Below is a transcription of the speech Jamie delivered at the 10th Game Changer Awards on 3 November 2025.
My story is, well, a bit of a crazy story! But just like how Stephen Hawking wrote 'A Brief History of Time', I will try to give a brief history of it.
To start, growing up for me was not easy.
I’m Autistic, and there are many positives that come with that, but of course there are challenges, too, and I found the world to be quite an overwhelming place, with all its noises and smells and expectations generally!
I was also bullied quite badly. It occurs to me that some of you may have been through that too, and if so, I’m so sorry. It’s horrible, and it’s not your fault.
It was for these reasons that, when I was 11 years old, I started home education, and for me personally, I found that worked really well!
I want to be clear before moving on, though, that this was just what suited me best, after all the things I just mentioned.
One of the reasons it worked so well for me is that I love reading, and I found there was a huge amount I could learn this way.
For example, I learned that there are different types of infinities, that gravity comes from the geometry of spacetime, that electrons exist as probability clouds around atoms, and that some theories predict 11 dimensions! Most importantly, I learned how much we still don’t understand about the universe, and how much work remains to be done developing new theories.
There was a drawback, though: I had no idea if I’d ever be able to go to university through this pathway. The prevalent opinion I encountered was no – it would not be possible, especially for a subject like physics.
Eventually, however, I reached a level where I felt ready to move forward, and I was also hoping to find kindred spirits with whom I could talk about all the things that fascinated me.
And as it turned out, there was a way, albeit an unusual one.
MCs for the 10th Game Changer Awards Jamie Erak and Aaliyah Nestoridis-Culbog.
It involved taking university units online for a few semesters at Open Universities, which granted me entry to my degree program at Curtin University.
I was lucky to meet some incredibly open-minded people who supported me through that journey. After worrying that I may never go to university, I was incredibly surprised and astonished to find myself starting at 14-years-old!
Being an Autistic 14-year-old in a cohort of adults was very intimidating at first, as you might imagine. Feeling different is never easy: I’m sure some of you know exactly what I’m talking about!
But just because it was hard, it didn’t make it any less worthwhile, and I enjoyed university very much.
It took me a while, but I also eventually started talking with the other students, and I found it was so much more fun to learn alongside others who loved science as much as I did.
In general, I’d say it’s incredibly valuable to find a community you feel a sense of belonging with.
And just by being here today, that’s exactly what all of you are doing! All of us are here because we love science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics, so you’re among your kindred spirits.
Anyway, to summarise: One of the most important things I learned, and what I’d like you to take away from everything I just said, is that there isn’t just one right pathway.
Being successful means different things to different people, and there will always be a way to get there, even if it seems crazy at first.
On that point, I’ll conclude by saying that it’s very important to hear the opinions of others and to value their wisdom, but it’s just as important to be brave and true to yourself.
Guest speaker Cassidy Morgono, Aaliyah Nestoridis-Culbong (MC), Premila Jina (Chair) and Jamie Erak (MC) at the 2025 Game Changer Awards.