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Teen Lawyer-to-Be Beats Odds Despite Illness
2 Sep
Summary
- Student aims to become a human rights lawyer for disabled people.
- She achieved a perfect score in legal studies in year 11.
- Virtual Schools Victoria provided crucial flexibility for her studies.
Eighteen-year-old Steph Woods is determined to become a lawyer and advocate for people with disabilities, refusing to let her own health challenges impede her ambition. Living with mitochondrial disease, she is completing her VCE remotely via Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV). This flexible learning environment has been instrumental, allowing her to manage symptoms such as chronic migraines, nerve damage, and vision and hearing impairments. Woods' academic prowess was recognized in 2025 when she received a VCE Study Award for a perfect score in legal studies during year 11.
Her mother, Kylie Poppins, expresses immense pride in Woods' dedication, noting her perseverance despite severe migraines and nausea. Woods, one of approximately 5500 VSV students annually, thrives on the ability to tailor her learning. She aspires to empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring they understand their rights, even humorously stating a desire to outperform able-bodied peers.
