#6YearsOfSteps: Isabel

We are celebrating our 6th birthday and thought there is no better way than to share 6 stories from 6 of our stakeholders! These include a trainee, a graduate, a parent/guardian, a business partner, an employment partner, and our CEO.

Everything we achieve is due to these stakeholders and the various partnerships that evolve from their participation in the mission.

An inclusive community is possible when we are aligned in creating a world that celebrates and values difference. #6YearsOfSteps

Trainee – Isabel

“Before Steps, I was scared to talk to people. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I just didn’t want to grow up. I always like to be around animals so Steps motivated me to work at an animal rescue centre. That was my first time being responsible for something.”

“After that, I’ve tried many different jobs. I had a work internship at Steps coffee shop branches. I learned to work with the staff without having job coaches around. Then I started to work outside of Steps. I had an internship at a restaurant and a hotel. Although job coaches went to support me in the beginning, I had to work all by myself. I learned to be responsible, follow work rules and ask for help.”

“Now I’m working as a teacher assistant at a kindergarten. I really love working with kids. I’ve been more patient since I started working there and I feel good about myself when I support the kids and see them be able to do something.”

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Isabel started external internships with El Mercado and the Rembrandt Hotel just before the pandemic hit Thailand at which point her internships were placed on hold.

During the lockdown, she worked hard on completing evidence for her ASDAN portfolio (a learn-by-doing curriculum from the UK) and when we returned face to face she was more than ready to work.

She shared that whilst hospitality is okay, she wanted to work with children, so in May she started an internship at Annabel’s International Kindergarten which has proven to be a great decision.

As in-class support, Isabel is responsible for following the school’s child-lead approach by overseeing the art station and her mentor shared that she is punctual, takes initiative, and is positive and happy with the children.’

We love that Annabel’s extends their inclusive education vision to being an exclusive employer!