Ms Jeffery graduated from State High in 1987. During her time at school, she was involved in the orchestra, softball, volleyball and the school musical, Bionic Bunny in year 9. Her favourite memories included spectating and supporting at school events, particularly participating in the war cries.

She recalls loving her time at State High because she was surrounded by hardworking kids. She particularly notes that she had great English teachers, who fostered her passion for language and words.

When renovating her 1912 Queenslander, Ms Jeffery found bank books and old money from the 1950s and shared her findings on social media with a group of local history enthusiasts. With the help of a big and supportive community, she unearthed aspects of Brisbane history, including discovering that George Leslie, a well known first settler who was one of the first people to buy land in Warwick, was a previous owner of her block of land. Ms Jeffery said this experience gave history a whole new meaning and made her realise how much the past still influences the present.

Ms Jeffery loves to write as it allows her to communicate with words when she can't speak and gives her the opportunity to connect with people when they respond to her work. This is what led her to publish her findings in 2018 in her book, Under the Lino: The Mystery, The History, The Community.

In 2018, she was invited to speak at TEDX Brisbane about her experience and the importance of using technology to connect communities and keep memories alive. She recalls that it was a terrifying but incredible experience but was grateful for the support she received and opportunity she was given to share her story and leave a legacy. Ms Jeffery also received the State Library of Queensland's John Oxley Library Community History Award for her publication.

Her advice to all students is to not worry about the future as you can change your path at any time and you have your whole life to do what you love.

Written by Kinjal Dani*