As a junior in college, I look back at my life so far and reminisce of all of the achievements I have accomplished. Throughout your life, you evolve as a human being, but there's something else that evolves and inspires every single one of us. The concept of role models evolves as we get older. When we were little kids, we were always asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We might reply that we want to be a firefighter, a police officer, a doctor or the president of the United States of America.

I've realized that after certain events that happened in your life, these events shape who you are and your role models may have been through the same things you went through, which is why they're admirable in the first place. I would like to share with you who my role models are and maybe they can become role models for you too. I use these role models as guides throughout my life and they are the reasons I strive do my best every day here at Widener.

1. Albert Einstein

His name is synonymous with intelligence and the potential for the human mind to solve any problem no matter what it may be. I have been compared to Albert when I was a toddler. Just like Einstein, I never spoke my first words until I was 3 years old, and it affected my speaking ability at the time, which is maybe why I have difficulty talking today. I also tend to think a lot and in some cases overthink. I'd rather overthink than under think.

2. Vincent Edward "Bo" Jackson

Do you know Bo? He's not a role model for me just because he played for the Raiders (well, maybe). Actually, he means a whole lot more to me than just being a terrific athlete and promoting fitness. He had a harsh childhood and was committed to playing sports and that fact that he never gave up on his dreams while being supported by his mother. I was picked on when I was younger, but I grew mentally stronger and have a "stone cold" appearance in public. When ESPN broadcasted his "30:30" special entitled You Don't Know Bo, I just sat there in awe and admiration of his life journey. I highly encourage all of you to read about his story. Simply put, Bo knows role models.

3. Martha Purchase

While my family members are role models to me without question, I would like to especially mention my grandmother. "Memom," as my family called her, was the epitome of a role model and a loving grandmother. She always asked how I was doing in school and always told me to do my best. She was also very generous to her neighbors, which could also explain my generosity to those who have met me. She left this world on December 2, 2006, but she will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart. I am forever grateful to have had her in my life as someone I could look up to. I reflect my actions as if she was still here. I know she's looking down on me as I write this article.

I hope this little trip through my life role models provides a little taste of what makes me the person I am and why I do things in certain ways. It's the little things in life that matter and can possibly change yours for the best. Always strive to do the best, and as always, stay positive.