Once in your lifetime you will find yourself at least once looking up to something or someone, whether that be when you’re five years old and you have a favorite basketball player or your 18 years old aspiring to be just like your mom and wanting to go to nursing school. Having some type of role model plays such a crucial role in shaping individuals while seeing and finding the deeper meaning of who you are and what you want for yourself in the future. They offer someone their own idea of what success is and from such ripe ages we set that up ourselves without even knowing or realizing. Looking up to something also sends encouragement to push boundaries whether they’re your own or stereotypical, and helps to find who we really are. Having your own role model provides guidance and motivation while also shaping our own goals, values and behaviors. Growing up my role models were the Highschool softball team of my hometown, specifically my neighbors. They were always the talk of the town and always have been known to be the best. At such a young age I looked up to these girls, I dressed how they dressed and tried to play how they played. While this only built me into a better softball player as I grew up and continued to shape and direct me into becoming who I wanted to become. It’s not like I was trying to replicate what they were, and what they did, it was more so a specific guidance they provided me without them actually knowing. Although looking up to the best softball players in my hometown, who ended up going to top division 1 colleges, that isn’t the route I went for with my future because you eventually realize that some things aren’t what they seem they are.
I completely agree that having a role model is crucial in shaping people because if you have a terrible role model you could become just like them but if you have a good role model you could become just like them but sometimes there’s situations where you don’t become just like them.
I really enjoyed reading your post! A good role model definitely shapes the person that one becomes. If someone grows up with a bad role model that could change then in a negative way. It’s always good for people to have positive role models in their lives that make them the person they truly want to be.
I love the way you described your own experiences and how those impacted the choices that you made for your future! I also looked up to the older athletes at my high school and wanted to be just like them for so long, but realized that I actually was not what I wanted, similar to the way that you did. Role models are very important especially to young adults like us!
I truly believe that having role models are crucial. They help shape you. I love your thoughts on role models and I also have a role model who made me want to major in Biology!
I completely agree with you. When I was younger, I looked up to tv stars that hosted shows on HGTV. It inspired me to do the same thing that they are doing now. I am now going into my freshmen year of college, and I am majoring in Interior Architecture.
The people who have been with you through thick and thin. That one person or many people who have been with you when u needed them the most. The people who have been with you thought out all the break ups and bad days. The people who were with you when you did not even know you needed them yet. The people who you look up to and are with you when your advice or just someone to talk to too. Everyone needs to have someone they look up to and those you hold closest to. That person for me is my dad. My dad has raised me to be the person who I am today. My dad has raised me and my sister single handedly since my mom left when I was incredibly young. He has shown me I can be whoever and whatever I wanted if I put my mind to it. He taught me to never give up, to always go towards my goals, and to never let other people be the reason you do not reach those goals. He has shown me how to persevere through the tough parts because it to always brighter on the other side. He has always been there for me. I know he is immensely proud of where I am today with getting into Nursing. I have so many more role models in my life. They have no idea how thankful I am for them, and I will always try my hardest to repay them for all they have done for me.
I agree with this because it is true how those role models should be the people that see you a your lowest, they help motivate you to be a better person and to strive for bigger and better things.
Many young children have such elaborate dreams of what they will become when they are older, but for me it was very simple. My big dream has always been to become someone that can help others in such a way that will leave a lasting impact for the better.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer on February 22, 2000, and was given the most devastating news any women can receive, which was that she would not be able to have any children after her intense chemotherapy treatments. Being the strongest woman that I know, she proved all her doctors wrong, and gave birth to me exactly six years later, February 22, 2006, while in full remission.
Being inspired by my mother’s miraculous capability of being able to give birth to not only one child, but three, after being it would not be possible, has inspired me to want to help patients who are doubting their capabilities, and help them prove themselves wrong. Being a first-hand miracle child, has shaped me to believe that anyone is capable of performing the unknown or unthinkable, which is what has motivated me to try so hard not only for myself, but for all of my future patients and to prove to my mom that all of her long hours of fighting through chemotherapy and pushing through such a devastating diagnosis, has truly paid off.
John G.
it is truly incredible that your mother was capable of going through all of that. we should all hope to have as inspiring a person as your mother to look up to.
Payton Medeiros
A belief that I have come to question is if there’s good in everyone. Before highschool, I always saw the good in everyone and always gave chance after chance no matter what because I believed in the good. Come my junior and senior year as everyone started to develop into young adults, I questioned believing the good in people. My belief was questioned when wrong information was spread about me for no reason aside from the person being hurt and choosing to take the hurt out on me. I still choose to believe the good in people until people start showing their true colors and that they would rather hurt someone for personal gain then have a good person in their life. This belief is so important not only to me but others because we never truly know people’s true intentions and they can choose to hurt you at any moment and I think we try so hard to get people to accept us in college, that sometimes our judgment can be clouded. Always remember the good and bad in people.
I agree with you I question the good in people too because too many times people get trusted and then break your trust. Like so many of my old friends I used to trust them with everything and what did they do when we had a argument they went told our friends personal stuff and started talking about me behind my back.
I’m sorry you went through that and had to experience someone like that. Although, it is inspiring to see you still trust the good in people first and wait to see them do something wrong to see who they really are. I hope that Umass Dartmouth can be a place where people find others who accept them, and everyone can be more inclusive and find the good in others and respect everyone they meet.
