We caught up with History graduate and current Public History master’s student, Dermot Collon, on his love for the subject and St Mary’s University (SMU).
Dermot is currently a Senior Resident in his halls and has previously been a Student Ambassador for SMU. Alongside studying for his master’s degree, he also works in the University’s marketing department.
Here’s what Dermot had to say about starting university and making the most of the different opportunities.
What made you choose History at St Mary’s for your undergrad?
It's a really cliché answer, but I chose history because it has always been my favourite subject since I was little - we even have a collage in my house that I made when I was about three of the Great Fire of London. I chose a history degree because it’s something that I’ve enjoyed my whole life, rather than as a potential future career move. But I do think history provides you with such a varied skill set and it can be applied to almost anything!
I didn’t really know much about St Mary's before I came here on the open day, it was very much a wild card choice for me. I honestly didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but straight away I remember really loving the small community feel of it. One of the main things that sold it to me was I had a long one-to-one chat with the history lecturers about my interests and background, whereas at other universities I’d visited I didn’t get that opportunity. And then afterwards I attended a talk and they remembered who I was, which once again highlighted the welcoming and community feel of the campus.
What made you want to do a master’s?
St Mary’s do a Public History master’s which is quite unique and not offered in a lot of universities, but was something that I really liked the sound of. I also didn't want to leave St Mary’s just yet so it seemed like an obvious choice.
Whilst it's specifically a public history degree, you can talk about any part of history as long as you link it into what you're studying. This meant I could continue learning and exploring the areas that I enjoy and feel passionate about. It felt like a continuation of my undergrad experience as it was another small class with the same lecturers that I’d loved, so I really liked the idea of that consistency as well.
How have you found your lecturers and teaching on both your undergrad and master’s programmes?
The lecturers are brilliant. They’ve always been so open, welcoming, and friendly throughout my whole time at St Mary’s. There really is an open-door policy here, so if you ever need any help or want to chat through anything you have plenty of opportunities to do so. Something that really stands out is how much the teaching staff will get to know you on a personal level. It really is a great environment.
What have been your standout modules so far?
During my undergrad I really enjoyed a module on collective memory in the Second World War. Whilst we’d done a lot about World War Two during school, collective memory was something completely new to me but I found it fascinating.
I think for my master’s thesis I want to look at collective memory in relation to Northern Ireland, and use two case studies to see how and why memory culture is created within different groups.
What opportunities have you had because of St Mary’s?
I've had a lot of different opportunities and done a lot of different things while at the University including being a Student Ambassador, getting involved with the Student’s Union as the Subject Chair, and also being a Senior Resident in my halls.
Being a student ambassador was definitely a highlight because it really helped me develop different skills and the confidence to go on to do a lot of other things, including now working in the St Mary’s marketing department alongside completing my master’s.
I’ve really enjoyed being a senior resident this year too. It’s really rewarding getting to be there to help new students settle in, being the bridge between them and the University if they need any help or have any questions.
What advice would you give to any future Simmies?
It’s the thing people always say, but just remember that everyone's in the same boat starting at university. I'd highly recommend joining the Facebook group and Instagram page for new applicants, as they give you the opportunity to get in touch with the people you'll be living with. I found that getting to know people before I arrived really helped with my confidence going into moving day as I knew people already.
I’d also strongly encourage getting involved in St Mary’s life, whether that’s a society, the student’s union, or being a student ambassador. I genuinely think that if I hadn't taken the opportunity to be a student ambassador I probably wouldn't be where I am today.
And while things might seem nerve wracking at first, it's really worth it in the long run.