Often times as children, teenagers, and young adults we idolize those with fame and fortune. We see them on television, hear about them on the radio, we snatch up the latest issues of magazines to read whatever juicy piece of gossip about them we can find. Their merchandise and the products they endorse fly off the shelves and we just can't get enough of it. While many of these famous people have well deserved the title of a role model, it is sad to see alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, violence and other such prevalent negativity publicized so glamorously. Unfortunately, because of the media attention these issues get, these are the recognized role models. These are the people being looked upon by the youth. But are these the people we should really be looking up to?
Growing up you never really thought of yourself as a role model. For those of us that were relatively involved in high school, there was a slight realization that we had an added responsibility within the school and within the community. For myself that was getting the opportunity to work with a great group of kids. I got to intern in one of their classrooms for a semester, coach them for a few years in soccer during the summer and fall, work with them in a cheer clinic, and coach them in youth softball. It never seemed like anything more than a good time for me because I had so much fun getting to watch them grow and make friends.
It made me nothing but happy every minute I got to spend around them and when it came time to apply to colleges they helped me realize a lot about myself because when I didn't get accepted into Cornell, I was extremely disappointed. Which in hindsight now seems ridiculous because I didn't even really want to go to Cornell. I think it was more the fact that I had worked so hard on the application and increasing my SAT scores, it was just a huge let down and I, for some reason, couldn't get over it. I decided on USF, ever so thankful I did, and when it came time to graduate the principal of our school, who's daughter I had become so close to, made a point of saying that his daughter wanted to grow up to be just like me and when I walked off the stage two other young ladies that hold a special place in my heart ran up to give me two big hugs.
It was in those moments that I realized it didn't matter that I didn't get into Cornell, regardless of where I went to college, I had already made a positive impact in my community. I thought about the role I played in these kids lives and the influence they had on my own. I realized not only were they at my graduation, they came to see me at prom, and they handed me my flowers and balloons at senior night. They were just as big a part of my life as I was theirs. I thought to myself and remembered all the people that played a similar role in my life growing up. Sometimes we don't see the difference we are making in others lives or the difference others make in ours until we take the time to reflect.
We forget about the people who first taught us to read and to write. We forget about the person who taught us to throw a ball or sing a high note. We look past the people who are there every day encouraging us and supporting us in our journey. They help us overcome and conquer our fears. Yet somehow, these are the very people we often times overlook when we are asked who our role models are. So to give credit where credit is due, from the bottom of a college girl's heart, thank you. Thank you to the teachers, to the coaches, to the family members and the community members. Thank you for staying late, for going the extra mile, for being there, and for setting a good example. Thank you from all of us who have forgotten to say so, thank you for making a difference and making us who we are today.
