Voices from the Enabling Education Community.
Kristie-Lee completed high school believing that university was never going to be part of her future. After leaving school, she pursued a career in hairdressing and spent many years focused on work and raising her young family. However, after experiencing significant personal challenges, including low self-confidence, social anxiety, and feelings of isolation as a stay-at-home mother, Kristie-Lee began questioning her purpose and future direction. When medical complications ended her 10-year hairdressing career, she realised she needed a new path but doubted whether she was “smart enough” to study at university.
Encouraged by a family member, Kristie-Lee enrolled in STEPS in 2015. It was not an easy decision, and during the second week she nearly withdrew from the course altogether due to self-doubt and anxiety. However, a supportive conversation with her STEPS Access Coordinator changed everything. Through encouragement and ongoing support, Kristie-Lee began to believe that she was capable of succeeding. Choosing to continue part-time became the turning point that reshaped her future.
STEPS provided Kristie-Lee with much more than academic preparation. After years of social isolation, the supportive environment allowed her to reconnect with others and rebuild her confidence. She developed academic writing, communication, time management, and computer skills, while also learning how to study effectively at university level. Most importantly, STEPS helped her realise that she did belong in higher education. Completing the course with a GPA of 6.75 gave her the confidence to continue into undergraduate study.
Kristie-Lee completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) with First Class Honours and later commenced a PhD at CQUniversity. Along the way, she became involved in student mentoring, leadership, research, and support networks to help other students develop confidence in themselves. Kristie-Lee credits STEPS as the foundation for her success, describing it as “the founding reason I am where I am, and am who I am, today.”
Before enrolling in STEPS, Laurie was rebuilding his life after recovering from alcohol addiction. At the age of 30, he was working as a furniture removalist while raising a young family and struggling with low self-esteem. Laurie believed university was beyond his reach and simply hoped STEPS might help him gain enough skills to secure a less physically demanding indoor job.
Laurie enrolled in STEPS hoping to improve his employment opportunities and gain the equivalent of a Year 12 education. While he initially doubted his abilities, he committed himself fully to the course and embraced every opportunity to learn. What began as a pathway into basic employment quickly became the beginning of a much larger personal and professional transformation.
STEPS equipped Laurie with academic and life skills that completely changed his confidence. He learned how to write essays, use computers, solve mathematical problems, manage his time, and ask for help when needed. The supportive lecturers encouraged him to persist, even when he struggled. Laurie reflects that failing his first oral presentation ultimately became a valuable learning experience. Most importantly, STEPS helped him realise he was capable of succeeding at university.
Laurie went on to complete a Bachelor of Business and build a career spanning almost three decades. He later returned to CQUniversity as a STEPS lecturer, where he now supports and inspires First Nations students and others seeking to transform their lives through education. Laurie believes STEPS not only changed his life, but also positively influenced his family and future generations. He describes STEPS as “the impact driver that has provided me with a life, personal relationships, courage and a career.”
When Oke moved to Bundaberg with her family, her world revolved around being a wife and mother. Deep down, however, she carried years of emotional pain and self-doubt stemming from childhood abuse and a lifelong belief that she was “dumb.” Oke avoided situations where people might discover what she believed were her academic shortcomings and had little confidence in her own abilities.
A friendship with a local maths teacher named Herna became the catalyst for change. Although Oke initially felt terrified and ashamed when confronted with her lack of confidence in mathematics, Herna encouraged her to confront the negative self-beliefs she had carried for years. This experience ultimately led Oke toward further study and the decision to enrol in STEPS.
STEPS became the complete opposite of the darkness Oke had experienced earlier in life. The supportive environment allowed her to rebuild her self-esteem, confidence, and belief in herself. Surrounded by staff and students who accepted and encouraged her, Oke developed academic skills, study confidence, and a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. Through STEPS, she learned that she was capable of succeeding academically and personally.
Oke completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Distinction and later completed a Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound. She now describes herself as an independent and confident woman who believes she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Oke remains deeply grateful for the support and encouragement she received through STEPS, which she believes changed the course of her life.
After spending 35 years away from formal education, Kim never imagined she would one day attend university. Like many mature-age students, she questioned her ability to study again and felt uncertain about where she belonged academically. Despite these doubts, she carried a strong personal desire to challenge herself and pursue a degree in psychology.
Kim discovered STEPS at a time when she was searching for a pathway into higher education. Although nervous about returning to study after so many years, she enrolled hoping to gain the confidence and skills needed for university. STEPS quickly became much more than an entry pathway; it became a place where Kim rediscovered her potential.
Kim describes STEPS as both academically and personally transformative. Through the course, she learned essay writing, referencing, mathematics, computing, communication, and presentation skills. Delivering oral presentations initially felt overwhelming, but these experiences ultimately prepared her for undergraduate study. The encouragement and support from STEPS lecturers helped Kim realise that learning was not something she had to do, but something she genuinely wanted to do.
