"YES has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life, full of excitement and new opportunities that will undoubtedly help me in the near future with any career choice I choose to pursue. I can certainly say that the experience of running Kaika Energy has developed new skills that can be used at any time of my life. It has also allowed me to become more open minded with a clearer understanding of all the different processes that go into producing a real product and service.

I never thought that with what started off as an idea on paper was going to become something much bigger and so successful. With the hard work of my company recognised in the media and being able to sell to the community has been a good learning experience. Also being given the opportunity to pitch our ideas professionally and see the successful outcomes, has been an unforgettable journey I'll be able to boast about for the years to come. A highlight of the YES year is not only being able to make real profit but  being able to meet well-respected inspiring individuals such as everyone behind the Young Enterprise Scheme, Rod Drury the founder of Xero, Glenn Martin the inventor of the Martin Jetpack and many others who were able to offer their support and allow us to be a YES champ.

Attending the spectacular evening of the National Awards dinner was a good way to celebrate the hard work and successes of everyone. Arriving on a red carpet and seated in a beautifully decorated hall with a three course meal was just one of the highlights of the night along with receiving two awards ourselves and listening to the presentation and accepting speeches of the ones that followed.

YES made it all possible and I can speak on behalf of my company Kaika Energy to say that we wouldn't be the people we are today without it."

- Sophia Taing, CEO of Kaika Energy