Maelen A
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mother’s role in my life showed me how to be a strong, independent young woman. I went to my mother’s job one day as a young child and admired the work that she had done as a licensed practical nurse. While passing out trays to the patients they would tell me so many great things about her and I aspired to be exactly like that. This resulted in me wanting to go back almost everyday. I used to say “Mom, when can I go give food to the customers again?” because I didn’t know the correct words to use and she would laugh. This is something that she still brings up to this day. Usually kids grow out of a phase of what they want to be growing up, however I didn’t. That experience stuck with me deeply. My mother is truly my role model in life. She raised three kids by herself, provided and supported my siblings and I with anything that we needed. As I progressed in life, I realized that I would not be the person today without the values that my mom implemented. She taught me to be kind, but not too kind to where you disrespect yourself and your boundaries. I know that to some people hearing “you’re just like your mom” can be offensive but to me it’s an honor. I am forever grateful for her because I can use my upbringing in order to navigate the world and know how I want to raise my future children.
Everyone has a dream that they want to accomplish. Watching people online from my home complete what I dream to do motivates me to work even harder. Growing up, I always had role models, both fictional and real. It helped motivate me to do better, to watch someone come from the bottom and rise to the top. Influencers can come in any form people you see online or people you know in your personal life, like friends and family. Always being surrounded by people who want to succeed made me want to do better and work harder.
Everything I do in life, I like to be able to look up to someone because it helps me want to chase that goal. In school, I look up to my classmates because everyone is working so hard it makes me want to do the same and try even harder. Every sport I’ve ever played, I had pros that I looked up to because they are the best of the best and make me want to join them and become one of the greats. My biggest role model is my mother, who had cancer around the start of the pandemic. I was always in constant worry about what could happen to her, which really took a toll on me mentally. Always having to worry, my mom was able to show me what real strength was because she kicked cancer’s butt and beat it. Watching my mother beat cancer and maintain a great mindset inspires me every day. Even if I’m down, I have to keep pushing and believe in myself. It’s great to have someone to look up to who keeps you motivated and gives you a goal to beat.
Anthony A
Growing up, it was just me and my mom. I went to her for everything. Needed clothes to wear? “Mom.” Needed food to eat also, “Mom.” I truly appreciate her for being such a great role model to me throughout my life.
I was born and raised in Hyannis, MA. A suburban town in Cape Cod. I went to elementary and middle school in Hyannis. While adapting to new schools I was also adapting to new places I thought would be my home. From my 3rd grade year to my 7th grade year, we were moving back and forth between my Nana’s house and Aunts house. I now realize the struggle my mother was put through trying to keep me in the school district and making sacrifices to give me a good life. Then came high school.
After my 8th grade year my mom made the decision that moving to New Bedford would be a smart choice for a fresh start. I was entering high school during the “covid” year and was terrified. I had no friends; I didn’t know how the year was going to be online. I felt isolated in my bedroom 7 hours a day with no outlet. That year was rough, but I got through with great grades and even made honors.
My first year of in-person school was the following year, I still didn’t have friends, and I was just as scary as 9th grade. I met a girl in my 3rd period science class, I didn’t notice her at first but she caught my eye when we became partners on a project. We became close friends and even started dating my 10th grade. I am still with this girl today and she has helped shape me to the person I am today. She is my role model.
I also look up to my mother and can relate to how difficult it is to start high school virtually! But finding that person to rely on and who pushes you to keep going makes the journey a lot smoother.
i also look up to my mother greatly. she is one of the most hardworking and independent people i know, and i aspire to be like her in every way. like you said, she inspires me to keep pushing.
I can totally relate to that. My mother is one of the most hardworking and independent people I know, and I aspire to be like her in every way. She really inspires me to keep pushing forward too.
In an age dominated by social media, the lines between role models and influencers have become increasingly blurred. Traditional, role models were individuals who exemplified admirable qualities, inspiring others to strive for greatness. They were often figures from history, arts, or sports, whose impact was measured over time. Influencers, on the other hand, are contemporary figures who cultivated a large following through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Their influence is often immediate and based on trends, fashion, and lifestyle.
As a young singer, I want to be able to be both. I want be able to influence people to good in life. But, I also want to be a role model to younger kids. I want them to view me as a older sister. Being the first born girl in my family, I felt like I needed someone to look up to growing up and now I think I’m ready to be that someone for younger girls, A good good that reminds of how good it is to be a role model would be Beyonce’s song “I was here”. In “I was here”, Beyonce spoke about wanting to be remember long after she’s gone. She wants everyone to know what she did and also what she had accomplished as an artist but more as just a person.
I am someone that likes to help, whether at home or in any environment. Sometimes I wouldn’t do it because I didn’t feel confident. I used to have the belief that sometimes we can’t do much to help, that someone with a special skill would do better. But there’s a moment that changed my mind towards that belief and had help me to make up my mind in situations where I didn’t know how to act or what to do, It started when I was in the Dominican Republic I was about thirteen or fourteen years old I was in a river with my family and a strong current took my cousin away, He was about 15 years old and two other people who could barely stand to stay afloat in the current by holding on to the shore while the current took my cousin further and further to a place too dangerous for someone with a small swimming experience to intervene, it was a lost situation a crowded place of people but no one had made a move to save him, until a good man who didn’t even speak our language jumped into the river, swam as fast as he could to my cousin and took him to the shore and that certainly inspired me to decide what kind of person I would like to be in the future, After that happened it made me acknowledge that you don’t have to be someone with a good ability or talent to help people that needs it. I saw in it a way of making a difference.
