Kj's journey into community services began in the quiet moments of her own adolescence, when counsellors and support workers became lifelines during a difficult time.
Although she excelled academically, school was socially overwhelming, and by year 9 she made the painful decision to leave.
At the time, she felt like she had failed.
What she would later discover is that she hadn't failed at all; she simply needed a different pathway.
Today, Kj is a standout student in the Certificate IV and Diploma of Community Services at Bendigo TAFE, and the winner of the Inclusivity and Accessibility Award. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery and the transformative power of the right support.
Returning to study was a turning points. With educators who understood that learning looks different for everyone, KJ found a place where she could thrive.
"With the correct support in place, I can study and I can reignite that love for learning," she said.
"Just because it didn't work the way it does for most people doesn't mean I can't get to where I want to go. I just have to go a different way." She said.
That mindset has shaped not only her studies, but her work. When she first enrolled, Kj was unemployed and applied or more than a hundred jobs a week. Then she discovered the Student Ambassador program at Bendigo TAFE - and everything changed.
Now on campus four days a week, she supports students from all walks of life, connecting with them, advocating for them, and helping them navigate challenges she understands deeply.
Her lived experience as an autistic, ADHD woman and LGBTQIA+ member has strengthened her commitment to inclusivity.
It's helped her build genuine rapport with students who may feel unseen or misunderstood, and it's fuelled her passion for creating environments where everyone feels they belong.
"The big thing is caring about other people," she says.
"Advocating for people has been a huge priority and goal for me."
Being recognised for the Inclusivity and Accessibility Award is something she stills find surreal.
"High school me would never believe it," she reflects.
"It feels like climbing Mount Everest from where I was."
Kj's achievements are remarkable not just because of how far she has come, but because of how many others she lifts along the way.
Her journey is a testament to the power of accessible education, the importance of community and the impact one person can have when they're supported to be their full, authentic self.
"Going to TAFE has been one of the best decisions I've made," she says.
And for the students she supports, and the community she is shaping, it's clear that decision is changing lives far beyond her own.
View Kj's story here: https://youtu.be/RCyVUJzwxX4
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