They are voices we do not often hear on the radio: young adults who grew up in some of Toronto's toughest neighbourhoods, where the threat of violence often looms over everyday life.

Michael spoke with four such young adults last week, when he moderated a panel discussion hosted by the advocacy group, Defence for Children International - Canada.

It was a remarkable conversation, both for the perspectives the young people brought, and for their frankness.

Violence does not define this group. Indeed, each has overcome difficult circumstances to pursue post-secondary education, or to mentor other at-risk teenagers.

But growing up, the threat of violence was real, and it touched each in profound and life-changing ways. Michael's conversation was recorded in front of an audience at Innes College at the University of Toronto.

Montana is an 18-year-old Grade 12 student who lives in the Jane and Finch area of north-west Toronto.

Twenty-two year-old Zakaria is studying history and criminology at the University of Toronto
Neola grew up in Regent Park in downtown Toronto and is currently studying political science and law at McGill University.

And 22-year-old Jiggy is studying business administration at Humber College.
Two of the panelists requested we use pseudonyms to protect their identities; the others asked to be identified by just their first names.

Some listeners may be disturbed by some of the language used during the discussion.