Meghan Lott dreams of hosting her own Food Network television show as well as owning a wildly successful bakery.

The 19-year-old came into The Richmond News brimming with life and hope. Her happy disposition and positive attitude was downright contagious.

It wasn’t always so for the Richmond resident.

At 16, she voluntarily became a ward of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

“I used to live with my mom, sister and stepdad in cramped quarters. It was very stressful,” she said. “There were mental health issues in my family and we lived in poverty.

“When you grow up poor and you worry about having food on the table, school doesn’t seem important.”

Although, Lott said, the family received counseling, things didn’t improve and she felt that she needed to break free.

“I managed to get into a ministry program called Youth Agreement,” she said. “It’s where you agree to stay in school between the ages of 16 to 19.”

She attended McNair secondary throughout most of her high school years. However, because she was 18, Lott graduated from Vancouver’s South Hill Education Centre. (A high school for students ages 18 and up).

For the young woman who aspires to be a chocolatier, cake baker extraordinaire and television host, school became her lifeline.

Lott credits both her caseworker and social worker for encouraging her to stay in school and make something of herself.

“My caseworker, Michelle Beech, was like a big sister/mother to me,” she added.

Since Lott didn’t want to go into a group home or foster care, she signed an agreement with the ministry and lived on her own, with supervision from both her caseworker and social worker.

“Michelle helped me learn how to budget and shop for food,” Lott said.

She admits at times it was lonely living on her own as a teen.

For overcoming adversity and staying in school, Lott will be awarded with the Richmond Youth Service Agency (RYSA) Stay in School Award on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Richmond Cultural Centre.

RYSA’s executive director, Marshall Thompson, has nothing but glowing things to say about Lott.

“Meghan received support from our Connections Youth Resource Centre and we provided her with support for her to attend Station Stretch,” said Thompson. “At this point in time, we are really happy and proud of where she’s at and that she’s living independently.

“Meghan is an example of someone who really has overcome challenges and is doing really well, which is huge.”

Lott will receive her Stay in School Award during a ceremony next Friday. RYSA celebrates the achievements of local students, who stayed in school despite dealing with adversities.

“I was very excited to learn about the award,” Lott said with a big smile on her face. “I’m writing a little (acceptance) speech.”

Nineteen other deserving students each of whom will receive their Certificate of Achievement and monetary awards to use towards their future education will join Lott on stage.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie will be the guest speaker and there will be entertainment by Aboriginal and Chinese drummers, martial arts demonstration, Latin dancing and other musical performances.

For more information about RYSA, call 604-271-7600 or visit www.rysa.bc.ca.