Generation Access - UCD
Bénédicte Luzemba studying Politics, International Relations and French at UCD
My journey to college was shaped by encouragement and belief. I was fortunate to have supportive parents who valued education and always reminded me that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.
What has university life been like for you so far?
Studying this course has challenged me in the best way. It’s pushed me to think critically about the world, explore different perspectives, and see education as a tool for change. There have definitely been times where managing deadlines and staying motivated was tough, but remembering why I was here allowed me to stay focused.
Have you faced any specific challenges as an access student during your time in college?
Balancing part-time work with a full academic workload was challenging, but staying organised helped me focus.
Where do you see yourself after completing your degree?
I will pursue a master’s in International Relations, while possibly teaching French, combining my love for language and education. I aspire to work in spaces like diplomacy and education policy, and engaging with forums like the United Nations. Wherever I go, I want to represent and uplift underrepresented voices, especially young women and girls. At the same time, I plan to continue building my work as an advocate and public speaker, using every opportunity, from classrooms to international stages to lead with purpose.
If you could give your 16 year old self-some advice on applying to higher education, what would you want them to know?
I’d tell her: don’t be modest about your ambitions. You’re allowed to aim high and unapologetically. Don’t shrink your dreams to make them more acceptable or realistic. Believe that you can take up space, because you were never meant to play small.
Fiona Sweeney, Head of Outreach Engagement and Transition at UCD
I work in UCD Access & Lifelong Learning, and have responsibility for a variety of portfolios of work; including our community outreach programme for link DEIS schools and community groups; Access admissions; the Cothrom Na Feinne scholarships; Sanctuary Scholarships and student finance, and more.
I lead a team to deliver a range of pre entry outreach initiatives, I work with ALL (Access & Lifelong Learning,) colleagues and a team of Access leaders to deliver the ALL student welcome at that very exciting time when students are just about to start college.
How has the college life and your job changed since starting the role?
On the one hand going to college has not changed all that much in that time, students still want to get their chosen course, enjoy it, make new friends and be able to participate fully in student life.
On the other hand, it has changed significantly. The student population is more diverse. I think college life has gotten busier, more complicated, more expensive, so that students have to work longer part-time hours, have to make longer commutes. The cost of accommodation and the cost of living have a significant impact on students’ experience and choosing where they can go to college.
Another change is, there are a lot more options available for students to get into college now, through QQI-FET, Open Learning or University Access programmes. I have seen HEIs move from local access admissions schemes like the New ERA direct entry programme, where students from linked DEIS schools could apply directly to UCD, to a common application between a number of collaborating HEIS, into what is now nationally recognised as the HEAR and DARE Schemes.
How can universities, policymakers, and the public better support your students and these initiatives? What changes would you like to see?
I hope policy makers and senior leaders continue to prioritise actions that ensure that our student population in universities and colleges reflect Irish Society in all its diversity. That we continue to ensure that students are central to the work of access, that the student voice is always included in what we do. I look forward to implementation of the changes to the HEAR scheme and really hope to see an increase in the numbers of eligible students for this scheme and entering our colleges from 2026.