Despite the confidence and maturity she shows today, there was a time when Jennea of Ermington in Sydney's north-west didn't think she would even be able to finish school, let alone contemplate further studies or an ambitious career. And to follow a passion of any sort was far from her mind. In fact, by the time she started high school at Macarthur Girls, Jennea came close to "throwing it all in".

She was having difficulty keeping up with her school work, and her self esteem was at an all time low. "I was hopeless at maths!" she remembers "And I couldn't understand the language in subjects like science." But with the help of a children's welfare agency, all that changed. With the emphasis on education as a key to opportunities, the Centre she went to provided Jennea with personal tutoring in some of the more challenging subject areas.

"The tutoring had a real impact," says Jennea, who would attend the Centre once a week after school. "Before too long I was passing subjects like maths and I started enjoying school!"

Jennea says that she even looked forward to attending the Centre. "It was so good to know that help was available." But Jennea believes the Centre provided more than just academic support. "The staff helped me build my confidence," she says. Before too long, Jennea started assisting other young people attending the Centre. Her successful development has been recognised by one of the Centre's Special Education teachers, Kerrie Murphy. "Jennea matured into a totally reliable and responsible young woman who has no trouble in taking initiative. The Centre gave her the opportunity to become a great leader," says Kerrie. "She's just fantastic with the kids!"

Jennea is dedicated to improving the educational and employment opportunities of young people in her local area. An active member of the Parramatta Youth Advisory Committee and CHERRY (Community Hope Ermington Rydalmere Representing Youth), Jennea is keen to "give young people a voice" and ensure that their issues are "out there".

And when she's not organising fundraising events for her local youth drop-in centre, she's volunteering her time to help primary school kids. If that's not enough, she's just finished her second year of TAFE studies, which she hopes will lead to the beginning of a professional career in youth work.

Jennea's story shows the impact timely and individually tailored support can have on a young person's life.