Kim successfully completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and became heavily involved in research, mentoring, leadership, and student representation. She received numerous scholarships and awards recognising her academic excellence and leadership. Kim proudly reflects on the impact STEPS had on her confidence, her opportunities, and her ability to finally pursue a dream she once thought impossible.
Jeremy’s career before university was diverse and hands-on, spanning pattern making, film and television production, building, gallery work, and maritime employment. Following a serious accident that resulted in years of recovery, Jeremy believed his working life was effectively over. During this period, he began volunteering at his children’s school, where a teacher encouraged him to consider teaching as a profession.
Although the idea of attending university in his late fifties seemed unimaginable, Jeremy explored CQUniversity’s STEPS program after being encouraged by a teacher who recognised his natural ability to connect with young people. Leaving school midway through Year 11 decades earlier, Jeremy felt nervous about modern education and technology, but he decided to take the first step.
Jeremy describes STEPS as life-changing. The course introduced him to university systems, online learning, essay writing, research, mathematics, critical thinking, and study strategies. Initially overwhelmed by platforms like Moodle and the student portal, he gradually gained confidence and developed the skills needed to succeed at university. Jeremy credits STEPS with preparing him exceptionally well for both his undergraduate degree and the LANTITE literacy and numeracy requirements for teacher education.
Jeremy completed his Bachelor of Education and began a new career as a secondary school teacher just before turning 60. STEPS not only transformed his own future but also influenced his entire family, creating a strong culture of learning and study within his household. Jeremy believes STEPS gave him the opportunity to rediscover purpose and begin a career he now looks forward to “retiring into.”
Tara left school believing she was not academically capable and completed high school with no intention of attending university. She later became a locomotive driver in Central Queensland, a role she loved and excelled in for many years. However, after becoming a mother and supporting her father through cancer treatment, Tara began questioning whether she wanted something more meaningful from life and work.
Watching a compassionate nurse support her father during his illness inspired Tara to pursue nursing. Despite this newfound passion, she was convinced she was “not smart enough” for university and feared she lacked the academic skills needed to succeed. Discovering the STEPS program gave her hope and provided a pathway into higher education.
STEPS gave Tara the confidence and preparation she needed to transition successfully into university study. She learned essay writing, referencing, academic communication, and how to navigate university systems. More importantly, STEPS challenged the negative beliefs she had carried since school and helped her understand that people learn in different ways. Tara developed confidence in her abilities and began to see herself as capable of academic success.
Tara progressed into the Bachelor of Nursing and achieved excellent academic results ranging from Credit to High Distinction. She was invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society and found a renewed sense of purpose through her studies and placements. Tara now proudly shares her story to encourage others who doubt themselves, believing it is never too late to follow your dreams.
Raised in a working-class family, Katrina left school after Year 10 believing she was not “university material.” She worked in a series of low-paid jobs while raising young children and eventually realised she wanted more opportunities and stability for her family. Despite doubting her academic abilities, she knew that higher education could create a better future.
At the age of 30, while caring for two small children, Katrina enrolled in STEPS hoping it would provide a pathway into university and a career she could balance around family life. Although nervous about returning to study after 15 years away from formal education, she committed herself fully to the opportunity.
STEPS represented a huge learning curve for Katrina. She learned academic writing, mathematics, computing, presentations, and how to navigate university systems. The course also helped her reflect on learning styles and develop confidence in her own abilities. Achieving High Distinctions across all units transformed her self-belief and convinced her that she could succeed at university.
Katrina completed multiple university qualifications, including a Bachelor of Informatics, a Master of Information Technology, and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education. She later returned to CQUniversity as a STEPS lecturer. Her educational journey inspired numerous family members to pursue higher education, creating a ripple effect across generations. Katrina now proudly encourages others to take that first step into university.
After raising her children, Doreen began considering a return to study and work but lacked confidence in her direction and abilities. Although she had attempted some online study previously, anxiety prevented her from completing assessments. Doreen knew she wanted something more meaningful and challenging, but she was uncertain whether university was possible for her.
Seeing an advertisement for STEPS in the local newspaper prompted Doreen to apply. She was drawn to the opportunity to grow personally while preparing for university study. Returning to education after more than two decades away from school felt overwhelming, but she recognised that STEPS offered the supportive environment she needed.
Doreen describes STEPS as a unique experience because it encouraged students to learn about themselves as much as university study. Through the course, she developed confidence navigating university systems, approaching staff, and engaging with academic learning. STEPS provided her with the preparation and sense of belonging that made the transition into undergraduate study feel manageable.
Doreen completed a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Clinical Psychology, and later became an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and CQUniversity academic. She also wrote the Master of Professional Psychology course and continues to work clinically while completing her PhD. Doreen credits STEPS as the beginning of an extraordinary educational and professional journey that changed her life forever.
Before commencing STEPS, Duane was working as an ESL teacher but found himself at a difficult point in life following the loss of his job and the breakdown of his marriage. Relying on Centrelink support and struggling to find meaningful employment, he began reflecting on the future he truly wanted. Although he had always dreamed of undertaking university study, life circumstances had prevented him from pursuing that goal earlier.
