I had a rough start in life. As a child, I was removed from my birth father, survived a near-death experience, and battled a learning disability. Yet, I also received a great gift. Two of my teachers put their faith in me, staying after school to help me with my handwriting and learning. As a result, I won a distinction award after my second year of schooling, after having struggled through my first year of primary school. I have never forgotten the power of someone else’s belief in me.

Later, I experienced the opposite—a lack of belief in me. As a high schooler, I set my sights on top scholar and—instead of receiving support—I was ridiculed. I didn’t fit the expected mould of a top student. However, against the odds, I achieved my aim and was named the top scholar of my high school. I have also never forgotten how it feels to have no one believe in me.

Education has been the empowering force in my life. I founded Inspiration Education to share it with as many others as I can. I believe education is about putting power and lifelong skills into your hands—and I believe that each and every student deserves the very best education he or she can get. I founded Inspiration Education for the student who isn’t getting the attention he or she deserves in class, the student who has given up on school, and for the student who dares to dream.