A belief I had when I was younger was that my parents knew everything. My mom was and is a fantastic cook, my mom was a nurse whenever I scraped my knee. My dad was the best basketball player whenever we would play together, my dad is the type of person to always somehow know something about everything. My parents always seemed in control. This belief was challenged as I grew older, more specifically after my sister got sick. My older sister had a very serious eating disorder that had hospitalized her for months at a time. My mom was a wreck and my dad was often quiet about it and believed it was just a phase. Seeing your parents being thrown into a position like that makes it easier to see their layers. More specifically how they handle trauma. DCF had been to our home a bunch of times to see if my parents were suitable and if they were the reason she had been doing this to herself. They were not but I understand now that they were just doing their job. Being 12-13 at the time I felt pretty powerless. When in a position like that you start to observe more than act. My parents are just kids that grew older. My parents still get scared. My parents don’t know the answer everything. My sister got better and with that it seemed my parents grew deeper in their understanding of my sister.
I believe in the power of family. Since I first learned the concept of mom, dad, and sister, I immediately recognized the power of our connection. I identified that the crinkle in my moms eyebrow when she laughed, was a trait I inherited. That the color in my dads eyes reflected back to me in the mirror, and the clothes my sister had since outgrown laid upon my skin. Though the superficial traits passed down from my family were a symbol of our connection, the most valuable lessons they taught me were shown in their day to day actions.
My mom’s nurturing behavior taught me the importance of caring for others.
My dad’s dependability taught me the importance of showing up for others when they need me.
My sister’s loyalty taught me the importance of commitment to myself and others.
Having my family act as role models has shaped me into the person I am today. I constantly try to care for others like my mom has taught me. I make it a priority to help those I care for when they need me. I always stick to my own beliefs and values even if others may not agree with me.
I began to recognize that surrounding yourself with people who can act as role models to you is important. With their help, you can see how to treat yourself and others. You may also learn what not to do. Overall, having positive role models in my life has shaped me into who I am today.
I thought your post about family and role models was truly inspiring and thoughtful. I think it’s a great asset to have positive role models in your life.
I can relate to this because at the end of the day I believe you should keep your family close because they are your number one support system and they always want the best for you. And when they are positive role models in your life you are learning how to navigate through life in a healthy way.
Public speaking equals goosebumps and nervousness! When it’s time for Public Speaking, nobody is confident and no one wants to go to the podium. People sweat, have butterflies in their tummies, and think about the worst situation. No one is a born leader and a public speaker. As Michelle Obama says it’s all about Practice. Practice makes people perfect. You will make mistakes but you will overcome that fear.
It is nerve-wracking speaking in front of a huge crowd about any topic. To be an anchor and host a show. Wow! Hats off to them. Celebrities like Trevor Noah, and Oprah Winfrey, speak in front of thousands of people. I am a big fan. Wonder, how they do it?
In today’s world, public speaking and communication skills are integral parts of our career development. You don’t have to be an extrovert to public speak however you need to be able to know about the subject and deliver the presentation calmly. These are important soft skills you need in the long run.
Public speaking is one of my pet peeves and biggest fear. It is certainly out of my comfort zone but to be successful in life, I attempted to try it. I am shy and a good listener but that does not excuse me from public speaking. Mistake happens and you learn from your failure and move on.
My mother has been my biggest inspiration regarding this matter. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to chase my dream. Right after my high school graduation, the school offered a free public speaking class. Though reluctant and unsure, I joined this class. I have done a couple of sessions and enjoying it now. Attending and speaking in front of my classmates have uplifted my confidence and trust. It has helped me overcome my fear of talking to people and sharing my views. It is important to have a positive and supportive role model. Though we have disagreements, my mother has always been on my side. Looking back is not my forte!!
When I think of someone I admire, my mind instantly goes to my mother. Her life has been a series of challenges, yet she has faced them all with unwavering strength and resilience. Growing up in Pakistan, her days began before the sun rose, with the roosters crowing as if mocking her early rise. While her brothers remained in bed, she was already up, preparing breakfast, tidying the house, and making sure her younger siblings were taken care of. By the time they awoke, their lunches were packed, and she was ready to walk them to school, only to return home later and help with groceries from the local stalls.
Her wardrobe was sparse, and her shoes were often worn out, but she never let that deter her from her duties. She never complained about what she lacked but instead focused on making sure her siblings were cared for. This was her daily life, a life she never chose but embraced with all her heart.
My mother has always worked tirelessly to ensure that my siblings and I have a better life than she did. She makes sure we have the best shoes to play in, toys to enjoy, and opportunities she never had. It’s not that anyone is to blame; it’s just the way things were in the culture she was brought up in. Despite the limitations, my mother’s parents gave her and her siblings as much as they could, even though it meant marrying her off at 18 without even knowing her husband’s name. This was the norm in Pakistan, a reality she had no choice but to accept.
