Early in Melissa’s time at STEPS Pathways College, she was voted by her classmates and trainers as the “most likely to move to a big city”. Now, after two years at the College, that prediction is coming true as Melissa readies herself for her newfound independence.

Graduating from STEPS Pathways College with the 2021 cohort, Melissa is well on her way to achieving her goals. Originally from a small town near Cairns, Melissa is now packing up her belongings and moving out from her family home to live independently on the Sunshine Coast.

“When I started at the College, I had four short term goals and one long term goal,” Melissa said.

“Short term, I wanted to get independence, feel confident, learn confidence with public transport, and get a job.

“Long term I want to get married and have a family.”

Melissa happily adds that all of her short-term goals have been achieved while at the College and with the help of the trainers she describes as “the number one” group of people.

Melissa is particularly proud of her improvement when it comes to using public transport, adding that while she still “sometimes gets nervous”, she is “always practicing and trying”.

STEPS Pathways College has also helped Melissa become confident about what she wants to do in her future – work with children. With one of Melissa’s long-term goals surrounding having a family of her own, Melissa is excited to delve into her nurturing side.

“I’m getting a job at a creche in the RSL, I’ll be working with children,” Melissa said.

“I have done work experience in Cairns; I did volunteer work at a day-care centre.”

Melissa adds that STEPS Pathways College was particularly helpful with skills relating to her new role, with the trainers happy to adapt her learning to suit her aspirations.

Melissa describes “patience, resilience, and the importance of overcoming fears” as three key lessons of her time at STEPS Pathways College.

“The change we have seen in Melissa since she began with us two years ago is unbelievable,” Jason Keen, Melissa’s trainer said.

“She has become so confident in who she is and all that she is capable of.

“I have no doubt that I’ll be getting updates on her great progress in the years to come.”

While Melissa is “incredibly excited” to start her new life of independent living, she still admits to missing things about the College.

“I’m going to miss everyone and everything,” Melissa said.

Melissa cites Brendan, STEPS Pathways College’s cooking teacher and chef, as the person she will miss the most, as he taught her to cook independently.

“I’ll especially miss Brendan; I’ll miss cooking with him,” Melissa said.

“Cooking is my favourite class; last year we made sushi, that was the best.”

Melissa can now happily cook her own meals, with her favourite meal being Chicken Fettuccini.

Melissa also fondly reflects on her memories from the 2020 Grand Winter Ball, where she was able to dress up and socialise with her classmates and friends.

“The Grand Winter Ball was my favourite, I loved it,” Melissa said.

“I loved the makeup, and I got to wear a nice dress; it was black.”

Melissa will be taking all these memories, along with her new skills, into her new life after graduation.

“I am so grateful to have been able to come to STEPS Pathways College and learn,” Melissa concluded.

“They have given me an opportunity to live independently; I’m very happy now.”