The 18-year-old recalled: "I would take the seed of whatever fruit I had and stuff it into the soil. Even though my mum told me that they are not going to grow, I still harboured hope!"

Avena is equally optimistic about life. "I'm aiming for success in modelling and acting internationally. People ask me why I dream so big. I say, if you don't dream, nothing happens."

Taking part in The New Paper New Face 09 is one of her steps towards the big time.

"I'm hoping to put my face out there, to stand out from the crowd."