As life went on, my father often came home late, managing his business, while my mother stayed home, cooking, cleaning, and shuttling us to our after-school activities. She was always the one to step up, learning to drive on her own so she could take us wherever we needed to go. My mother is the strongest person I know, having faced challenges that many would find unimaginable.
Because of her experiences, she naturally strives to make my siblings and me stronger, ready to handle whatever life throws our way. When we were younger, my sisters and I were taught the importance of household chores. At first, it was frustrating, but now, I am grateful. I know how to cook, clean, and take care of myself, all thanks to my mother. She has prepared me for life in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.
One of the most significant gifts my mother has given me is the freedom to choose my path, something she never had. She never had the opportunity to pursue an education or follow her dreams, and she didn’t want the same for me. Even though I was reluctant to go to college at first, my mother insisted. She wanted to make sure that I could take care of myself and earn a living if life took an unexpected turn.
After reflecting on her advice for a few years, I’ve come to see the wisdom in her words. College is a gateway to a better life, a way to secure a future for myself and my family. If I ever need to, I want to be able to earn for my family and give my future children the opportunities they deserve.
In everything I do, I carry my mother’s strength, resilience, and love with me. She is the person who has shaped me into who I am today, and I will always be grateful for her guidance and sacrifice. My mother is more than just someone I look up to; she is my hero, my inspiration, and the reason I strive to be the best version of myself every day.
Haden F.
When you meet someone, there are many things you see. You see their facial structure, the shape of their body, the way they walk, how they speak, how they carry themself. However, when you admire someone, the way you view them is entirely different. You notice beyond the surface. When I think of the person I look up to, I see him as a whole. How he can overcome when times are difficult, how he can persevere and stay calm through his biggest challenges. How he is diligent yet devoted in his everyday life. How he fair minded to others.
My older brother is the man I have looked up to. Even through all the rough arguments and disagreements, even when things seemed unfair to me. I saw through his tough actions to the end. Without him I wouldn’t be who I am today. My life would be different if I didn’t have someone to guide me through the hardships of life and how to see there insignificance in the grand scheme.
When growing up people saw him as a person who was careless and rebellious. In other words I learned what not to do by watching his mistakes in life. As he grew older he changed his ways dramatically. He gained wisdom from his years of being a mischievous youth.
I believe without having someone to either look up to or aspire not to be, people don’t have as much motivation to do well. My brother has shown me both sides. To have the good qualities and leave the others behind. Whats your motivation, who pushes you to be the best version of yourself? Do you want to be just like them? Or just the opposite?
I completely agree, and having an older sibling as a role model is so much more than just some you look up to. You get to see the real version of themselves, the struggles, the successes, and so many more. Compared to a celebrity or a fictional character whom you have never met face to face to truly know the person
Alannah B.
One thing that made me completely change my view on the world is when my uncle passed away. My uncle was one of the most fun and loving people that existed in this world. He made me realize that you don’t know who you have impacted in your life until you are gone. When my family was at his funeral, we realized just how many people he truly impacted. More and more kept showing up and we had no clue who any of them were. They told us stories about how my uncle impacted their lives. You truly do not realize the impact you have on somebody else’s life until it is too late for them to say thank you. The more you talk to people and be empathetic the more people will like you. Growing up in a world where cyberbullying exists, the easiest thing to do is to be nice to people. My whole family has always believed in “Treat people the way you want to be treated”. My uncle was always the biggest shower of this. Every memory that I have with him is positive. The more you give into the universe, the more you can take out. People do not realize how easy it is to be kind to each other. I tell this story about my uncle to people who are important to me. The reason I share this story now is because it is important for people to be kind to each other. I hope one day I can impact many peoples lives in a positive way just like he did.
Anthony P.
I believe that everybody has a role model growing up especially through their childhood years because those characteristics make who you are today. A certain person that I looked up to through my childhood was my sister. One thing I noticed from my sister is that she always encountered problems through her stage of growing up. but she didn’t feel the need to quit through the hard problems. Instead she faced them and kept progressing on the better things and achieved certain goals in her life and continuing. That really changed my mindset growing up and i develop to face problems at a young age getting my education in a predominantly all white school throughout my life also learning the difference in society at a young age it really strengthen my mindset before middle school and high school till this day i carry that lesson in my head everyday knowing you can’t just quit when something doesn’t go your way in life you have to fight for every opportunity you get. Another reason why I chose my sister as my role model is because we have both faced the same problems and she always had a solution. I look at her as the opposite version of Me. She was always supportive through my biggest goals and I’m so grateful that she’s guiding Me through this process we call life. Eventually I will fulfill my goals and aspirations one day. Another thing my sister always said “take it day by day and you will find your true purpose in life it only takes time ” The young me wouldn’t even take that into consideration not knowing the meaning behind those words but as i figure out later on through my high school years i realized the meaning behind it all.
I loved you story, I really relate as I’ve always looked up to my father, he’s such a hard working guy and his put his all on the line for are family. It’s amazing to have someone to look up to.
