Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!

This is where we connect with past pupils and find out what they’re up to now.

This week we linked with Katie Sexton who graduated in 2018.

Name and position:

Katie Sexton. I am heading into my final year of Applied Languages (German, Japanese and Spanish) at the University of Limerick.

Lives:

Limerick.

Best memory of Sacred Heart:

My best memories in Sacred Heart were those with the camogie team. Reaching the All Ireland final in 2015 was a highlight for me and I made great friends with the rest of the players. I also loved being part of the Trad Group with Ms Meade and the hockey team with Ms O'Donovan.

What were your favourite classes?

My favourite classes were German with Ms Nash and Ms O'Regan. I loved German right from the beginning of first year and now I am hoping to pursue a career with languages. I also really enjoyed Irish with Ms Meade and Economics with Ms Hennessy was always good craic.

Tell us about your career progression to date:

Last year I moved to Japan for seven months and worked at a hotel called Toyoko Inn in Oji, Tokyo. I was supposed to assist with translation for the Olympics, but unfortunately that didn't go quite to plan. I arrived at the onset of the pandemic and the Olympics were of course post-poned, but I was still able to work as a receptionist in the hotel. It was a brilliant experience and I was able to really develop my Japanese.

In February I began teaching for a Japan-based English teaching company called Eigox and shortly after I co-founded an IELTS (English Exam for Non-Native Speakers) preparation company. I now work with students of all ages, as well as teaching Business English to working professionals. Working as an English teacher wasn't something that I expected to be doing but it has been interesting trying to teach English and German through Japanese. I just returned home from studying in Marburg and it was great to be able to teach online. I am planning to return to Japan as soon as I graduate, and I am currently applying for teaching and translation jobs there. For the past few summers, I have also worked as an au pair and tutor in Logroño, Spain and Ried am Innkreis, Austria.

If you weren't in the job you have, what would you be doing?

If I wasn't studying languages, I would definitely be studying physiotherapy. I always had an interest in sports and rehabilitation.

Advice you would give your teenage self:

Exams aren't the be all and end all!

Favourite quote or motto?

I will do what you won't today so I can do what you can't tomorrow.

What is your hidden talent?

I give a good rendition of the Rattlin’ Bog.

Huge thanks to Katie for taking the time to answer our questions.

See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link!