Photo Credit: www.BieberFever.com

Justin Bieber is an inspirational role model for teens as he has achieved monumental success as a self-taught musician at such a young age. Despite his quick route to fame, he’s managed to keep it all in perspective and maintain grounded and real.

Justin Bieber was raised by his single mom in the small town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. As a child, he taught himself how to play the piano, guitar, drums and trumpet. In early 2007, when he was just 12, he sang in a local singing competition and placed second. His mom posted a video of it on YouTube for family and friends to see. She continued to upload videos of him singing covers of various R&B songs and his popularity grew.

“I taught myself to sing in front of my bedroom mirror and to play guitar on a hand-me-down,” Justin Bieber has said about his younger years. “My mom posted my first videos on YouTube. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd sell millions of records, sing for the president of the United States and sell out a massive arena tour.”

Justin Bieber’s future manager, Scooter Braun, stumbled on his YouTube video accidentally. When he was 14, they joined forces with Usher. Shortly after turning 15, he released his first single, “One Time”, which charted within the top 30 in over 10 countries. In 2009, Justin Bieber launched his debut album My World and he took part in recording “We Are the World 25” in 2010.

Justin Bieber still finds time in his busy touring schedule to stay active and fit. He loves skateboarding, snowboarding and basketball. He plays basketball with the crew backstage at his concerts.

Justin Bieber supports childhood education by donating to these charities:

• Jumpstart - supports early childhood education in low-income communities.
  
• Pencils of Promise - supports building schools and increasing educational opportunities in the developing world.

“Pencils of Promise is all about giving back and helping out kids that need education. It’s really important that I’m able to help out other kids. I’m a kid myself, so it means a lot to me.”

Justin Bieber just published his first autobiographical book, “Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story.” He is also launching his own line of nail polish and perfume as well as being considered to host the new “Punk’d” show for MTV. A movie about his extraordinary life so far called “Never Say Never” will be released in February 2011.
“This is just the beginning,” Justin Bieber said in his book. “Thanks for making a small town kid’s dreams come true. Never say never.”