Carol Andreassen can’t wait to find out if she has been accepted into Central Queensland University’s STEPS program.

“I’m taking a step to change my life and I’m very, very keen to start,” said Carol.

“I’ve had some major changes in my life lately, I’ve moved to Gladstone from Mt Isa, I’m recently divorced and a single mum. When I heard about STEPS, I though it sounded like something that could really make a difference in my life,” said Ms Andreassen.

STEPS is a free preparation program designed for adults who have missed out on getting the necessary skills or qualifications to study at university.

STEPS Coordinator, Lynne Campbell said that like Carol, many adults choose to enrol in the program to start a new chapter in their lives.

“People choose to enrol in the program for a variety of reasons. Some of them have always wanted to go to university and have never had the opportunity and others have only just decided they would like to try something different.

“The program is 12 weeks full-time and 24 weeks part-time and in that time our students are acquiring more than academic skills.

“Our graduates earn a sense of great achievement and it often results in the classmates forming a strong support network as a result of their shared experiences,” said Ms Campbell.

Although some STEPS students are happy just to complete the program, most go on to enrol in university degrees with goals of becoming social workers, teachers and accountants.

Carol is hoping to be one of the students who continues on and plans to become a social or welfare worker.

“I’m just so excited, it’s going to be good,” said Carol.

Anyone interested in beginning the STEPS program which starts in early July, should contact Lynne Campbell on 4970 7308 or visit CQU at the Marina.

Photo: 2004 STEPS graduates Stephen Ricketts (left) and Kay Loveday (black shirt) join STEPS applicants Carol Andreassen (brown shirt), Troy Davis and Paula Wayte (far right) at an information session held at the Gladstone campus.