<div class="fr-view"><p><em>A significant event took place last year – the first ever graduation in Dublin of an Irish female Student in a Secure Environment (SiSE). The ceremony took place in Mountjoy Female Prison (Dóchas Centre). We recently spoke to the student in question, and asked her for her reflections regarding this special day (and her course in general).</em></p>
<p>I studied the OU courses related to business, economics and management – Business Studies is indeed a challenging field. The complexity stems from its vast nature, embracing areas such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources and strategic management, in which theoretical understanding needs to be complemented with practical applications. Case studies, for example, often pose real-world business problems, demanding critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, I truly enjoyed it, and to be honest I did not encounter any barriers to achieving my degree, despite the fact that I am in prison.</p>
<p>I am immensely grateful for all the support and encouragement from my Open University Coordinators, and to the SiSE team for the career guidance advice.</p>
<p>My graduation ceremony was a special culmination of my academic journey – the day when all my hard work and effort finally paid off – and I will remember it with great fondness for the rest of my life.</p>
<p>I wish to thank my Open University Coordinator for all the planning, preparation and deliverance. I was deeply touched by the whole ceremony, and wish to thank those who attended to celebrate my achievement.</p>
<p>It is a huge honour to be the first female to graduate from the Dóchas women’s prison, and I hope to inspire many women towards education because each of us is unique ;and has an amazing set of skills and abilities which can be further enhanced by knowledge and learning.</p>
<p>After my release, my dream plan is to open my own sewing business, in which my knowledge application will be essential.</p>
<p>None of this would have been possible had I not received an education that gave me the skills, understanding and confidence to pursue my vision, and it is the only thing no one can take away from me.</p>
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