Illness no deterrent for CQU Mackay STEPS student
Published on 22 October, 2002
Leona McGorrery has not allowed a recent stroke to prevent her from finishing her STEPS program.
A mother of five, Ms McGorrery enrolled in the program in order to fulfil a lifetime dream of studying beyond Year 10.
“The program has allowed me to apply for a place at the university as it taught me how to write for academic assignments, use the Internet and research projects effectively in the library,” she said.
“I’m capable of much more than I realised. In grade 10 I failed mathematics and now I’m achieving great results.” As a result of her studies she has been accepted as a volunteer for the Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, based at CQU Mackay.
Ms McGorrery hoped to start Bachelor of Arts, majoring in sociology and literature, in 2003.
Each year CQU Mackay offers a 13-week Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program, which is designed to equip adults with the skills required to undertake tertiary studies.
A ceremony will be held on October 25 at the Cook Theatre from 6pm to acknowledge the completion of 2002 STEPS.
STEPS co-ordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith said 90 per cent of those who finished this year’s course had applied for a 2003 university placement.