Owen B
Growing up everyone looks up to at least one person, usually a family member, a close friend, or a famous person. For me that person was my older brother. Growing up my brother was always there for me anytime I needed him, he was always there, just like a built in best friend. I can remember as a kid looking up to him for everything. Being two years younger than him, I was able to see how it was to be older and that was all I wanted, just to be like him. With anything I did I wanted to impress him, whether that was showing him how far I could kick the ball or trying to do the same things as him showing him I was just as good. Watching and looking up to him I was able to see him at his best and worst and nothing stopping him. I always thought nothing could stop him, it was like he was indestructible. Having him growing up was the best thing that could’ve happened to me and really shaped me into the person I am today. Having someone to look up to, a good influence is very good for you. Realizing that makes me be a better person and always be the best I can be. It pushes me to do my absolute best all the time because I know one day someone will be looking up to me. That is why having a good role model in life is always so important.
Timothy Z
Every day, I receive multiple texts from my friend Brodie starting each with his signature “Hey buddy!” Whether he is sharing his favorite balloons or the history of marbles, his messages never fail to brighten my day. Brodie, who was a premature baby and has special needs, became my friend in middle school and his love for life and compassion were evident from the start. Brodie never let me sit alone at lunch and did not care that I was not one of the “cool” kids, he only cared that we were buddies.
In high school I joined the football team, and after every game, Brodie was there to congratulate me. As homecoming approached, I was not excited about it, however, Brodie’s infectious enthusiasm convinced me to go, and we ended up having a blast dancing and taking pictures.
While in school, Brodie would check in with me twice daily, sharing his excitement about school and his life. His optimism transformed my view of the school day from a long dreadful grind to a series of bright moments. When prom approached, I was not looking forward to it, but Brodie’s excitement persuaded me to attend. We had an incredible time and the next day he talked my ear off about how much fun he had with me.
My mom has always said, “Life is like a zip line. You can either climb down and regret it or jump and take the chance.” Brodie lives by this philosophy, never letting his disability hold him back. His fearlessness has inspired me to embrace life, take chances, and be more extroverted. Brodie’s friendship has made me realize I need to live in the moment and cherish the little things. As life moves forward, Brodie will continue to inspire me, and I will look forward to seeing his “Hey buddy text pop up on my phone. Even though most people would not realize, Brodie is my role model.
This was beautifully written. This story is inspiring and eye opening, such a great way to reflect the lessons that can be taken from those around us. As I read it, I thought of some of the “Brodies” in my life and was handed a wonderful reminder of how encouraging our enthusiastic, fearless friends can be.
It’s great that a kid that is seen as a burden to others is a role model for you. Kids like Brodie have such pure hearts and don’t get distracted by the negative things in life. You both learned and grew from each other and that is the most important part of friendships.
Wow this is very inspirational! I also have a role model similar to yours. His name is Matt, and we call him Matty Soups for short because he does a soup review every day for lunch as his signature.
Adriana G
A belief of mine that has newly developed is the phrase that “everything will be alright.” I believe the words are quite common and often heard; it is essentially used when somebody in distress is comforted by another. Many things along the journey of life can sometimes make us frustrated, confused, scared, worried, etc. In these moments, it’s hard to believe other people’s words when they tell us it will all be okay. When life can’t seem to go my way, I usually turn to someone in my life, that person being my mom. Since I was a child, my mom has been my rock through thick and thin, and luckily, I chose the right person in my life to look up to. Over the past few years, I’ve seen my mom go through rocky rollercoasters that have noticeably taken a toll on her. The loss of her mother, separation from my father, and then experiencing another heartbreak after having found love again are only a few of the hardships that she has had to cope with. My mother has shown me her strength by continuously growing and finding happiness despite her gut-wrenching experiences. Watching these moments unfold in her life has taught me something about mine. As I’ve experienced more difficult situations in recent years like losing friends, harsh breakups, and my grandparents passing away, I can now believe it when someone tells me that everything will be alright because of my mom. This belief is fundamental to me because now when a conflict arises, I can take a step back and think to myself that this isn’t going to be the end of the world for me. As I see it, I think everyone should lead a life with this phrase in the back of their heads. No matter what age or stage of life you may be entering, it’s always good to remind yourself that things won’t always be bad. Life will never fail to place challenges for you, but it’s how you choose to approach and handle them that will determine your outcome.
Adriana,
I completely agree with you! Staying on your path and moving forward despite obstacles is an important milestone for everyone. Sometimes life can be hard but there is always a future!
T Lennox
After my teammates and I played in out last high school football game in the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium, I realized how we got that far. Since I was 4 years old I have played sports. I have been on so many different teams and have played many different sports. The first things that comes to my mind when I think of the word team is teamwork, respect, dedication and family. I learned at a young age that it takes a team to win games and not just 1 person. Teamwork is working together to achieve a certain goal. It promotes sharing of ideas, techniques and knowledge and it helps other teammates to learn and gain better experience. Having respect for your teammates and coaches is a must. You are to treat them with consideration and dignity and they are to do the same to you. Respect builds trust and safety and it is important to treat your teammates with respect. Dedication is a learned trait and it is not something athletes are born with. Athletes learn this over time through hard work. Dedication shows how much the athlete cares about the sport and their team. Working together to achieve a goal is important to me. Although we lost the Super Bowl we gained so much more. My teammates are my brothers for life. We respect each other, we worked together at the same goals and we dedicated ourselves to our team. Teamwork isn’t just in sports it is a part of every day life. People need to work together to get good results.Are you willing to be a good teammate?
