Prior to attending The BUSY School, Steele found it difficult to communicate with the adults in his life, especially his teachers. He had disengaged with his education and did not expect he would ever graduate high school.
But when he enrolled at The BUSY School, Steele took the first steps on a new path which ultimately saw him graduate secondary school with renewed confidence.
The BUSY School was founded in 2020 to offer an alternative approach to schooling for students who are at risk and disengaged from the traditional education model. Students participate in a unique program combining academic studies, vocational education and training (VET) and personal development.
Steele attributes his new outlook to the approach taken by the teachers at The BUSY School. “Some defining moments would have to be just conversations with teachers and them actually showing that they believe in me,” he said.
“The teachers really encouraged me to believe in myself and my mindset about communicating with adults changed. I feel like I can get along with anyone really well.”
One teacher in particular became like a close friend to Steele, and shared his thoughts on how far Steele had come at his graduation ceremony.
“He told me I would, one day, have my own business or be really successful,” recalled Steele. “That made me feel really, really good, I almost cried to be honest.”
Since graduating, Steele has started his own landscaping business, even fixing up an old ute to get it running again so he could use it for work.
“The BUSY School helped me get where I am now by giving me the confidence to do whatever I want to do,” said Steele, who is feeling excited about the future.
“I have no idea where I want to be in the next five years but all I know is that, whatever I figure out, I will do well because of the values that The BUSY School has given me.”
Watch to learn more about Steele’s journey.
