“If you’re going through a tough time, you will get out at the other end.”
When Chloe McConnell was younger, she had always thought about going to university, but believed it was unreachable for her. Doing her GCSEs during the pandemic, her grades were predicted and she thought she would never go into higher education.
After the sudden death of her mum when she was just 19-years-old, she was left looking after the house, and fell into self-destructive behaviours. But it was one opportunity volunteering at her local youth club that turned things around for good.
Three years ago, Chloe walked through the doors of St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre in West Belfast and began volunteering as a youth worker. Two weeks ago, she graduated from Ulster University with a certificate in community youth studies, and returns to the university in September for a four-year degree.
Speaking to Belfast Live about her journey so far, the 22-year-old said: “I grew up in West Belfast and when it was time for me to do my GCSEs, it was during coronavirus and all my grades were predicted, so I left with none really. University always felt really unreachable for me.
“When I was 19, my mummy died suddenly of a heart attack. I was left with all these bigger responsibilities like looking after a house, it was really hard. It was tough and I’m not afraid to admit that, but I had a really good support group around me like my sister and family.
“Losing my mummy was really tough, she was my best friend, we did everything together. We were so close. I have moments where I feel like I need my mummy; everybody needs their mummy.
“When my mummy died and I had all the responsibilities, it was a big pressure financially and mentally. It was really overwhelming at times, my social life went out the window. But in here, they put me through different qualifications. They got me support when I needed it.”
Chloe said she never would have pictured herself becoming a youth worker, but said it’s a profession she’s fallen in love with.
“It was something I never really thought about, but I started volunteering here and just fell in love with it, and I’ve been here for three years now,” she explained.
“Stephen Hughes [senior youth worker at the youth centre] has been absolutely amazing and thanks to him, I’ll be able to give the young people the opportunities given to me, like university and all those things I thought were unreachable growing up.
“The youth centre helped put me through university and I graduated two weeks ago with a community youth studies certificate through Youth Action. In September, I will go back to Ulster University and will stay there again for another four years for a part-time community studies degree.”
Through her experience, Chloe said she is able to help other young people who attend the youth centre and may be going through a difficult period.
She said: “There are a couple of kids in here that go through the same things I do, and sometimes you don’t even need to have a conversation – you can feel the pain they’re going through. You’re able to help them through your own experiences.
“Kids can come in here and it’s a safe space. It’s so much more than a game of snooker or just going on a trip – it’s a lifeline for some young people. It’s an absolute honour to be a part of these young people’s lives.”
Looking back on how far she has come and what she wants to do next, Chloe said she is so proud of herself, and wishes she could reassure her younger self.
“Looking back on the girl I was when everything happened, I wish I could go back and tell her it was going to be okay. That I was stressing myself out for nothing,” she added.
“When I was graduating, it’s something you want to go and tell your mummy about. To go through everything I did and still be able to graduate, it really gives me hope for the young people in here and around West Belfast.
“Becoming a youth worker is the best thing I have ever done, and I’m very proud of myself.”
Offering advice to any young people who may be struggling, Chloe said: “When something bad happens there’s two ways you can go about it. It can make you or break you.
“Don’t get me wrong, there was a period of time in my life where I was going through self-destructive behaviours, then I was like no this isn’t me. This isn’t who I am.
“I would say that anything is possible no matter what. If you’re going through a tough time, you will get out at the other end. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and you’ll find your way there.
“Everybody grieves differently and struggles with things differently. You don’t always have to be alone, there are places you can go to like your local youth centre, and see what is out there for you. There are plenty of opportunities there for you.”
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