From 'just the taxi' to teacher: STEPS graduate finds a new direction.
What began as a trip to help her daughter apply for university has led CQUniversity STEPS graduate Vicki Muller on a journey she never imagined possible – from struggling with school and giving up on her future to becoming an experienced teacher herself.
At 40, Vicki had largely accepted that life wasn't going to change. Having left school early, she spent the following 20 years moving between jobs, regularly experiencing burnout and struggling to make ends meet.
As an autistic person, Vicki knows first-hand what it feels like to be misunderstood.
"School wasn't a particularly positive experience for me," she said.
"I mucked around in class, fell in with the wrong groups and made plenty of choices that I spent the next 20 years regretting."
Outside work, Vicki had discovered an interest in digital media, spending her spare time creating designs and experimenting with computer programs. She enjoyed it, but never considered it something she could turn into a career.
Then her daughter decided she wanted to go to university and asked Vicki to take her along to apply for CQUniversity's Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.
While they were there, a staff member asked Vicki if she was applying too.
"No," she replied. "I'm just the taxi!"
But her daughter's response was unexpected.
"Why not, Mum?"
And so began Vicki's university journey.
After completing STEPS, Vicki initially enrolled in a Business and Communication degree, believing it was the sensible choice. However, after just three months, she realised she needed to follow her interests.
She switched to Multimedia, and everything changed.
"I was playing with all the programs I had previously enjoyed, but now I was learning how to use them properly," she said.
"I explored animation, photography, videography, databases, web design and programming. Every course challenged me and excited me.
"I was never bored."
For someone who had once hated school, discovering a genuine love of learning was transformative.
"I discovered I wasn't someone who disliked learning. I simply hadn't found the right environment or the right opportunities."
Her studies eventually developed into a Bachelor of Digital Media, which she completed in 2015, with minors in graphic design, journalism and programming.
Just as graduation approached, another opportunity presented itself. With the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching approaching its final intake, Vicki decided to take another chance.
"So, naturally, I applied," she said.
"I was accepted."
Vicki completed her teaching qualification in 2016 and went on to begin a career in education. Ten years later, she is an experienced teacher, helping students discover their own interests, abilities and potential.
Looking back, Vicki credits STEPS with opening a door she hadn't even known was there.
"STEPS gave me an opportunity to start again. It gave me the confidence to pursue university study, discover what I was capable of and find a direction I hadn't even considered possible."
Today, her own experiences help her connect with students who may be struggling with school or questioning their ability to succeed.
Her message to anyone considering STEPS is simple.
"Don't decide what you are capable of based on your past experiences. You might not know where the journey will take you.
"I went to university as someone's taxi driver. I left with a completely different future."
2026 marks 40 years of CQUniversity’s STEPS pathway, which has helped thousands of students build the skills, confidence and foundations needed to pursue higher education. For four decades, STEPS has opened doors and helped make university study possible for people from many different backgrounds.
Learn more about CQU's STEPS program.
