The 18-year-old was a talented young athlete, who “went down a bad path”.

Now, she hopes to show others it’s possible to achieve their dreams.

“In high school, I just wanted to make friends,” she said.

“But being Aboriginal, I got bullied a lot.

“My uncle passed away when I was in year 8.

"He was my father figure, and when he passed, I went down a bad path.

“I stopped doing sport, I got expelled, and had to go to boarding school in Sydney.

“It made me realise I had to do something with my life.

"I want to be a role model and show no matter what environment you’re born in, or how you’ve been raised, you can achieve your dreams.

"You just have to try.”

Tarsharna applied to walk the runway in Melbourne at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, and was successful.

She is fundraising now to cover her expenses at the event, which is scheduled to run from Sunday, March 3 to March 10.

Tarsharna and her younger sister Kayla, 16, will hop on a bus to Melbourne on Friday, March 1.

She has raised about $780 of the $1500 she needs to cover fares to Melbourne, food, transport to and from the venue and accommodation.

She hopes the program will kick start her career by giving her the skills she needs.

“They’re going to teach me how to walk, do speeches and work on my posture,” she said.

“On the last day, we do the runway.

"I’m hoping to be signed by an agency for this event, so I can move to Melbourne and start a career.”

Tarsharna said modelling was a chance to redeem herself, and showcase her culture.

“I felt like I let myself down with my athletics,” she said.

“I had younger kids looking up to me then.

“I see this as a big opportunity to open people’s eyes to Aboriginal culture.

“I don’t know as much as I would like, but I’m proud of what I do know and I’m proud to share it.”

If you would like to support Tarsharna’s modelling dream, she has started a gofundme page.