Very good. I was an athlete myself, and all the things you learn from it. It could be on or off the field, but I believe it really shapes the person you are today.
For as long as I have been alive, I have looked up to my father. His hard work and dedication is something that has always pushed me forward, showing me how life can treat you if you try hard enough. He grew up in a household without a father of his own, and troublesome relationships with his siblings. His lackluster effort and troubled home life led him to being a terrible student, and effectively barred him from attending any traditional college. This, however, is where he turned himself around. He began to attend a motorcycle college, where he learned all he could. Many would see bike repair as somewhat of a low end job, but my father was the best at what he did, and was able to support my family for quite some time. That was until he got sick. He would suffer from 2 strokes and an aneurysm due to a parasitic infection. Many doctors wrote him off, saying there was nothing to be done, but my family fought. Eventually he would recover. Barely able to walk, he came home. He was unable to work, and had brain damage. He fought through physical therapy, seizures, mountains of medication, and eventually brought back his old self. He proceeded to then earn a job at Pratt and Whitney building jet engines, on nothing more than an associates degree and hard work. My belief is that there aren’t enough people like my father in the world. There aren’t enough people who will work that hard not only for themselves, but for others. I strive to be as hardworking as my father, for myself, my family, and my community. I hope, more than anything, that my fathers story helps encourage you to do the same.
Elaine S.
Belief is a tricky thing; it’s often easier to pursue another’s beliefs than our own, and this can lead to shifts in your own perspectives. At least, that’s been my experience.
Throughout high school, I moved between various friend groups, each distinctly different from the others. One group, in particular, remains etched in my memory. I found myself altering my own identity to fit in, like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit. I laughed at jokes that made me uncomfortable, listened to music I didn’t like, all in an effort to belong. Although I initially liked these friends, getting to know them better made me realize I was imprisoning myself within a role I had created.
One girl from this group, whom I had become very close to before sophomore year, encouraged me to join the group. She was energetic, loud, and unapologetically herself. I admired her confidence and wanted a friend like that, the role model I needed. We had all our classes together, and initially, it was great. However, over time, the traits I once admired began to grate on me.
She had a way of making private matters public, using them to her advantage. Her loudness and exaggerated behavior started to intimidate me. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing, constantly walking on eggshells. Soon I began to dislike who I was becoming around her. The person I had been before, the one I felt comfortable with, seemed lost.
Eventually, I distanced myself from her, blocking her on every platform I could. Despite this, I struggled to reconnect with my true self after having lived so long in a role that wasn’t mine. It felt as though I was still piecing myself back together.
Over the last two years of high school, I gradually rebuilt my identity. I realized that I wasn’t meant to fit into a specific mold; I was meant to be myself. This journey underscored a crucial belief: accountability is not just about meeting others expectations but also about being true to oneself. It’s challenging when both personal and external expectations shift but finding the courage to align with your own values and authenticity is a profound and liberating realization.
I leave you with this thought, have you distinguished between parts of yourself that are truly authentic and those that have been shaped by external pressures?
Throughout my life, many people have guided and encouraged me both academically and personally, helping to shape a better future for me. My parents, siblings, friends, and teachers have all played crucial roles in supporting my journey and helping me reach my goals. I believe that aligning plans, goals, and dreams is important for achieving a stable and fulfilling future. Social media influencers also provide motivation by showing that persistence and hard work pay off. Observing people from similar backgrounds achieve their dreams gives me confidence that I can accomplish my own goals as well.
Recently, I’ve taken up going to the gym, and the positive influence of friends who share their fitness journeys online has been a great source of inspiration. Their dedication encourages me to push myself, both physically and mentally, and to stay committed to my fitness goals.
My aunts, who are both nurses, have been significant role models for me. Although I initially aspired to become a pediatrician, I decided to shift my focus to accounting. Seeing how my aunts have built stable and comfortable lives through hard work and dedication motivates me to strive for success in my own career. I am determined to excel as an accountant and eventually open my own businesses, with plans to expand and grow in the future.
Additionally, my sister’s success and courage in her career continually inspire me. Her achievements and determination drive me to push beyond my limits and aim for a successful and fulfilling life. Her example reminds me that with perseverance and hard work, I can achieve my aspirations and create a comfortable and prosperous future for myself.
My parents, family, friends, coaches and teachers have always supported and encouraged me academically and personally. I think everyone needs a role model to look up to and get support from.
Connor L
I can confidently say that other people have impacted my life and changed me for the better, and no one has had more of an impact than my Environmental Science teacher in high school. He instilled into me the value of not just becoming knowledgeable yourself, but sharing that knowledge with others to raise up everyone around you so that change can be made. Before meeting him, I only really focused on myself when it came to school. As long as I was learning, I didn’t really worry about other people and how difficult classes were for them. From Mr. Kane, my teacher, I was taught the value of the group when it comes to knowledge. The main reason that this idea was brought up in class was because it was about environmental science, which is a field that, in order for real progress to be achieved, needs the effort of a large number of people. With just one really smart guy working alone, although the ideas might be better on some levels, they end up falling short on achieving any real change. This belief is important to me not only because it was taught to me by the most influential person in my life, but because it changed my life path from being one of work centered around myself to work centered around working with others to achieve a goal. The influences of this value can be seen in my daily school life now. Rather than being by myself in classes and separating work from friends, I now value sharing in our work, where if anyone struggles I help them to understand the topic and not just give them the answer.
