There are few people I’ve met in my life where I feel like they are truly changing the world of education for the better. Natalie, from Hong Kong, is one of them.

It wasn’t until she traveled all around the world when she finally realized that life actually had meaning. Before that, despite going to great schools and having a dream consulting job, she was depressed and suicidal for years. School, homework and expectations were overwhelming and they seemed pointless to her.

Natalie realized that ultimately her mission was to give other people a shortcut to discover their own path and passion, so they don’t have to go through all the pain that she did.

Instead of following the standard teacher route, she wanted to create a bigger impact — so she started OWN Academy 自由學園 to build an innovative education ecosystem that focuses on real world learning and equips students with future-proof skills.

Her different approach involves learning outside of the four-walled classroom, identifying industry professionals as mentors, and teaching students the latest industry knowledge to gain valuable insights. The future of education is about bringing the stakeholders of Students, Parents, Schools and Industries together through connecting them with purpose and value exchange. She believes that every student is smart in his or her own ways and is ready to help all students reach their full potentials.

Natalie’s initiative has already impacted 2,000+ students and families with bigger goals of expanding internationally.

This video is her full story — please share if you agree that she represents the future of education!