How Donore helped me with my College Journey

I am Veronica Alcantara and I studied architecture for five years in my native Mexico, before moving to Ireland in 2019 to further my career in an English-speaking environment. I have always believed that discovering the world, exploring new opportunities, and learning about other cultures is hugely important in terms of personal development, that’s why I moved to Dublin.

I am currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture at Griffith College. After much careful research, I decided that the course in Interior Architecture in Griffith College was the perfect fit for me. For as long as I can remember, I have been inspired by architecture and its impact on our daily lives. Walk down any street and you will find dozens of examples of different architectural designs, concepts, and expressions of different cultures. I like to think of it like walking through a real-life history book!

Moreover, opting to study in a foreign country is, in my opinion, one of the most beneficial decisions one can make. It offers an exceptional foundation for any future professional career and numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. In this regard, Donore Credit Union has proven to be an invaluable great support for that.

Donore Credit Union has not only provided me with financial support but also contributed to my personal improvement and enrichment. The Brendan Lynch Scholarship has been an extremely helpful and significant aid in enabling me to pursue my degree at Griffith College. This scholarship has not only assisted me in fully paying off my tuition fees but has also provided me with less financial pressure throughout the remainder of the college term. As a result, I have been able to alleviate financial pressures and keep just a few hours in my part-time job. This has given me more time to focus on my college work, allowing me to achieve my academic goals with less worry and stress about finances. I am truly grateful for the generous support of the Brendan Lynch Scholarship.

I joined Donore Credit Union last year and they were able to help me immediately with a loan. In addition, the application process for a student loan was straightforward and easy to complete.

Particularly in terms of the personal service provided; the staff that I dealt with were friendly, helpful, and professional in their approach. I think this is a good example of the impact that Credit Unions have on local communities. As someone who is not from Ireland, I did not expect this incredible level of support!

There is nothing like Credit Unions in Mexico, where all the financial institutions and banks are focused on profit. A Credit Union primarily serves its local community. I think it is important that organisations such as Credit Unions exist as they put their members’ needs first, providing loans, savings opportunities and delivering positive social impact.

When I compare a credit union with a bank, it would be fair to say that the personal service and ability to speak with a staff member have made a significant difference in the process to get a loan. Banks may not always offer the same level of personalized service. This is where a Credit Union becomes even more important and a great alternative when banks may not always offer the same level of personalized service, and it may be more difficult to get the support and assistance you need.