Meet Brian O'Donnell, a recent addition to the CLL community who is thriving in our warm and supportive learning environment.
"I’m fairly new to CLL as I only retired last summer but I’m absolutely loving coming to Strathclyde. I was very much anxious about enrolling but once I was in and learning with likeminded students, it has been a absolute joy for me, I’ve completed classes with Barbara Graham, Hanan Atalla and I’m currently with Tom O’Hara. Its given me an incredible buzz in my life, hats off to all involved in this incredible project."
What first attracted you to taking courses at the Centre for Lifelong Learning? What courses have you done?
The attraction of the CLL was the fact that I was unable to have the luxury of attending a university when I was younger as at the time coming from a working class upbringing, going to work and making a living was the thing to do.
The courses I’ve done to date have been fabulous especially the one I’m on just now, I’ve done one on Egyptology with Hanan, various one day one down in Ayr with Barbara and I’ve a few already booked in the coming months.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The things I enjoy most about the courses is primarily to learn more on the topics I’m interested in but meeting like minded students of my own age is fabulous and the camaraderie is brilliant. The lecturers promote a relaxing atmosphere and love the interaction.
What are your thoughts on the range of classes on offer?
The range of classes are great for me, I’m really interested in all things history and there is a lot to choose from.
What advice would you give to a prospective student coming to study your course?
My advice to a potential student would be to give it a go, I was anxious and nervous about attending my first lesson as the whole university thing was new to me, but the welcome I received was truly heart warming, from staff the young men and women that attended the university, always saying a hello or good morning and always happy to guide me in the right direction when I lose my way (which happens a lot), they are a credit to the university.
What was your favourite thing about studying at the Centre for Lifelong Learning?
My favourite thing about attending my courses is proudly telling everyone I now I go to university, meeting new people, being in that university environment and learning about subjects I’m interested in.
How do you feel about classes online?
I’m not keen on learning by zoom, the main thing for me is the day out to university, to have a bite to eat in the student cafe, I’m disappointed a course about the war in Vietnam is only on zoom as I’d love to do that but maybe it’ll change in the future.
