Goals and determination driving Steph to succeed

Steph Woods, an 18-year-old student from Victoria, Australia, is determined to pursue a career as a human rights lawyer despite facing significant challenges due to mitochondrial disease. She recently earned a VCE Study Award in 2025 after achieving a perfect score in legal studies during her Year 11 exams. Woods is currently completing her Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) through Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV), which allows students with health issues or other barriers to learn remotely. Mitochondrial disease, a degenerative condition affecting cellular energy production, causes Woods to experience a range of symptoms including chronic migraines, nerve damage, vision and hearing impairments, ataxia, and scoliosis. These conditions often make it difficult for her to attend traditional schools regularly. However, the flexibility offered by VSV has been crucial in enabling her to continue her education. According to her mother, Kylie Poppins, Woods demonstrates extraordinary resilience, often overcoming severe physical discomfort to complete her studies. Woods' journey through VSV has been transformative. The program provides students with the opportunity to access recorded lessons and tailor their learning environments according to individual needs. This adaptability has allowed Woods to manage her health while maintaining high academic standards. Her success in obtaining a perfect score in legal studies highlights both her intellectual capabilities and unwavering commitment to her goals. The transition from a conventional classroom setting to distance learning proved to be a pivotal moment for Woods. She credits the flexibility of watching recorded classes and having the freedom to structure her study schedule around her health requirements as key factors in her academic achievements. Despite the unpredictability of her condition, which sometimes renders her unable to participate in online sessions, she continues to push forward with her studies. Woods is part of a larger community of approximately 5,500 students who utilize VSV's services annually. This includes individuals engaged in professional sports, performing arts, those residing in rural areas, and others dealing with various health challenges. Her story resonates within this diverse group, illustrating how educational platforms can accommodate different needs and aspirations. Her mother, Kylie Poppins, expressed immense pride in her daughter's accomplishments. During the award ceremony, Poppins observed her daughter preparing to study even as they were getting ready to leave. Poppins noted that few students face the level of physical hardship that Woods does, yet she consistently rises to meet her academic obligations. Woods herself acknowledges the drive that fuels her efforts. While she humorously admits that wanting to surpass able-bodied peers might not be the most appropriate motivation, it underscores her fierce determination to achieve her objectives. Her ambition extends beyond personal success; she aims to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they understand and assert their entitlements. As Woods progresses through her final year of secondary education, her focus remains on securing a place at university to pursue law. Her experiences have shaped her perspective, reinforcing her desire to contribute meaningfully to society through legal advocacy. With each passing day, she inches closer to realizing her dream, driven by a blend of personal resolve and a deep-seated belief in the importance of equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.