She “couldn’t escape Wodonga quick enough” once she finished school and headed off to Melbourne University to begin a bachelor of arts degree.

But when Natalie started working in hospitality to support her study, the thrill of earning her own money, partying and dabbling in drugs and alcohol saw her life take a turn for the worse.

Over a decade her life spiralled out of control, she became addicted to ice, lost her home, her marriage and couldn’t work or study.

She spent some time in a rehabilitation facility to come off Xanax – “which I went on to get off ice”  –  but still felt suffocated by Melbourne and decided to return home to start a new life. 

When her father, local builder Ray Paddle, died in 2010, friends and family thought that would be the final straw for Natalie, who admits she has had periods of being suicidal.

Instead she resolved that it was finally time to find new meaning and purpose to her life.

“I decided that all of the things I had endured had happened for a reason and that they were not wasted years,” Natalie said.

Volunteering at Lifeline seemed an ideal option.

“I was knocked back at first,” she said.

“But instead of taking that and hating myself more I rang the Lifeline trainer and we talked and I was accepted into the course.”

That proved a pivotal point for Natalie, now 42.

The training provided by Lifeline opened her eyes to a world of possibilities and fuelled a desire to help others.

Now that dream is being given wings thanks to La Trobe University Wodonga, which has offered her a place to study a Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work.

She is one of 26 mature-age students offered a place in La Trobe’s Aspire early admissions program.

It’s the first time mature-age students have been included in the program, which recognises the volunteering and community service of applicants.

Albury-Wodonga head of campus Dr Guinever Threlkeld said students such as Natalie brought a wonderful depth of life experience to the learning environment.

“We have found students who come to study later display a commitment and willingness to have their horizons expanded,” she said.

“They bring a different vantage point that enriches classroom discussion.

“The Aspire program is part of a commitment by this university to make higher education accessible to all.”

For Natalie, the opportunity to study again is one she intends to embrace with both hands – and heart.

“My life is an example of how things can turn around,” she said.

“There are many times I wanted to give up but I don’t want to die.

“I want to live a rich and fulfilling life and be able to show others there is always hope.”