STEPS - Library - Central Queensland University

Part Four: Student transformations
Stepping stones of life
Kerin Szemes
My name is Kerin Szemes and I am going to tell you my story that comes
from being a past STEPS student. I will give you a brief background
followed by the achievements I personally gained from STEPS, the impact
STEPS has had on my life, the commitments I have had to make, along with
the persistence it takes to study, and the innovations that have become part
of my life. Overall, I will tell you what STEPS has done, not only to my
own life, but to the lives of my family members as well.
I grew up in Brisbane and moved to the Gemfields at the end of 1989 where
I finished high school in Emerald in 1982. At that time, I found that I had
fallen pregnant to my partner, Chris. His support is invaluable in all areas of
my life. I am very lucky in this respect as I know this is not something
everyone has. I was accepted into James Cook University in 1983, but I had
made a choice and started my family so did not take up the challenge of
university. Whilst pregnant with my third child, I went and sat for my
QTAC exam again and did quite well but, once again, I was having a baby
and that came first. After my fourth child was born, I felt that I needed to do
more with my life than be at home. My children were growing up, and I
needed to grow too. In 1998, I saw advertised the STEPS program at the
Central Queensland University Emerald campus, and, with my husband’s
support in looking after the children, I made the effort.
I joined up and attended the initial STEPS program at the Emerald campus.
Sometimes, it was difficult, especially learning how to approach the
different styles of writing we needed to become skilled in. I feel that I
achieved excellent results in STEPS, gaining high distinctions in Maths and
Computer Studies, and credits for both the English and communications
side of the program. I was also lucky enough to be offered my first
preference at CQU the following year to start a Bachelor of Early
Childhood. This was not to be, however, as it meant splitting up my family
and moving to Rockhampton, so instead, at the last minute, I started a
Bachelor of Arts, first year at Emerald campus. Many years later I am still
attempting to get this finished.
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