Limerick woman is inspiring women and empowering dreamers

AMIDST the heavy shadows cast by stigmas and limited expectations in an overlooked Limerick suburb, a woman has risen above the prejudices as a testament to her home place, and the power of true ambition.

Leeann Collins grew up in Moyross, an area perpetually associated in the media with criminal gangs, anti-social behaviour, and poverty.

Now dubbed a regeneration area in an attempt to address issues of exclusion by breathing new life into the landscape, Leeann tells the story of how her home place, and those around her, shaped her into the triumphing academic she is today.

Currently pursuing her studies in Industrial Automations and Robotics Systems at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Leeann's journey began quite differently.

After school she went Down Under to Australia for two years to travel and to see the world in all its sun-kissed glory. But upon her return, she became unsure of her next steps.

For the following nine years, she worked as a cleaner at University Hospital Limerick before summoning the courage to embark on a journey towards higher education.

Reflecting on her earlier days, she chuckled, "I used to be in there fixing things and trying to help, and everyone knew I was in the wrong job."

Getting the courage to try her hand at something more up her alley, she was supported by her mother Maureen, father Jimmy, brother Paul and sister Trudy.

On top of that, she had her many colleagues, and above all, the still unwavering Moyross circle, which Leeann said helped to cement her decision to pursue her true passion.

With friends still in that suburb, she proudly declared her love and loyalty for Moyross, "I have yet to find a tighter-knit community”.

“I loved where I grew up, and it will always be my home,” she stated.

She thinks back on a tapestry woven with memories of tea at a friend's house, supportive neighbours, and lifelong friendships. Leeann has nothing but fond things to say of Delmege Park, even after leaving the area at 17.

Now 34, Leeann reflects on the significance of a university education at a young age. "When I was growing up, the course I am currently pursuing wasn't even available, and fields like mechanical or electrical engineering were predominantly seen as male-dominated," she explained.

But in 2023, there is an engineer for almost every imaginable field, and Leeann encourages anyone with "the itch" to take the leap towards their dream job.

Within her course at TUS, Leeann delves into a fascinating blend of software, technology, and the realm of mathematics.

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As she approaches the final weeks of her fourth year, and with results all going well, she eagerly prepares to don her cap and gown, but emphasises that this success did not come easily.

Wiring, programming, coding, assembling components, and automating systems — the work being hands-on is an understatement.

However, having received a merit in a part-time flexible Mathematics and Engineering Science course at the same university, Leeann knew she was up for the challenge.

As a mature student she did her homework and found she was entitled to a full SUSI grant. Leeann took full advantage of this opportunity and opted for the four-year honours course at TUS.

Admitting her own setbacks, the dedicated scholar reveals that a significant obstacle came her way within only months of her new career journey - she failed a mathematics module.

Understandably, she questioned her own abilities and her confidence dipped.

Leeann describes her feelings at that moment with a sharp intake of breath: “I had to repeat, and that was the biggest hurdle for me, but I got through it”.

With “a rock” in the form of a best friend, Sarah, Leeann was helped through the most desperate of times and was boosted when she needed a boost to achieve her proudest moments.

Undoubtedly, one of these moments came as Johnson & Johnson Limerick offered the student a position on their graduate programme after she impressed while completing her work placement.

Now in a position she never dreamed she would realise, Leeann has adopted a “go for it” attitude, not only inspiring women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), but empowering all dreamers to make their next move.

Reiterating the realities of schemes and bursaries to aid in furthering education, she states, “you are the only person who holds you back. Nobody else is going to do this for you.”

On a journey which shows that one's origins need not dictate their destiny, Leeann agrees that greatness can emerge from any circumstance. You just have to want it.