Audrey Hepburn: It is a name that many people know and love. This name used to be plastered on billboards and magazine covers. It is a name associated with grace, kindness, class and compassion. Audrey Hepburn was not only a movie star starring in movies such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday" to name a few, but also a UNICEF ambassador and a loving mother. Audrey Hepburn is my role model, and here are reasons why she should be yours too.
1. She was determined.
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!" Hepburn realized at a young age that nothing is impossible. During WWII, her family lived with grandfather in Velp after her father decided to join the fascist movement. While in Velp, Hepburn witnessed the transportation of Dutch Jews to concentration camps, In 1944, after the D-Day invasions, Germany blockade the supply of food for the Dutch people, resulting in the Dutch famine. Ms. Hepburn developed acute anemia, respiratory problems and edema as a result of malnutrition. This did not stop her from becoming a ballerina in Amsterdam. She soon joined the choir, which resulted in her landing a small role in "Monte Carlo Baby. "
2. She challenged society's view of women.
"There is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don’t need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much sex appeal picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain." At a time where Marilyn Monroe was a sex symbol in American society, Audrey became a symbol of class and respect. Audrey knew that she could easily sleep around with men and be proven to be sexy, but she would rather have people admire her in a different light.
3. She took pleasure in the small things.
"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and … I believe in miracles." Audrey Hepburn was known for being simplistic. She never really needed much. But like many girls, she took pleasure in pampering. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the simple things that make you a girl and Audrey knew how to take pleasure in such things.
4. She believed in forgiveness.
"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone." When Audrey was a little girl, her father left her family to join the Nazi regime. At the time, nobody knew of the dangers the regime would inflict onto others, but Audrey experienced the results of starvation that was inflicted by the Nazi regime. Although her father was part of a group that inflicted hateful actions, she reached out to him and provided for him until he died. People in our lives may have hurt us, but we should try and forgive them.
5. She lived for helping others.
"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others." Although busy with movies, Audrey Hepburn became involved with UNICEF in 1954 by promoting people to help through radio presentation. In the late 1980s, Audrey was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF for work. She visited Ethiopia and Turkey in 1989 and soon went to Vietnam in 1990. Her goal was to feed the starving children and families in these areas. Her determination and passion to help others should inspire others to do the same.
Besides being a well-dressed movie star, Audrey provides qualities that allow her to be looked up to by many. Her passion and devotion to live a happy life and help others is inspiring to me and hopefully to others too. Rest in peace Audrey, and thank you for leading a life that can be followed by others.
