Jessica Joy Cottom isn’t just studying a Diploma of Counselling – she’s rewriting her story.
A strong and proud Wiradjuri woman, a ‘deadly big sister’ and a single mum, Jessica is proof that it’s never too late to create a new path for yourself.
‘I’ve always wanted to help people,’ she says. ‘Now I’m getting qualified to make it official.’
We spoke with Jessica about why her journey is about much more than earning a qualification – it’s about building a future for herself, her son and her Community.
Turning struggles into strength
Jessica’s life hasn’t been easy, but she’s never let challenges define her. Growing up, she faced mental health struggles, addiction – and all the chaos that can come with it. Instead of letting that hold her back, she’s turned her lived experience into her greatest strength.
‘I’ve been through some tough times,’ she says, ‘but that’s what makes me good at this. I know how to talk to people. I can pick up on body language, and I’ve got life experience to connect with anyone.’
She’s especially passionate about working with young people, recognising that her age and background help her bridge the gap. ‘A lot of counsellors don’t get young people because they’re older – it’s a new-generation thing. But I get it, and I want to help them see there’s a better way.’
A better life for her son
At the heart of Jessica’s journey is her son, J. Everything she does – from moving away from her hometown to studying counselling – is driven by her desire to give him a brighter future.
‘I just want my son to have the best,’ she says. ‘I want to see the signs in him, to make sure he’s got the right support. I want him to know there’s so much more to life than drugs and alcohol.’
VACCHO’s Yagilaith Djerring’s family-friendly approach has been a huge support. J often joins Jessica in class, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘It takes so much weight off my shoulders to have him there,’ she says. ‘I’d rather him be in the room with me than away somewhere else. Plus, he gets to watch his mum study – how cool is that?’
Finding strength through Culture
Jessica’s sense of humour and optimism have kept her going – even when things have been tough. Whether it’s cracking a joke or journaling her way through a bad day, she’s built a toolkit for self-care that works for her.
‘Exercise is big for me, and I love being near the water,’ she says. ‘We’ll go for walks or go fishing. It’s the little things that make a difference.’
Her connection to Culture has also been a major motivator. Growing up in a community where Aboriginal people were often unfairly stereotyped, Jessica is determined to challenge those perceptions.
‘Being a light-skinned Indigenous person, I got it from both sides,’ she says. ‘But I’m proud of who I am, and I want to show others that we’re capable of so much more than people think.’
Support that makes a difference
Before starting at Yagilaith Djerring, Jessica hadn’t set foot in a classroom for years. She admits she was nervous – but with support from the team, she found her confidence quickly.
‘Yagilaith Djerring has been amazing,’ she says. ‘They’ve backed me every step of the way, from the first phone call to welcoming me with open arms.’
Despite her initial doubts, Jessica has been thriving. In fact, she was the first student in her cohort to submit all her assignments.
It’s a story Yagilaith Djerring’s Aboriginal Student Mentor, Nikole Austin, sees time and again. ‘I wish our students could see what we see,’ she says. ‘Some of our Mob are travelling 100’s of kilometres to study with us. They often come into the classroom not backing themselves and not feeling confident to step into a formal adult learning environment.
‘But in the first few months, we see a change. They grow in confidence and start to see themselves as changemakers and leaders in the classroom and in their workplaces. It’s a privilege to be a small part of their stories and walk with them to that realisation.’
‘Honestly, I never thought I’d be here,’ Jessica laughs. ‘I dropped out of school and couldn’t even sit in a classroom. Now I’m getting through assignments and thinking, ‘If I’d worked this hard back then, I might’ve passed!’’
Inspiring the next generation
Jessica’s vision goes beyond her own success – she wants to create real change for her Community.
‘I’ve lost too many family members and friends to suicide, drugs and alcohol,’ she says. ‘I’m over it. I want to help the younger ones who feel stuck, because there’s so much more out there.’
Her dream is to use her counselling skills to connect with young people and show them what’s possible. ‘Drugs and alcohol aren’t a life. Running around with guns and knives isn’t cool. I want them to see there’s a better way – because I’ve lived it, and I know they can turn things around.’
For anyone thinking about studying but feeling unsure, Jessica has one thing to say: ‘Just do it. There’s no harm in trying. VACCHO is so supportive – it feels like home. You’re not in a classroom; you’re just kicking back and learning.
‘Even if you fail, who cares? You gave it a go. And if I can do it – juggling study, work and being a single mum – then anyone can.’
Jessica’s journey is full of heart, humour and hope. She’s not just showing up for herself – she’s showing her son, her Community, and the next generation what’s possible when you believe in yourself.
