Alexandra Adornetto

Name: Alexandra Adornetto
Age: 16
Occupation: Student/Author

Alexandra is a teen girl who also happens to be an author of children's books. She has a three book publishing deal with Harper Collins and writes incredible stories featuring crazy characters and bizarre worlds. Not bad for a girl juggling school, teen land and being an author!

Who are your role model/s?
I'd have to say my role models are people like Keira Knightley and Cate Blanchett. They are both extremely talented and some of the few celebrities who haven't allowed success to go to their heads. Everything they do is done tastefully and they never compromise their integrity.

How did your role model/s help you?
My writing role-models are authors like Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. They inspired me to write simply by the sheer volume of work they produced and the lasting impact they have made on some many people.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
I think they have a very important role as young people need positive role models to inspire them and help them realise their potential. If you can see what someone else has achieved, it's easier to believe you can achieve it yourself. Young people need direction and role models can sometimes provide this.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
I am currently 16 so I am still facing them. One of the biggest issues is juggling all of the demands that are made of teenagers today, trying to balance school-work with interests as well as a social life. Issues to do with body image also really affect most teenage girls.

How did you overcome these issues?
I think developing a strong sense of who you are early in life helps. You don't need to measure yourself up against other people's standards. The problem most teenagers have is that they are all seeking approval from friends, boyfriends etc. All you really need is to be comfortable with yourself and not change to fit any moulds.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
I don't need to remember it… I'm living it. I think being a teenager is probably the most emotional and stressful time in your life but also the most exciting as you are having all these new experiences. It is also the time when you are thinking a great deal about the things you value most in life.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
I would have to say determination and believing in what you want to achieve. It's important not to let yourself be discouraged by well-meaning friends or family who tell you to be realistic. I always think BIG. I set my goals high and aim for the best. I never lower my expectations of myself because I'm worried I won't fulfil them.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
I'm proud of being part of a close-knit and supportive family. I also have a circle of close friends I know I can rely on and trust. I'm told by my friends that I give great hugs! I'm proud of that!

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
Along with my best friend I work with a young autistic boy for two hours every Saturday morning. It has been really rewarding to watch him make progress. I'm also involved in Social Service at school. I'm attending the World Vision Global Leadership Convention and am trying to plan a trip to an Indigenous community later in the year.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
Persevere and don't lose interest in your project. If you maintain your passion about something you have all the more chance of seeing it succeed.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?

• Never give up, no matter how many disappointments you receive
• Look after those close to you
• Learn to accept criticism and use it to your advantage
• Perseverance pays off
• Remember…what goes around comes around!

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I think it is because I have managed to realise one of my dreams (to be a published writer) even though I wasn't taken too seriously by many people when I started out. I think having confidence in yourself and taking risks is vital. I've taken a lot of risks in order to get people to take notice of me and my work and some have paid off.