Cumar Hassan
Hi, my name is Cumar (Omar). I am a Computer Engineering student at TU Dublin, from County Clare. I am the first in my family to go to third level, and honestly, that means everything to me.
I am passionate about technology, I work hard, and I have big ambitions for where I want to go — with my sights set on becoming a pilot. I am grateful to be a TOPCON Scholar, and I am excited to share a bit of my story.
From experiencing homelessness to pursuing a future in engineering, Omar’s story is one of resilience, determination and quiet ambition. As a TOPCON Scholar and first-generation student, his journey is a powerful reminder of the real impact of support when it matters most.
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I have always been fascinated by technology. I remember being about eight or ten when I first used my mum’s smartphone — a touchscreen — and I was completely hooked. I just wanted to understand how it all worked. What made it so different from the old Nokia phones we had?
"That curiosity never left me".
In secondary school at Kilrush Community School, I had a teacher who really supported me. She believed in me and told me I could become a good computer engineer if I put in the work. That encouragement meant a lot and helped shape the path I’ve taken.
“At one point I was homeless… the scholarship was absolutely lifechanging.”
Thank God, honestly. At one point I was homeless, and I did not know how I was going to manage.
The TOPCON Scholarship came through and allowed me to pay my rent for five to six months. It was absolutely lifechanging.
I also want to thank the Access Support team for standing by me during that time. Their support meant I could focus on my studies instead of worrying about where I was going to sleep.
“It took a massive weight off my shoulders.”
It has made a huge difference. I come from a disadvantaged background and, being from County Clare, moving to Dublin was a big step. Rent here is expensive, and I simply could not afford it on my own.
The scholarship covered several months of my rent, which took a massive weight off my shoulders. It meant I could focus on my studies without constantly worrying about housing.
“Something just clicked — I realised I could do this".
I am proud of myself for sticking with the course. Coming in, everything was new. I had not done a PLC, and there was no one to guide me through it.
The first semester was tough, but I pushed through. By second semester, something just clicked. I became more ambitious, more curious, and realised I could do this.
“Computer engineering is the stepping stone that gets me there.”
My ambition is to become a pilot. I would have studied aerospace engineering, but the right courses are not available here in Ireland.
So my plan is to do well in computer engineering, get a stable job, and save to fund my own pilot training.
The scholarship has been crucial. By taking the financial pressure off, it has allowed me to focus on building the foundation I need. Computer engineering is the stepping stone that will get me there.