One graduate described the Rockhampton STEPS program as a "rollercoaster ride" but all agreed it was a life-changing experience.

Most of the 58 graduates who attended the preparatory studies program in Rockhampton were able to attend a celebration of their achievements on October 11.

Tabitha Lawes (left) Amber Uren-Lorch contribute to the graduate presentation

A highlight of the event was a performance showcasing the trials and triumphs of their experiences.

Daughter's graduation inspires mother of 7 to hit the books

Earlier in the event, the graduating students and their supporters were able to hear from 2 women who have won Carrick Awards for their work with STEPS.

Head of Academic Learning Support Karen Seary said some students left the security of jobs, some were forced by workplace injuries to seek a new direction, some were catapulted into a new life arena by very personal difficulties and others simply decided it was time for them.

"Everyone entered a new environment when they joined STEPS ... we know that remarkable things have happened ... that is evident in the change in the level of their confidence, the change in the way they view themselves as human beings and the way they see each other, the world and their part in it.

"Many lives have changed and will change for the better because of STEPS, but this transformation has not come easily.

Samantha West (left) and Amber Uren-Lorch ham it up for the audience

"What was waiting in the wings was their strength of character ... they just had to be allowed to shine ... they rose up, they stood tall and we saw them stand on mountains."

Jenny Simpson delivers the keynote address

Former STEPS teacher Jenny Simpson, who gave the keynote address, said every batch of students had "a STEPS story".

"I bet every one of you has a STEPS story. Using the image of hero's journey, you left your ordinary worlds, you faced your call to adventure ... with many of you there was probably a refusal of the call, and then you set out on your quest ... there were lots of tests, there were plenty of allies and also plenty of enemies and sometimes that enemy may have been the ‘I can't do it'. How many of you faced a supreme ordeal of some type?"

Ms Simpson then shared the story of how STEPS became the key to her future, after illness abruptly ended her long teaching career at primary and secondary school levels.

"I grieved and I thought I would never come back to teaching again ... when 12 months later it was suggested I come to CQU to teach the STEPS program to teach the academic essay I was not too impressed when I'd been used to teaching poetry and drama and creative dance.

"Luckily good sense prevailed and in 1993 I faced my first STEPS class after years of teaching with a great deal of trepidation.

"Here were all these beautiful, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed adults sitting before me looking at me hopefully and I thought 'Oh God it's the academic essay' ... but I got through that test too.

"By the end they could write the academic essay and I'd almost come to like it.. Actually I got so hooked on STEPS it was very hard to leave .. for 14 years I loved every minute of all that hard work ...I found out a lot about life ... I learnt more about teaching and learning and people that I had ever known."

CQU staff member Tim Crockford - pictured with Professor Angela Delves - was among those who completed STEPS via external studies
Vladymir Percival gets his certificate from Professor Angela Delves