Newly appointed vice-principal of NWRC Samantha Traynor has just taken part in a Q&A with local newspaper the Derry Journal.
Samantha Traynor is the recently appointed Vice Principal of North West Regional College. A native of Newtownstewart, Samantha began her working life as a Primary School Teacher in Omagh and joined the College in 2002 as a Lecturer in Early Years. Since 2002 she has held various positions including Head of School and most recently she has been the Head of Department -Training and Skills. Formally McConnell, Samantha is married to Peter and has three children: Connor [20], Gavin [18] and Aoife [13]. Samantha knows the economic challenges that exist throughout the North West and in her local area of West Tyrone and she believes that by equipping our young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the world of work will help to build and drive a stronger economy in the North West region.
How would you describe yourself?
An outgoing, motivated, loyal and optimistic individual, someone who tries to see a positive in every situation no matter how complex, that’s me!
Happiest childhood memory?
Long summers spent in Bundoran with my mother, Rosaleen, father Brian and my five brothers and two sisters.
What was your first job?
I worked as a waitress in a small café just outside of Newtownstewart.
Favourite book?
‘Falling for a Dancer’ by Deirdre Purcell.
Favourite film?
Schindler’s List.
Favourite television programme?
I’m not a big fan of television, I like to watch documentaries and current affairs pieces.
Favourite expression?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain!
Favourite method of relaxation?
Walking along the beach in Rossnowlagh.
Favourite holiday destination?
That’s a difficult one to call…… It’s a toss between Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal and Lake Garda in Italy for me.
Who would you most like to meet?
I have already met him! My husband Peter. Apart from that definitely the gorgeous and handsome Liam Neeson.
What makes you angry?
Selfish people make me angry.
What makes you happy?
Seeing our young people achieve and progress. Being able to make a difference, no matter how small, to the life of a young person is such a privilege and that’s what really matters to me.
What human quality do you most admire?
I admire selflessness in people.
What human quality do you least admire?
I least admire selfish, self-centred people.
What has been the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?
Reversing into my brother’s brand new BMW which he parked at the side of my house while visiting!
What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?
The worst thing to happen to me was when a person very close and dear to me was diagnosed with cancer.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is being trapped in a confined space with a frog. I am terrified of frogs.
What has been the high point of your life to date?
There have been many. Apart from the births of my 3 children, Connor, Gavin and Aoife, it has to be sitting in Croke Park on All Ireland Final day 2008, with 4 minutes to go when my youngest brother Pascal who was playing in goals for Tyrone saved a point blank shot from Darren O'Sullivan, Kerry and Tyrone went on to win the Sam Maguire for the third time in six years! These were magical years for my family.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who played her full part fairly.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family - husband Peter and children Connor, Gavin and Aoife.
If you won the lotto what would you do with it?
I would retire from work and share my fortune with family and friends.
If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?
A long and healthy life .
If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?
She designed a life that she loved.
