History | STU class a hit with students

A1

By JENNIFER DUNVILLE
dunville.jennifer@dailygleaner.com

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

5 Comment(s)

Michelle Ni Mhairtin has travelled a long way to teach students at St. Thomas University a new language.

Enlarge Photo

Stephen MacGillivray

Luck of the Irish: Michelle Ni Mhairtin, a professor from Cork, Ireland, is teaching Irish classes at St. Thomas University. In the background are Keith Johnston, third-year history student, and Ella Sentse, second-year human rights and history student.

She's one of only six teachers from the Irish Canada University Foundation to visit Canada to share the Gaelic language.

But Mhairtin is hoping this first trip to Canada won't be her last.

She's loving the snow, the city, and her time at the university, and she's making a big impression on the students.

"I love it, love it, love it here and have from the first minute I got here," Mhairtin said. "The faculty is fantastic, the city is wonderful and my students are brilliant.

"The Irish Canadian Association in Fredericton has made my stay especially brilliant too."

Mhairtin was teaching at the National University of Ireland when she heard about a program that funded teachers to travel to Canada to share the Irish language and culture.

She applied on a whim, never thinking she would be accepted.

"It was a busy time for me, so I didn't even research anything about Canada," she said.

"I had never been here before, so I didn't even give a preference as to where I'd like to go.''

Mhairtin has joined the staff in the English department to enrich the Irish studies program.

She began by teaching introduction to Gaelic and the Irish culture in September and is now teaching students at a more advanced level.

Keith Johnston, a third-year history student, can't get enough of the Irish program.

He's of Irish descent and would someday like to work in the land of his ancestors.

"My great-great grandfather came over to Canada from Ireland just before the (potato) famine and ever since I learned about my family's history, I've been interested in travelling there," Johnston said.

"Learning more about the culture and language has been incredible. It's interesting, and I'm finding the language easy to learn. I'm hoping someday to apply my new skills by going to teach in Ireland."

Ella Sentse, another student in Mhairtin's class, said the program is valuable even to those without an Irish heritage.

She said it's important to learn about other cultures, explore other parts of the world and expand your skills.

"I speak Dutch and I've learned some German, but learning the Irish language has been an interesting and fun experience," she said.

"I think it's important we all experience as much diversity in life as possible and programs like this are a good way to do that."

Funding for Mhairtin's placement runs out in May.

She will head home at that point, but hopes to leave as much Irish behind as possible.

Stewart Donovan, who founded STU's Irish studies program, said he expects Mhairtin's presence has inspired a renewed interest in the program.

"She's gone above and beyond what we expected of her. Some of her students have even asked for extra work outside of class," he said. "As of next year we'll be able to offer a major in Irish studies rather than just a minor.

"It's a big step and we've come a long away to get to this point. It really shows that the interest is there and that students have a strong desire to learn about other cultures, which is fantastic to see."

Donovan is hoping this won't be the last time a teacher from abroad is able to help with STU's Irish program.

He said he hopes to discuss plans for the future of the program with the Irish Canada University Foundation.