Joy Pool – Queensland

Joy started at STEPS Boarding College in 2024 when she was 21 years old. Moving interstate to the College, Joy left her family and familiar surroundings. Since then, Joy has actively sought opportunities to contribute to the community and grow as an individual. Volunteering at various STEPS events, like working on the gate at the AutismTreehouse Christmas Party, Joy engaged with others, strengthened her teamwork abilities, and developed essential socialskills in a supportive environment.

Joining Steps Pathways program, Joy continued to build on this foundation. She has gained practical knowledge about tenancy and living out of home, which are vital skills for independent living. She has learned to be more assertive — to speak up for herself, express her needs, and make informed decisions. Joy’s confidence in the kitchen has grown through meal planning and cooking, helping her become more self-sufficient. Joy has also been working on understanding trust in relationships, learning to set healthy boundaries and listening to her own instincts.

Joy is a dedicated and resilient adult learner who has grown through diverse experiences in volunteering at STEPS events and engaging positively in the independent living programs. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to personal development — from building foundational skills in organisation and communication to gaining confidence in social skills,cooking and building connections. Through STEPS Pathways, Joy has continued to thrive, showing initiative, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute. Her progress highlights her as an outstanding adult learner with the potential to achieve even more.

Valuing others’ input in conversations and group activities has strengthened her ability to collaborate and learn from different perspectives, making her a more engaged and thoughtful participant in both social and learning environments.

Joy previously had a strong interest in becoming a Library Assistant, and her volunteer experience in libraries helped her develop valuable skills in organisation, communication, and attention to detail. While she understands that library roles are changing due to technology, she remains passionate about learning and helping others. More recently, she has been exploring further study in Christian Studies, which could lead to meaningful work in chaplaincy, pastoral care, or faith-based community support. This scholarship would empower Joy to grow both practically and spiritually and take the next steps toward a future where she can make a positive difference in people’s lives.