Age, 19
Based in Sydney, Australia
Entrepreneur, Founder of AudioHighSchool

Raised in Sydney's western suburbs as an only child, I think of myself as having had a typically normal upbringing. It was only in 2010, after I had graduated high school that my life took a drastic change. It is then I realised how every moment you breathe is incredibly valuable. In the space of 12 months I've been kicked out of home, lived on the streets, eaten from dumpsters, been a fisherman, launched a business and opened my mind to possibility.

My learning really began when I became homeless. Having your life in a duffel bag that hangs off your shoulder gives you a new perspective on everything.

Suddenly things like having breakfast and knowing where you're sleeping tonight, become a constant worry. I learnt to appreciate life's simple luxuries and not to undervalue goodwill.

At the same time I still developed an ambition within my heart; a desire to live a life that I love. I knew that I had a passion for creation, particularly businesses, but I didn't know how to make that happen. It was the wisdom of the good people in my life that opened my mind to the simple steps of achieving what you want and towards taking action. Thinking about ideas is great, in fact that's where we get all our ideas, but you must start taking action straight away if you want your ideas to become a reality. I learnt that you shouldn't be afraid of failure; all it does is make you stronger and gives you the opportunity to improve an aspect of your mission.

So with that mindset I started looking for the right resources which would help me achieve my dreams. And something that I came across was www.freelancer.com.au, a place bringing ideas and the work required, into their formation; together, forming creations. You simply post the work that you need done, tick the relevant skills required and wait for people to offer to do the work. It makes the whole process possible for anyone, from a 15 year old kid to a CEO of a giant corporation; everyone has a level playing field.

All this I did whilst staying in an environment that was both volatile and eye opening. On a daily basis I ate, lived and shared space with teenagers who had grown up in environments which hadn't been supportive. I listened to their stories and learned their perspective.

Staying in crisis accommodation also gave me something more; a passion to be a force for good in the world. When we are young adults we don't really fully comprehend our potential in life, but I realised that I had the potential to be a voice for my generation and to make a difference in the sad world of youth homelessness, which affects 32,000 young people across Australia, every single night.

I figured the best way to be a force for change was to create my own business, using my passion for education and technology. I embraced the support around me and went through the motions that are required in establishing a business. Subsequently, www.audiohighschool.com.au came into being and is set to make changes in how we learn. Most of all, as a result of these experiences I started to believe in myself and my potential.

Now I look to the future with a smile and excitement, because I know that out of every bad circumstance I have encountered, I have turned it into an opportunity for change.