fourth-year medical students, filing years worth of research results, organising lab equipment, attending lectures, to manning the front reception. All of these tasks had me faced with a variety of challenges and responsibilities, which gave me a well rounded and holistic view of what lies ahead in my possible future career. Special thanks to the school for allowing me to take so much time to have all these experiences!

# data[].attributes.body
Outdoor Pursuits was the very first trip we took together as a transition year group, starting our year ahead of us with some bonding, camping, and light hiking (I used to think this was long, and then Gaisce happened). I feel this trip helped get us acquainted with the new students in our year, and strengthened the pre-existing friendships. Nothing like a few collaborative team exercises and storms to form lifelong friendships, I suppose.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Junior Cert results came on the 12th of September 2019. it was something I had largely forgotten I had ahead of me as soon as I left my last exam the previous summer. waking up on the day, knew it would make or break my transition year. deep down, I understood that the results at this point were meaningless to everyone but ourselves. regardless, the nausea I felt walking into our gym hall that fateful morning was indescribable. My envelope was at the very bottom of the pile, curtesy of my fathers' surname (cheers for the extra stress and wait da). All of my friends had already opened their results, celebrating their achievements or mourning the months wasting at this moment. I, however, took mine upstairs to the changing rooms and sat alone, trying to work up the courage to look. Several minutes spent shaking and working up some semblance of resolve later, I gingerly opened it, and read down the list. A weight was lifted off my shoulders when I read what I got. I initially thought I read it wrong, which goes to show your results down reflect much. After the fifteen or so minutes wasted on trying and failing to contact my family, the shock had worn off, and I was honestly over it. Kind of an anticlimax overall, really.