Sharon Marshall recently graduated from CQ University's STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies) Program, winning the Gladstone Regional Council Bursary a well.

Sharon, from a "working family" enjoyed school, however, falling in with the wrong crowd distracted her from study, and eventually she left to work and travel around Australia.

It was when she met her partner, things got a lot better. She talked a lot about ‘going back to school' or, in some way, completing her studies. With encouragement from her partner who, gave her,  "... a kick up the backside," Sharon enrolled in STEPS.

Having a partner willing to ‘carry' her while she studied really helped.  She said, "A lot of the other ladies had children to care for, whilst juggling jobs, I just don't know how they managed it all."

STEPS involved Sharon studying maths, computing, language and learning, Tertiary Preparation Skills, "I learned so much. Maths, for instance was never my strongest subject, I never  thought I'd have a passion for it," she added. 

In November Sharon starts the WIST (Women in Science and Technology) Program, including introductory biology, and has her eye on a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety degree with CQ University...
Sharon Marshall (left)

"It's funny to hear myself say it, but I never thought that I could do it ... the teachers and lecturers help you get your confidence (back), and you realise that, if you put in the hard work, there's no reason you can't succeed," she said.

Sharon thoroughly enjoyed her "fantastic" graduation night, made all the more memorable when she was presented with a special Bursary by Gladstone Regional Council. She acknowledged the hard work done by so many in the community  to support ongoing education, and opportunities like those provided by CQ University's STEPS program, "It's great to see the community getting behind (education)."

STEPS is one of four FREE access programs that aims to prepare potential applicants for tertiary study. The program attracts a wide range of students, mainly those who didn't complete year 12 or who have been out of the work force for a period of time.  

While STEPS is designed to teach people skills like academic writing, referencing, research and use of computers, many students agree that the true value of the course lies in the confidence they gain.

If you'd like to know more of what CQ University's STEPS programs can offer you, start achieving your goals today and visit http://www.steps.cqu.edu.au/

Next information and testing sessions on the Gladstone campus: Tuesday 17 November. For more information and/or to register contact CQUniversity Gladstone 4970 7277.

Photo; Stephen Mills Photographer