When Erin King first volunteered at a special school as a Year 11 student, she didn't realise she was taking the first step towards a career that would span more than two decades.
Today, as Principal of Currimundi Special School on the Sunshine Coast, Erin continues to be driven by the same passion that inspired her as a teenager: helping students with disability reach their potential and creating opportunities for every learner to succeed.
'I don't think I really understood where that experience would lead me or that it would ultimately shape my entire career,' Erin said.
'What struck me was how genuine the students were. There was something very special about the relationships you built with them. They weren't worried about whether you got everything perfect. They were just themselves.'
'I also loved that you could see the impact you were having in meaningful ways. Sometimes it might seem small to someone else, but for a student it could be a huge achievement.'
That experience inspired Erin to pursue a career supporting students with disability, beginning as a teacher at Mount Isa Special School before progressing through leadership roles including Head of Special Education Services, Deputy Principal and Principal of Rockhampton Special School.
Along the way, her students have been some of her greatest teachers.
'My students have taught me far more than I could ever put into a curriculum document.'
'They have taught me to slow down, celebrate the small things and never make assumptions about what someone can achieve,' Erin said.
One student, in particular, continues to remind her why the profession is so rewarding.
The young man was highly disengaged from school and displayed complex behaviours. Many people believed he would never complete his education.
'There was an expectation that he would eventually be excluded from school and spend much of his adult life within the justice system,' Erin said.
'I remember thinking that we couldn't accept that as his future.'
Through strong relationships, persistence and the right support, the student graduated from school and went on to secure employment. 
'When he graduated, he gave me a photo of the two of us together. I still have that photo hanging on the wall in my office today.'
'It reminds me of where he started, how far he came and what can happen when you don't give up on a young person.'
For Erin, the experience reinforced an important lesson.
'Our job is not to predict how far students can go based on where they are today. Our job is to believe in their potential, find the right supports and give them every opportunity to succeed.'
'For me, that is one of the most rewarding things about working in special education. You can be part of changing the trajectory of a young person's life.'
Those beliefs continue to influence her leadership approach today.
'You have to really know your students. You have to understand how they communicate, what motivates them and how they learn best. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education.'
Having worked across both special education and mainstream settings, Erin is passionate about inclusion and helping every student experience success.
She is also committed to challenging common misconceptions about special education.
'I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that there is a ceiling on what students with disability can achieve,' she said.
'The reality is that every student can learn and make progress. It might look different, but that doesn't mean we should lower our expectations.'
For teachers considering a role in special education, Erin has a simple message: you don't need to have all the answers.
'Being a special education teacher taught me very early that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education.'
'If you love building relationships, are curious about how people learn and want to see the impact of your teaching in meaningful ways, I'd encourage you to consider special education,' she said.
'You don't have to know everything about disability. You just need to be willing to learn, listen and believe in your students.
'More than 20 years later, I still feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I do.