I find my biggest source of inspiration in Jesus Christ, he is my role model in all things. But I also see his light through a very important person in my life, my Dad. One of the most devoted and faithful Catholics I have ever known, my Dad has taught me so much about life and my faith through is actions. A time in my life that made me see how much I looked up to my Dad was in the fall of 2021. My Dad caught Covid and became very sick. This was definitely a slap in the face kind of moment that forced me to think about how thankful I should be to be in good health and to appreciate the wonderful parents that I have. Something as serious as my Dad being hospitalized was very hard for me to cope with and my life has changed because of it. I saw how he stayed positive and pushed through all the hospital visits, countless procedures, and tests. Thinking back on when all of this was happening, I know that the experience motivated me to try and live a life where I take nothing for granted and appreciate every moment, because you never know what is coming.
While God’s and my Dad have been the most prominent role models in my life, little things like a movie scene or a sunset can have the same life changing importance. To have family and friends, to be able to enjoy life, and experience new things, these are all motivators for me. These are the experiences that I think back on when I am feeling down. However, I try not to undermine the beauty of a memory, a scenic view, a friend, or a loved one and how these simple moments also motivate me. They never fail to remind me how blessed I am and to push me forward into whatever is coming next. Drawing motivation from God, significant times in my life, and simple moments every day, I find the reasons why I have to keep trying my best every day.
When people say they have a role model, it is someone that they look up too and want to resemble that person as much as possible. I look up to my dad, however being able to resemble him is much harder then it seems. I am aware that I am still young and have plenty of years for mistakes and triumphs and to grow, however I am locked in a mindset where I believe achieving as much as he does is near impossible. He is the most hardworking and smartest person I know, and he does everything for our family and close friends. Everyone turns to him for support and is knowledgeable in any field you task him with. He is known by everyone and is able to run multiple businesses at once and I don’t get how he can do it. His mind is always thinking and everybody turns to him when they have questions because he has the answers. His phone never stops ringing, and he has to tackle so many scenarios and problems a day. Along with this he provides the people he cares about with whatever they want, because he does all of this for us. Being his son, I feel lots of pressure when talking about family businesses and being the next generation up, because I don’t believe that I will be able to do half as much or be half has knowledgeable as he is with everything. However that just taught me that maybe having a role model isn’t just someone that people want to become, but maybe being motivated by their impact on themselves, to become the best you as you can be, and impact others, just as much as they have impacted you.
People have guided and inspired me physically and mentally for a better future. My family, siblings, friends, and teachers played a huge role in shaping me and helping me throughout life. Making goals and planning how to do them is important for having a successful future. As I go further in life, social media influencers are helping me change my life for the better.
When I go on social media; I see influencers go to the gym and make themselves feel and look better. This made me go to the gym and start eating well to better myself. When I see others better themselves; it makes me more motivated to do it because I see others could do it.
My sister is currently in school studying to become an engineer. She will be getting a lot of money from her job, and she will be living a very stable life. This made me feel motivated and passionate about wanting to go into the engineering field. I would like it because it’s challenging and fun. Also, I am competitive, and I want to show my sister that I can do it too.
Now that I look back at all this; role models and influencers shape and impact our lives even if we don’t notice it. I believe that your life will be majorly affected by the people you surround yourself with and the people you look up to. That’s why I make sure that the people I watch and talk to are good influences.
As a teenager growing up in the years in which social media has grown into the phenomenon that it is now, the complex nature of its influence on the world today will change the world forever. In our generation, we were immediately thrown an iPad or a tablet to play on, instead of learning with books and toys. It’s common for kids nowadays to be glued to a phone or sucked into the reality of the online world. It is statistically proven that teeangers who are actively on social media are more likely to develop sleep disorders, eating disorders and mental health disorders. In my personal beliefs, social media has changed the way teenagers and young adults view themselves. Social media influencers portray a life that is not what it truly seems. You see influencers everywhere who seem to be prettier, fitter and happier, and you can’t help but think badly about yourself. You begin to compare yourselves to everyone and everything you see online until it becomes an ongoing habit to where it’s difficult to be comfortable in your own skin. I want to emphasize on how social media can lead to bad habits in this generation especially adolescents that are entering their teenage years as social media is all they know. I wish we grew up in a society where social media was less compared and more uplifting. Instead of bragging about how you look or what you have, influencers can appreciate what they have and inspire others, especially those who are younger.
Everyone has role models in their lives, for some people it’s their parents, athletes, music artists, and even youtubers. Everyone at some point in their lives is inspired by someone else and wants to be like that person. Having a role model is important as it helps you find out who you are and helps build your character. For a lot of people it helps having someone you can look up to and think to yourself “I want to be like that person”. This helps us shape ourselves and put together who or what we want to be in our lives. They help you realize what goals you want in your life and help you by motivating you to pursue those goals. For lots of people they look up to their favorite athletes or favorite music artists but for me personally I have always looked up to my parents. They have helped me so greatly in my life up until this point that even if I become a successful person in my life I still feel like I haven’t repaid them for what they have done for me. I have watched my parents work day and night for me and my little brother to provide for us a better life than they had for themselves. So we wouldn’t have to go through that kind of struggle in our lives. I really feel like they were the greatest role models I could have had in my life as they have taught me many things in my life that have helped me become the person I am today. They have also always supported me in anything I have ever wanted to from any sports I wanted to play to whatever interests I showed in school subjects. It is truly a blessing to have them be my parents and I hope I can continue to make them proud in the future.
