In 2013, Ramiro Ocasio rescued a man who had fallen on subway tracks in New York City. Now he’s helping kids escape poverty in Honduras. Paid for by Principal

In 2013, Ng gave herself three months to make it as an artist. Three years later, the New Yorker has broken out of her shell, thanks in part to her passion for designing 3D-printed wearables. Paid for by Principal

When Frey Farms was in danger of being repossessed by a bank, the family’s youngest child stepped up and saved the day. That’s just the beginning of this success story. Paid for by Principal

Bob and Linda Carey are helping breast cancer patients, via their Tutu Project. Paid for by Principal

After overcoming adversity early in her life, Harts is now focusing on helping other women get a seat at the boardroom table. Paid for by Principal

As a US marine, Charlie Linville was severely wounded by a bomb while serving in Afghanistan – but that didn’t stop him from taking on the challenge of a lifetime. Paid for by Principal

As a bomb technician in the US Marine Corps, Charlie Linville was severely wounded in Afghanistan. But that didn’t stop him from later scaling the world’s tallest mountain. Paid for by Principal

When he was 10 years old, Jeff Cohen starred in the 1985 blockbuster film The Goonies. However, he later fell on hard times. Listen to him tell the story of how he turned his life around. Paid for by Principal

The Guardian Labs Life feed features unique perspectives about the trends shaping our lives, from art and design to fashion, fitness and food. Paid for by Guardian Labs partner brands around the world. For the Guardian’s commercial content guidelines, visit theguardian.com/paid-content