Teegan O’Farrell – Northern Territory

When Teegan commenced studying at STEPS Palmerston, she lacked confidence and was very quiet and shy. Over time, however, she started to build confidence and to participate in classroom activities, forming friendships, working together with her classmates and assisting with their digital literacy training.

As an Indigenous learner, Teegan quickly stood out for her enthusiasm and commitment, especially in activities involving Microsoft Word. Her dedication was evident from the beginning, and she successfully completed the initial phase of the program. Today, she is continuing her educational journey through a skill set program, then is on to study a Certificate III in Business.

Teegan’s story is one of courage, growth, and ambition. Her connection to the program has not only helped her develop valuable skills but has also inspired those around her.

Teegan’s ability to multitask is truly impressive. As a mother of a young child, she manages school drop-offs and daily parenting duties while attending classes and completing assignments on time. She also participates in all activities and supports her peers in the classroom, often helping others with computer tasks while staying on top of her own learning goals. Her strong work ethic, time management, and motivation to build a better future for herself and her family make her a truly exceptional adult learner.

Over time, her trainer watched Teegan transform. She started participating in coffee making lessons, cooking and art and craft sessions. These sessions were more than fun; they were powerful confidence builders. Slowly, she began to gain confidence, share her thoughts, and formed friendships with her classmates. It was like watching someone rediscover their voice.

Now, Teegan is one of the most active and supportive students in our SEE classroom at Palmerston. She’s the first to help a classmate who’s struggling with formatting a document or navigating a computer. She’s confident, focused, and speaks with purpose. Her classmates look up to her, and she’s showing strengths as a leader.

If awarded the scholarship, Teegan plans to continue her learning journey by completing a Certificate III in Business as a key step toward working in accounting or administrative roles. Teegan is eager to further develop her business and digital skills, which will open doors to employment opportunities in the corporate sector and help her build a stable and fulfilling career and life for herself and her young son.