From little things big things grow and Alyssia Kennedy is living proof of that.
Ms Kennedy was Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2026 and the program which prompted her nomination is set to expand nationwide.
When Alyssia Kennedy left school, she realised she lacked many of the skills needed to manage day-to-day life, such as how to create a budget or do her taxes.
Like many before her, she had to learn the hard way.
Realising how important these skills can be, Ms Kennedy founded the Life After School program, an educational package to help bridge the gap between school education and life knowledge.
She now works with schools and youth groups to deliver the program and is looking to expand it nationwide.
"Being nominated and then being named as Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year certainly gave the program a boost as well as a personal spur along," she said.
"We are now looking to separate the Life After School program from my Upturn Tasmania business and operate it as a not-for-profit.
"It is really exciting. It will somewhat free me up and make it easier to access grants and other funding."
Ms Kennedy said being nominated in the Australian of the Year Awards was a humbling experience and sometimes she still had "impostor syndrome" - where you wonder why you have been singled out when many others are doing great things.
"But it is also such an honourable recognition. If you think someone is doing a great job, nominate them and help them grow," she said.
Ms Kennedy's vision, energy and commitment are giving a generation of young people the tools they need not just to survive but thrive in adulthood.
Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards close at midnight on Friday, July 31.
Go to australianoftheyear.org.au to nominate someone who inspires you and your community.
