We all have role models. For a lot of people, a role model is someone of status that we look up to. This can mean our mom or dad or a celebrity or a sports star. Here's the thing, though. Famous people are just people, held to a higher standard. Everything they do is analyzed and critiqued from what they wear to where they go. It's not fair that a celebrity's life is so scrutinized, but it's also not fair that they should be expected to behave admirably all the time. If your mom is your role model, she still has days when she yells at you and refuses to let you hang out with your friends. Celebrities can snap at the paparazzi, or have their whole life broadcast to the world. Obviously, if a celebrity commits a crime, they are responsible, but the weight of being a perfect role model should not be on their shoulders.

Many young people look up to athletes. But professional athletes are rare individuals. A very small percentage of high school athletes become college athletes, and an even smaller percentage of NCAA athletes become go pro. The people you see on television are the best of the best. Their lives are incredibly different than yours and a unique amount of circumstances surround their success. While the story of a kid from a bad neighborhood growing up to make a bajillion dollars and live his dream may be inspiring, think about the people around you doing extraordinary things. Your favorite basketball player wakes up in a king-sized bed on satin sheets and is paid good money to run around on the court and in front of the cameras. Your family gets nothing to wake you up, feed you and care for you. That is what should truly be admired and rewarded.

There is so much about celebrities that is known, but think about all the amazing things the people around you have done. Each of your friends has a fantastic story about something they've done. You'll never be super close with Taylor Swift, but you know your BFF better than anyone. Obviously your favorite musician has worked hard to get where she is, and that should be admired, but again, think about the people without 700 adoring fans following their car around.

The life of a celebrity has its perks, there is no doubt. However, the unrealistic standard they are expected to uphold makes it difficult for them to breath or exist. An athlete should be able to wear whatever she wants and a musician should be able to go out to clubs whenever he wants. Living in the public eye can never be easy, and while it's nice to have kids looking up to talented people, sometimes the best role model is the person that takes care of you. Justin Bieber didn't tuck you into bed for seven or eight years. Lebron James didn't drive you and your friends to the movies before you had your license. Work hard like the athletes that you see proudly representing your city, but remember the people who gave you your favorite player's jersey on your birthday.