Why Kelli hit reset in her forties

But the diagnosis, alongside the challenges of raising two neurodivergent children, shifted everything.

“Suddenly, deadlines and products didn’t matter anymore,” Kelli said.

“What mattered most was people, connection and resilience.”

That realisation led Kelli to the Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus, determined to turn her personal challenges into a career helping young people.

“I realised I wanted to build a career that actually made a difference.”

For Kelli, TAFE Queensland stood out because it was practical, hands-on and directly connected to industry.

“I didn’t want to just sit in a lecture theatre, I wanted learning I could apply straight away,” she said.

The shift wasn’t easy. Balancing study with health and family tested her strength. But the environment at the Southport campus became her safe place.

“It’s welcoming and you’re not just a number. It’s the kind of place where you can sit with classmates, share ideas and feel part of a community," said Kelli.

That community made all the difference. During times of crisis, classmates and teachers stepped in with care and encouragement.

“The empathy I felt from others gave me the strength to keep going,” she said.

“It reminded me why I was there in the first place.”

Her teachers weren’t just educators, but mentors who shared their own industry experience and challenged her to dig deeper. 

“That makes a difference when you’re changing careers later in life,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kelli dreams of working directly with young people blending her creative background in art, dance and design with youth programs that inspire connection and resilience.

So why does she recommend TAFE Queensland?

“It gave me the foundation to dream bigger,” Kelli said.

“It’s practical, it’s supportive and connected to industry. If you want to make a change, whether it’s your first career or your second, TAFE Queensland is the place to start.”