For years, Chicago School adjunct professor Shay Sorrells motivated clients and students by reflecting on her personal story - one involving homelessness, a struggle with her weight, and a parent wrestling with addiction. Starting this week, she will get her chance to inspire millions of people across the nation. The reason: Shay is a featured contestant on NBC's hit series, The Biggest Loser, which begins its eighth season on September 15.

Currently teaching Life Span Development at The Chicago School's campus in Irvine, Calif. Sorrells is determined to shed pounds as she competes with 15 others. Describing herself as one who is always willing to do what it takes to help people find their motivation and strength, she is eager to once and for all get into shape so she can live a long and healthy life with her husband and stepsons.

"This is my time to change my life," she says, "and I want to inspire others to believe that they can, too."

By watching The Biggest Loser, viewers will be able to follow the latest chapter of Sorrells' story. At age four she was homeless on the streets with her mother, a heroin addict. She eventually was taken into foster care until her 18th birthday and found her professional path as an educator and social worker.