Who you will become has a lot to do with who you admire. Role models play a pivotal role in the way that we grow as people and provide a beacon of hope to turn towards in times of dire need. Role models can come in a myriad of forms whether it be your parents, a teacher, a celebrity, or even a fictional character who inspires you to be better.
A good role model is someone who you can believe in, who shines bright in times of despair. Someone who is willing to make the world a slightly better place, even if it means giving up something that they want. A good role model might give you the idea that even the smallest individuals can make a difference. Positive role models will uplift you and enable you to hold on, even for just a second longer. A good role model will light a fire inside you to chase after your dreams. People need to look up to someone who will encourage them to take risks and to be bold, to take a leap of faith into the unknown. Take inspiration from someone who encourages you to seek balance in your life, and to never give up, despite any tribulations you may face. Look up to that inspiring individual who will always show kindness, even in the hardest times. As important as all of these qualities are, there is one quality I believe to be more vital. The ability to forgive. While it may seem hard to find someone who lives up to these expectations, doing so may provide you with somebody to turn to when you feel lost.
The person I’ve always looked up to is country singer Willie Nelson. While the white hat adorned highwayman may seem like an odd role model, he has always upheld his personal beliefs. I’ve always admired the belief that music holds a power over others, greater than any force on the planet. Throughout his lifetime, Nelson has promoted this idea through his many tours and concerts, the most notable of which was Farm Aid, a concert which helped raise money to save farmers’ land from being bought out. Nelson’s compassion and generosity for others stand as key virtues in his life of honor and devotion to the betterment of mankind. A quote from the country star that I’ve always liked is, “You will never find happiness until you stop looking for it.” The quote goes to show what kind of person Nelson is, a man who’s already found happiness trying to share it with others.
In a survey sent to Harrison High School students, a majority of the participants reported that their role model is their mom. A large portion of those who said this reported that their mother is a big influence on their life and inspire them to be a good person. Some students said that other students are a big influence on their life and make them strive to work harder and be a leader to those around them. Few mentioned that celebrities are their role models. However, most of the celebrities mentioned were athletes. Those who said that athletes were their role models mentioned how the specific athletes are able to work hard and do what they love. Three participants reported that teachers that they’ve had motivate them to do good in life. A common trend among the responses was people pointing out that their role models motivate them to embrace kindness. This survey helps to show how students are able to find inspiration from a number of sources, whether it be their parents, athletes, teachers, or even other students.
Selecting a role model is no simple task. Begin by observing your day-to-day life. Think of the unsung heroes who make not just your life, but the whole world a better place. You may look to your teachers first, who are tasked with the near impossible feat of shaping the next generation. Some may look to their parental figures, who have raised them for years and years. If you cannot find someone in your day-to-day life, then look at celebrities. One might look to an actor emerging from a rough background or a political figure fighting for social justice. If celebrities aren’t for you, then turn to a fictional character. Perhaps you’d find sage advice coming from an old man guiding others on a quest- or you could draw inspiration from a brave hero defying formidable odds. While you explore the fascinating world of role models, recognize that an ideal role model for you may not yet exist. In the absence of that certain someone, the task falls upon you to become an inspiring figure in others’ lives.
Role models play an important figure in the development of an individual. Of course, having a role model is not a requirement in life, but having a good one certainly helps to mold an individual into a good person. If you don’t have a role model, try becoming one yourself. Live a positive life with good morals and perhaps people will one day look up to you as well.
