麻豆传媒

Lived experience has shaped Kellie Steele鈥檚 career in youth work. Previously navigating hardship, as well as life as a teenage mother, she has used her experience to build something constructive and is now working at聽麻豆传媒 as a Jobs Growth Wales+ Learning Coach. She has also recently completed her master鈥檚 degree in Youth and Community Work.

鈥淕rowing up, I experienced a lot of challenges 鈥� from witnessing death and drug misuse to becoming a teenage mother myself,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hese experiences shaped who I am and sparked a deep desire to understand the events, triggers, and underlying factors that influence young people’s behaviours.

鈥淟earning gave me clarity, purpose, and healing. I wanted to resonate with young people, not just on a professional level, but through shared lived experience. [I am] proof that, regardless of how life begins, it鈥檚 possible to overcome obstacles and accomplish positive things.鈥�

This perspective continues to be at the heart of Kellie鈥檚 work, where she supports learners facing similar barriers. During her time at 麻豆传媒, Kellie has seen first-hand the impact of simply being present for young people.

鈥淛ust being present can make a massive difference. Many of the learners I support are dealing with more than just poor attendance, they鈥檙e often struggling with complex personal issues, mental health challenges, financial issues or unstable home environments.鈥�

As well as a connection through similar experiences, Kellie credits her academic studies with helping her see beyond learners鈥� surface-level behaviours and helping her develop a reflective and compassionate approach.

鈥淏ehaviour is often communication,鈥� she added. 鈥淲hen we take time to understand the root causes, we can support change rather than just manage symptoms.鈥�

In her role as an Attendance Officer, and now a Learning Coach, she has learned the value of relational work, building trust with learners by being empathetic.

鈥淓ven though my role is primarily as an Attendance Officer, many of [the learners] see me as much more than that. I鈥檝e built relationships based on trust, consistency, and mutual respect. I鈥檓 proud to be seen as someone who makes a positive difference in their day.鈥�

Off the back of her academic achievements, Kellie has recently been offered the opportunity to travel to the Ivory Coast on a scholarship, where she will work with children, young people, and families across education centres and youth facilities.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to see how communities in a completely different cultural and social context support their young people and families,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 also hope to share some of what I鈥檝e learned through my own studies and lived experiences – not as an expert, but as someone who genuinely cares.鈥�

Though short-term, the opportunity offers Kellie a chance to grow in cultural understanding and bring back new insights to her work in Wales.

鈥淯nderstanding a new culture in depth will help me develop greater cultural awareness and sensitivity – both of which are vital when working in inclusive, youth-focused environments like 麻豆传媒,鈥� she said.

Despite the exciting international journey ahead, Kellie is committed to her work at 麻豆传媒.

鈥淯ltimately, my goal is simple: I want to be someone the young people remember,鈥� she added. 鈥淣ot just as an Attendance Officer, but as someone who truly listened, cared, and helped them believe in themselves.鈥