Jessielea’s Story

Meet Jessielea, a Master of Social Work student with several qualifications under their belt and over two decades of experience working in the disability sector!

Jessielea entered care at the age of eight, moving in with their permanent carers at nine, and transitioning into supported accommodation at the age of 16. Throughout their adulthood, they have kept in contact with their permanent carers.

Educational Journey

Jessielea’s journey is one of perseverance and passion. Throughout their life they have navigated the complexities of undiagnosed neurodivergence, which has regularly made managing focus in education and life admin tasks particularly challenging.

After leaving Year 12 before exams, they embarked on a career in disability care while earning a Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability. They didn’t stop there, earning a Certificate IV in Disability, a Diploma of Community Services and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Gender Studies and Anthropology.

“I didn't go to uni until I was 30. Before I went to uni I had few goals and a lack of vision for my future. Doing my Bachelor degree has really changed my whole outlook on life. Not only do I have more confidence in my abilities, but I can also see a future for myself where I couldn't before." —

Jessielea

A deep motivation to change the statistics of care experienced individuals in higher education fueled Jessielea to enrol in a Master's program, proudly embracing being a “statistic smasher”!

Today, Jessielea is pursuing a Master of Social Work while working in the child protection space and also completing their final placement on the Permanent Care Team at The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing!

The Road Ahead

Over the next few years, Jessielea is excited to continue to make use of the unique skills they have gained over the years. Their hopes for the future include creating a safe, permanent home with a flourishing garden. While finishing their Master's degree, Jessielea is also working on fulfilling a lifelong dream - writing a book centred around lived experience, a love letter to young people in out-of-home care.

Advice for Others

Jessielea emphasises the importance of providing more trauma-informed support from case workers and educators to help care experienced young people to thrive and envision a brighter future. Along with this is their gentle reminder to be patient and encouraging as each care experienced young person is on their own unique path.

To other care experienced people thinking about going to TAFE or uni, Jessielea offers this enthusiastic advice:

“Just do it! You owe it to yourself”

If you’re a care experienced person considering studying at TAFE or university, join Raising Expectations’ care experienced community!

Get in touch to see how we can help you: hello@raisingexpectations.com.au