“I feel so blessed to be part of a wonderful and supportive team”

Lucia, you are part of our Frontline Workers. You work as a carer and kitchen assistant in Clonakilty in an assisted living home. Thank you for your time today.

Thank you, I would like to thank you for granting me this interview and let me share my experience.

Lucia, when Covid hit Ireland, how did you feel at first?

I was quite terrified. This wasn’t just about me. Covid-19 affects elderly people, young children and people with existing health issues who are very vulnerable. My fear became real when the numbers started rising on a daily basis.

I think a lot of people can relate to that. How did your manager and the company reassure you?

My manager and the company reassured me in many ways. Very quickly, we had information leaflets & posters about Covid-19, the symptoms and what to do when you have any of them. We also got training and information on how to protect ourselves and the residents. I have learnt to make good hand washing a lifestyle. The company was quick enough to provide us with PPE, that really gave us peace of mind. Where I work, we also got tested regularly, that was very reassuring. All this support did calm my fear of going to work and being in contact with other people.

Thank you for sharing that with us. You have been working with us for over a year now. Neylons Facility Management is all being part of a team. Do you feel that your team has helped you in overcoming any challenge you have faced?

Definitely. Working at Neylons and being part of a team has totally changed my mentality of what a team should be like. For the first time since I have moved to Ireland and started working here, I am able to ask questions without the fear of someone putting me down because I don’t know something.  With the help of my team, I have also learnt so much over the months and even about the Irish culture. I have learnt to make some Irish dishes! My team is a brilliant one and I wouldn’t trade them for anything else. I feel so blessed to be part of a wonderful and supportive team who work selflessly to ensure that everyone is okay and do care about each other.

That’s lovely! We are pleased to hear that you feel good in your team. You are one of Neylons Academy participants. This training is held online for the first time. How is it going?

I am very grateful and must give all credits to Neylons as a company and to our amazing teachers, who against all odds, have made sure that this year’s Academy must go on.

Online training can be challenging. What do you think?

It’s harder to get to know the other participants and the teachers online than it would be face to face. We miss the social aspect of the Academy. I know it’s been challenging for most of us to learn from a distance. However, since it has started, I have decided to focus on the positives and the way forward. I always remember it’s a great opportunity I have. Some of the courses require everyone to participate in and that’s very nice and help us to get to know each other more.

What tips would you give to anybody doing online courses to get the best of it?

I would advise anyone doing or considering an online course to apply the following tips below:

• Firstly, familiarize yourself with online learning practices and the expectations ahead
• Make sure to know the course’s technical requirements and also make sure to have good Internet access before starting
• Create a quiet and dedicated study place where you will be away from any form of distraction
• Identify your learning goals and objectives as this will guide you through
• Create a study plan or calendar
• Finally, you will have to set boundaries, limits, and goals for yourself. These can really be hard but the end results of your hard work and sacrifices really justify it all.

What has the Academy brought to your personal & professional life so far?

The Academy has been an eye-opener for me. Personally, I have learnt so much about myself. It is amazing to see yourself doing things you didn’t think you could do! I’ve learnt so much about self-confidence, assertiveness, work-life balance, self-management & time management. Professionally, the Academy has built up my confidence in so many ways. When it comes to managing people, it is quite interesting to know more about the behaviours people can display especially in the workplace. I hope to make the best use of what I have learnt.

Do you have an example of how the Academy has benefited you?

The Academy has taught me how to say ‘No’ when I need to. This was one area I struggled with so much over the years. I have learnt how to see the good in people and at the same time not compromise my own happiness.

This year has been very instructive for you!

Yes, it has! It’s very important not to give up regardless of whatever situation we are in, to look for the positives in difficult circumstances, to find strength in times of difficulty, to focus on the present and believe in ourselves. Thank you Neylons Facility Management for this life-changing opportunity. It means the world to me. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to my ever-supportive manager Daiva for spotting my potential and also believing in me.

Thank you Lucia for your time. We wish you all the best in your career and looking forward to seeing you at our next graduation ceremony!