It wasn’t until Sean reached the lowest point in his life that he discovered a passion for music.
“I come from a musical family and started singing at church,” he says. “But I didn’t care about music as much back then. The passion started to ignite when I started listening to music when I was in a dark place, hearing the messages in the songs and connecting to them.”
At 18, Sean experienced a family breakdown. He left home quickly – with few belongings – and headed to his partner’s house.
“There was nowhere else to go,” he says. “I didn’t have any extended family to turn to – I’m a first-generation immigrant. But I didn’t feel safe to be myself.
“I was carrying my clothes in plastic bags,” he recalls. “I didn’t have an actual bag because I couldn’t bring it. I was too traumatised. I couldn’t remember what exactly went down for a while – I felt numb the whole time, especially during the struggle to find basic needs like shelter, water and food.”
He lived with his partner’s family – until they stopped feeling welcome.
“We both had to get out of that place,” he explains. “We left and had to fend for ourselves. It was a really tough time.
“Going through that, I was in a completely different world. I wasn’t at home anymore. I wasn’t in a safe space.
“I felt like anything could happen to me. I didn’t know what to expect from this path.”
During this time, Sean realised that music could be a medium for people to release their feelings and connect with others who were going through similar experiences.
“I’m an emotional guy in general, and I realised that people write their stories in their songs and they can speak to me,” he explains. “Music showed me that it was ok to feel your emotions – to feel your worst at times. It also showed that there was light in dark times.”
Sean sought assistance from a friend who helped him find temporary accommodation, where he stayed until someone gave him the phone number for Youth Off The Streets.
“It was such a blessing to have that number,” he says. “I was saved.”
Sean moved into one of the Youth Off The Streets’ crisis refuges.
“I felt like I wasn’t alone anymore and that people were supporting me,” he says.
“Even though I’m not their family, they still supported me. I struggled to trust people, but I felt safe in the refuge and with the workers.”
Sean participated in the YOLO Therapeutic Living Skills Program, which focusses on bringing young people together to connect, share and validate their experiences while trying out different therapeutic interventions.
“YOLO was a beautiful space to be in,” he reflects. “That was one of the first times I could explore who I was and get to know myself.
“There were a lot of topics that I connected with, like family relationships. One of my favourites was a self-defence class. I learned a lot of things that contributed to my self-development.”
After six months at the refuge, Sean was supported by the Youth Support Services team to move into transitional housing.
“Youth Off The Streets does a great job of easing people into private housing,” he says. “The workers help walk you through the steps you need to take to be capable of living independently.
“I’m still getting used to using the whole house, but I feel good. It feels nice to have my own space, especially after living in the refuge. I feel accomplished. I’m getting a taste of having my own place. It’s a privilege, honestly.”
When it comes to accepting help, Sean has learned that it’s worth overcoming your fear to get the support you need.
“If you feel like you’re in the wrong space, there is a safe place out there. Take the step to seek help. It can be scary, but it will be the bravest and strongest thing you’ll ever do.”
Sean is focused on developing his skills and career in music, now that he’s on the path to living independently.
“I’ve started writing my own lyrics,” he explains. “I’m also getting into producing and getting to know who I am in that area.
“All I want is to be successful with music. I want to have a platform to help people who feel alone. I want to be the person who tells a story of peace.”
“I want to give people hope in the darkest times, and for people to resonate with me and feel safe listening to my music. I also want to tell people ‘it’s okay to be yourself’, because I struggled with who I was – with who I should be.”
Sean was thrilled to have the opportunity to record at a professional recording studio, with the help of Youth Off The Streets and Studios 301.
“I’d never been in a studio before,” he says. “I felt blessed – like people wanted to hear me, and I don’t usually get that at all. It was an emotional experience. While singing that song, I closed my eyes and tapped into that space of vulnerability. I loved every moment.
“I just feel so happy that I’m able to sing from my heart and know that people are going to hear it. I feel like that’s my purpose. And that’s all I need.”
Watch Sean’s powerful cover of ‘Running Up That Hill’ here.
Learn more about our youth homelessness and housing services.