Duane initially applied directly for Engineering at CQUniversity’s Cairns campus but was unsuccessful due to his long absence from formal education. He was advised to undertake STEPS as a pathway into university study. While this setback could have discouraged him, Duane instead embraced the opportunity, later describing his introduction to STEPS as the moment his “fortune started to change.”
Duane found STEPS to be both rewarding and transformative. The course helped him become familiar with university systems, online learning, and academic expectations while also connecting him with supportive lecturers and fellow students. Beyond academic preparation, STEPS taught Duane the importance of mindfulness, critical thinking, and developing a new way of processing information. He credits the lecturers with creating an environment where students felt supported, challenged, and capable of success.
Following STEPS, Duane transitioned successfully into full-time undergraduate study and excelled academically throughout his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). He completed his degree with an extraordinary GPA of 6.769 out of 7, including six Distinctions and nineteen High Distinctions. Duane reflects that STEPS provided him with a significant advantage entering university and laid the foundation for his remarkable academic success.
Suzie grew up in a fractured and highly dysfunctional family and left school during Year 10 with very low confidence in her academic abilities. By the age of 34, she had fallen into a range of jobs but still felt uncertain about her direction in life. Suzie openly admits that she carried years of self-doubt and questioned whether she was capable of changing her future.
Encouraged by her supportive partner, Suzie made the terrifying decision to enrol in STEPS part-time while raising two young children. She initially doubted whether she could even complete the course, let alone progress to university. However, STEPS became an opportunity not only to explore study options, but to discover who she was and what she was capable of achieving.
STEPS was a truly transformative experience for Suzie. She learned how to write academically, think critically, conduct research, manage her study time, and seek support when needed. More importantly, the course changed how she viewed herself and the world around her. Suzie describes developing curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to question and learn. The supportive environment and encouragement from staff helped her realise that university was not beyond her reach.
Suzie completed both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and is now a fully registered psychologist. She established her own private practice, which rapidly expanded and received multiple business and innovation awards. Suzie reflects that STEPS changed the trajectory of her life, giving her confidence, purpose, and the belief that “absolutely anything is possible.”
Before enrolling in STEPS, Samantha owned a retail business while navigating a difficult marriage and raising young children. Although successful in business, she felt deeply unhappy and longed for a more meaningful future. Samantha had always dreamed of becoming a nurse but believed she was only an “average” student and lacked the confidence to pursue university study.
Motivated by the desire to create a better future for herself and her sons, Samantha decided to apply for the STEPS program. Despite significant self-doubt, she knew she needed to change the direction of her life and hoped STEPS might help her achieve that goal.
Samantha describes STEPS as the beginning of a completely new life journey. The course provided her with the academic skills necessary for university study, particularly essay writing, study planning, and confidence in learning again. More importantly, STEPS rebuilt Samantha’s belief in herself and gave her the courage to pursue goals she had previously thought were impossible.
After completing STEPS, Samantha progressed into the Bachelor of Nursing and achieved outstanding academic results, including Distinction grades and academic awards. She credits STEPS with preparing her not only academically, but personally, helping her rediscover confidence, happiness, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Before commencing STEPS, Ron had spent years working in labouring jobs while supporting his wife and five children. Due to poor experiences at school and low academic results, he developed a long-held belief that he was “not a smart man.” As he approached the age of 40, Ron began questioning whether he could continue labouring long-term and whether there might be another path available.
Encouraged by his wife, Ron enrolled in STEPS in 2002. Although initially uncertain about his academic ability, he quickly discovered that the course offered far more than he had expected. For the first time, Ron began believing that he was capable of succeeding academically.
Through STEPS, Ron learned mathematics, essay writing, computer skills, and study strategies while also rebuilding his confidence and self-belief. The support and encouragement from STEPS staff helped him realise that he could achieve far more than he had imagined. Completing STEPS with a perfect GPA of 7 became a turning point in his life.
Ron went on to complete a Bachelor of Learning Management (Primary Education) with Distinctions and later became the Head of a Middle School in Central Queensland. Reflecting on his journey, Ron says STEPS completely transformed his life, helping him break free from the mindset that had limited him for so many years.
After initially withdrawing from university as a young student, Marlee spent more than a decade working successfully within the tourism industry across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Although she loved the travel and fast-paced environment, she gradually realised she was most fulfilled when training and mentoring others. Becoming a mother also prompted her to reconsider the future she wanted.
Recognising her growing passion for teaching, Marlee decided to return to university study but still carried insecurities from her earlier experience of withdrawing from university. Discovering STEPS provided reassurance that she would be supported academically and personally as she transitioned back into study.
Marlee found STEPS empowering and practical. The course equipped her with essay writing skills, study techniques, mathematics refreshers, and confidence in herself as a learner. The support from lecturers and the clear structure of the course helped remove the insecurities she had previously carried about university study.
Now studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Marlee reflects that STEPS completely changed how she sees herself. She now approaches learning with confidence, engages in intellectual conversations she once avoided, and feels fully capable of succeeding at university and in her future teaching career.
