More than a qualification

By Lucy Stafford 

For years, Angela Winter wasn’t sure she belonged at university, not because she didn’t care but because she didn’t believe she could do it.

Anxiety would take over when assignments felt too hard. Self-doubt would convince her she wasn’t smart enough. More than once, she failed units, withdrew, took breaks and wondered if this was where her story would quietly end.

But she kept coming back.

Angela Winter began her study journey in 2017 through CQUniversity’s STEPS program before enrolling in a Bachelor of Digital Media in 2018, not for a career change, but for something much more personal.

“The STEPS program was my path into university,” Angela said. 

“I wanted to start higher education as I wanted something to focus on, and I wanted to show my children that it’s never too late to try.”

From the outside, she looked like many other mature-age students balancing study and parenting. What wasn’t visible were the layers of challenge she carried, anxiety, depression, undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, all while supporting children with their own mental health needs.

In class, Angela was engaged, enthusiastic and eager to learn but her written assessments often failed to reflect her understanding, leaving her questioning herself even more. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with dyslexia that things began to make sense.

Through CQUniversity, Angela was connected with a range of supports including accessibility services, counselling, academic staff support and scholarships. These supports enabled Angela to access tools, flexible arrangements and wellbeing services tailored to her individual needs.

CQUniversity Accessibility Consultant Diane Gallais said CQU’s support services are the result of a collaborative team effort, designed to provide access to education for all students and ensure an equitable chance to participate in their course regardless of their background, circumstances or learning requirements.

“We work with students to identify their specific challenges and organise customised supports to help remove barriers,” Ms Gallais said.

“Angela’s journey reflects how coordinated academic, accessibility and other wellbeing supports can make a real difference, not only for study outcomes, but also to build confidence, acquire life-time strategies, buoyancy and long-term success.”

CQUniversity Associate Lecturer Michelle Roberts said Angela consistently demonstrated strong engagement with learning.

“She was bright and deeply involved in learning, she just couldn’t always show it on paper,” Assoc Lecturer Roberts said.

With this support in place, Angela kept going even when her path became a cycle of stops and starts.

Angelas said the university was really supportive and knowing she wasn’t facing things alone made a huge difference.

“There were times I failed, withdrew and came back again. It wasn’t a straightforward path but I didn’t give up,” Angela said. 

One unit in particular became Angela’s greatest hurdle, having withdrawn from it several times. After being encouraged to try once more, with support strategies in place, she successfully completed the unit.

That final result didn’t just complete a qualification, it closed a chapter that had stretched over many years.

At CQU’s Rockhampton graduation ceremony in December 2025, Angela crossed the stage to receive her Diploma of Digital Media and learned she was the first in her family to ever graduate from university.

Her mum and husband were in the crowd, and they watched Angela become the first in the family to take that step. 

She was also proud to see her study journey inspire her sons who are now planning university study with one already undertaking SUN units. 

“I wanted to show my kids what was possible. And now they’re doing it,” Angela said.

Today, Angela is already using her new skills, managing digital media for her son’s hockey club, building confidence, experience and a future she once wasn’t sure she was allowed to imagine.

Angela said her qualification represents more than a piece of paper.

“It’s proof that persistence matters, even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard," Angela said. 

“I’ve proven to myself that I can stick with something and keep going, and it has changed how I see myself.”

Angela hopes her story might help others who are struggling find their own way forward. 

“It’s okay to ask for help,” Angela said

“Take it one step at a time, remember why you started, and keep going. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

“Sometimes, that’s all it takes to change what comes next.”