From life challenges to cyber security: Blessy’s journey back to study

Published: 14 Jul 2026

Before moving to Australia, Blessy was working as a software engineer at a financial firm in India. In her role, she worked closely with security systems, focused on protecting transactions, card generation and safeguarding sensitive data. Always having a strong passion for cybersecurity this experience reinforced Blessy’s interest in cybersecurity, inspiring her to one day purse it further.

After relocating to Australia and taking time away from her career to start her family, Blessy was ready to return to study and upskill. She discovered an opportunity to enrol in a Fee-Free TAFE course at CIT in 2023. Now being a mother of three with her youngest child just three months old at the time, it was a big step but one she was determined to take to build a future career in cybersecurity.

However, six months into her studies Blessy received an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis. The news was devastating and brought her studies to a halt as she began intensive treatment lasting over a year. During this time, Blessy became part of the Parent Pathways program, which played a vital role in supporting Blessy and her family. The program provided guidance, encouragement and practical support, helping her navigate both her personal challenges and future study goals.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Blessy remained hopeful and determined to eventually return to her studies.

Finding strength to return

After completing her treatment, Blessy faced another challenge – figuring out how to rebuild her life and return to study after such a significant break. In 2025, she made the decision to come back with the support from the parenting pathways program.

At first returning to study wasn’t easy, Blessy struggled a lot with her health issues, but found great support in her teachers to continue to study and move forward.

“My teachers were amazing. They were very approachable and always there to help me.” She says. “The disability support service at CIT, was incredibly helpful. They helped me through my health issues, supported me to focus on my studies and gave me extra time when needed.”

Learning skills that lead to real jobs

One of the standout aspects of Blessy’s studies has been the hands-on, real-world approach to learning. Through practical exercises, case studies and discussions around current cyber incidents, students are encouraged to step into real scenarios as industry professionals would. Discussing how the students would approach these scenarios with the teacher and the class for feedback and how they could improve.

Rather than just learning theory, Blessy has developed practical, job-ready skills that align with real workplace expectations in cybersecurity.

Rebuilding confidence through education

For Blessy, her time at CIT has been much more than gaining a qualification. It has been a journey of rebuilding confidence, finding strength and proving to herself it’s never too late to start again. With her main goal of finishing her studies this year and to begin her career in cybersecurity.

Advice for others returning to study

Blessy understands how challenging it can be to balance family, health, work and study, but she hopes her story inspires others to take that first step.

“Your current situation isn’t going to define your future. Don’t lose hope, look for good support systems and communities to help you through tough times.” She says.

Through programs like Fee-Free TAFE, Parent Pathways and supportive learning environments at CIT, Blessy’s journey shows that returning to study, no matter the circumstances can open the door to new opportunities, renewed confidence and a job-ready future.

Learn more about studying cybersecurity