A letter from Ben

From CTYIwiki

Dear friends,

Thank you for our time together. For eight years I have shared my time with you, just under half my life time. You have left such a deep impression on me that I cannot ever forget you. In September 2003 I first walked through the doors of the Grattan building and signed in for the first time I was filled with trepidation. A nervous kid who never really got along with anyone I knew within hours of arriving that I was to enjoy myself. From there I had a wonderful 3 years of mini-ts. I met many people and each one was a new friend to be made.

Three years later I am walking into the lobby of the Grattan once more. I knew that I was in for an incredible time. I had passed the SATs and gotten into the 12-16 year old CTYI. Sitting in the Larkin surrounded by a mix of people, ranging in age. As ever, when Colm O'Reilly entered the room rose and a deafening roar ensued as he began his speech. We were introduced to our RAs. My first ever RA was Craig, a Trinity medical student. There are 2 things I remember vividly, opening the RA meetings with a Chuck Norris joke and talking about Nuking dinosaurs. The people were incredible, never before had I felt so welcome in a place so quickly. I to this day remember the nevermore that taught me most of what I know, MajorMcMuffin (David Ruane). It is to him I owe so much.

After many years and many experiences that built me as a person and meeting people that, quite frankly, are insane in so many ways. Who thought that wearing dressing gowns and carrying towels on Thursdays would be a good idea? I sure didn't, but boy have I been shown! Well, at least we stand some chance against the Vogons' constructor fleet. I have become more confident, both inside and outside. CTYI may be the one place where I can be me. I have been to a total of 1 disco outside CTYI, and I had an infinitely smaller amount of fun there than I did at any of the CTYI discos.

I am now confident, and feel comfortable talking to regular people. I can't wait to move on from the education and with any luck become an RA in my preferred year of 2013 (Both CTYI's and my own 20th year) but whenever will do :) For this, I have you to thank, All CTYIers, CTYI staff and anyone who supports CTYI in any way. You have given me the best years of my thus-far short life and it'll always be appreciated and never forgotten… not completely anyway!

Thank you all,
Ben Chapman
CTYI '03 - '10