Role models are an essential part of how we grow as a person. They help mold us into who we become as a person. The person we aspire to emulate says a lot about who we already are, and how we think. We can benefit from many different role models throughout our life. Many of us had a favorite teacher or a coach that inspired us. There are people that see their boss as an exemplar. Some individuals have amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other family members they can look to for guidance. Most people would list their mom or dad as their most influential role model. Regardless of who a person chooses to look up to, it is important to be sure it is the right person.
I decided to ask some kids between the ages of 8-12 years old about role models. Like usual, I was blown away by their responses. Children are so receptive to what is going on around them and have a way of putting things back into perspective. The Bible says in Matthew 18:3 “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” When I read this verse, I believe Jesus is saying we should be humble and eager to learn. Children have a love that is more forgiving and are more trusting than most adults. Hearing the children’s replies about role models reminded me to aspire to be more childlike. Maybe they are my role models.
First, I asked them “what is a role model?” One very witty sixth grader actually started out by saying “a model walking down the runway and rolling.” After we laughed a little, she gave a more insightful description. She, and many others said they believe a role model is someone you look up to or want to be like. Others described a role model as someone that sets a good example for others to follow. Then, I asked them to tell me what qualities a good role model should or should not have. They listed several qualities they believed to be important for a good role model: caring, peaceful, a good influence, someone who exhibits good behavior, and someone with the same or similar interests. They had many ideas of what role models should not be as well: not a bully, no one that brags or thinks they are better than other people, no one that tells you to do bad things or gets into trouble a lot, and they should not be someone that hurts others for any reason.
When I asked these kids to tell me about their role models, I was surprised by their varying answers. A few kids said their mom or dad was their role model. One 10-year-old boy said his mom was smart and always helped him, so he wants to be more like her. Another 10-year-old boy said he wanted to be a preacher just like his dad. Then, there was also an 11-year-old girl who also named her father as her role model. She went on to explain how “he is always helping people and he is very humble about it.” There were a few celebrities mentioned as well. Taylor Swift was one of those celebrities, because “she doesn’t get into trouble even though she is famous.” Another girl said ,“Dove Cameron is a good role model because she up-cycles and works hard as an actress.” One of the more profound responses I received was from a girl that described herself as “brown” and said her role model was Misty Copeland, an African-American ballerina. When I asked her to elaborate, she told me she was in a dance class with “all pale, white girls.” She went on to say that she believes Copeland wants to “inspire other little girls to live up to that moment and work for their dream.” Next, I asked what they thought a good role model would do if they made a mistake. “They would press on and learn from it,” one nine-year-old boy said. Another said, “we are all humans, so even role models mess up.” Some mentioned how a good role model would correct the mistake, or not make a big deal over it.
Lastly, I asked them to tell me if they think they are a role model. Some believe they are role models to their siblings, and to the other kids in their class. I asked if someone had to be older than someone to be their role model. This took a minute for a lot of them to think about. Once they thought about it, all of them said no. They said anyone can be a role model, even if they are younger. One 9 year old boy actually said his younger brother would be a good role model to him. I asked him to explain and he said his brother does not get mad as easily as he does and he could learn from that.
After interviewing these children, I realize how much I learned from them. They really made me stop and think, am I a good role model? Do I show that I care? Am I peaceful? Do I help others? Do I show humility? I would like to think that I do all of these things. I try to set a good example for my own children and my students. Thankfully, they do understand that everyone makes mistakes, and are aware enough to realize it is how you handle the mistake that matters.
Role models are important for everyone to have. We all need someone to look up to, to learn from. It is imperative to find the right role model. As the kids said, someone with similar interests and values is important. We can have more than one role model. Pick people that are strong leaders, confident, and someone that will help you be a better person. Although, many times we do not realize someone is our role model until we have noticed our own personal growth.