Cayden B
Throughout my entire life there have been so many people that have encouraged and have pushed me to be the best person that I could ever be. I am so thankful for all of those people for helping create the person I have become today. Role models have huge effects on people whether you believe it or not. I think that one of the best role models that you could ever have is your family. No matter who it is in your family you always want to be like them when you grow up. For me it has always been my Mom, Dad, and Brothers. They have always been there for me throughout my high and lows in life. I can’t even begin to thank them for all that they have done. You always want to look up to someone in your life because you inspire to be them. My role models are always there for me and even if you don’t know your role model just know that they are doing what they are doing to teach the youth. Not only can our family be our role models, it can be any influencer, any artist, anyone that you want it to be. It comes down to how well that they teach you lessons and how much you would like to be like them or model your life after. This doesn’t mean that you have to copy your life by them, it just means that you can have the same morals and same work ethic, etc. Thank you for letting me share my role models with you and how they have affected my life positively.
To me, Role models are the people who shape who you are as a member of your community. They can influence every single factor about a person, even if they do not know it. Every person in a community has a person they look up to, someone they aspire to be, or someone they appreciate for being there. Those are role models, even if they might not know it. Every role model influences those around them to change. Role models, be they peers, teachers, parents, or just people, shape the people and communities they participate in. One of my role models who exemplifies this is my high school theater teacher. From him, I gained much of how I now work with my peers. He taught me how to work and communicate with a group of people, even if I might disagree with them. He was also the bedrock for the entire theater community during our time recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. He worked tirelessly to ensure our department, our theater community, did not become a thing of the past. That is how a role model directly influenced me and my community. He was directly involved and his actions are what made a difference. Furthermore, a role model might more subtly influence someone. For me, this had to be my grandfather. He has always pushed me to be the best person I can be, supporting me to explore the world for myself. This is how role models have influenced my life, this is how role models influence their communities, and the people in them, for the better.
Even at the time of writing this piece I think of my mom as the most influential person in my life. Not only is she caring and hardworking, but she is one of my closest friends and strongest supporters.
If you ask everyone who knows me and my mom personally, then they will tell you that me and her have the same individual traits. We are both kind, determined, authoritive, and sometimes overthink but we are both honest and only want the best in life. I can proudly say that my mom is the reason for me wanting to pursue a career in the medical field. Ever since I was in third grade, I have always wanted to be a nurse and would always dress the part when it came to show and tell (I mean who wouldn’t!). During high school, I had the chance to partake in a career and technical program focusing on becoming a CNA. With this program, I wanted to gain general knowledge of the healthcare profession as well as make my mom proud of me being so attentive in my education. Not only did I get an early start on education that will help me with nursing school, but I was able to do clinical work at both a hospital and nursing home my senior year, that really helped open my eyes to how much I wanted to care for people who need medical attention. What made this experience all worth it was being able to work alongside my mom in the hospital setting with my classmates and really grasp how both demanding and compassionate nurses can be. Although my mom cannot share information outside of work due to HIPPA, she always speaks highly of how much she loves caring for everyone she encounters daily, even her patients tell her how much they love her. Given my mom’s inspiration I am now a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home in Fall River continuously gaining more skills that will be beneficial to my education here at Umass Dartmouth.
When I hear the term “like father like daughter” from family, I like to think of the term as “like mother like daughter”(even though I look more like my father) when thinking about me and my moms bond. Now it makes me wonder, “who is the influential or role model in your life?”.
Something that completely changed my view on the world and life itself is when my grandfather passed away. He was one of the most loving and caring people I could think of and probably that existed in this world and my biggest role model. He made me realize that you cant take life for granted and u never know when your time is up in this world. Since his death my family hasn’t been the same but I still appreciate the knowledge and lessons he left with me behind. Throughout my whole life he was always there for me physically and emotionally. My grandfathers hard work and dedication was always something that has always pushed me forward and to look at life in a different aspect. Learned to appreciate life and everything I have because he did and I hope everyone can as well.
Emelia R
As I approach my upcoming journey into college, I have been reflecting a great deal on the past eighteen years and all of the people, experiences and lessons that have positively guided and influenced my life. Today, in anticipation of the significant transition into college, it has forced me to become more introspective about myself, my personal qualities and the values that will best serve me as an upcoming nursing student and citizen within a new community. When answering the question who in my life has been a positive influence, I think of my father. He is a man of very strong character and pride. My father is someone who models approaching life, particularly changes with a strong sense of purpose, direction and motivation. Through his modeling and the messages of “showing up in your life” with a sense of purpose have deeply resonated with me.
My father’s influence helped me persevere and overcome the challenges of moving through the global pandemic. I overcame the isolative days of quarantine, at home learning, the loss of in person interactions with friends and holiday traditions with family. I could have become withdrawn and sad. Instead, I took the opportunity to spend more time engaging with my family, particularly with my father. We took long walks to White Horse Beach and on those walks I learned more about him as a person and not just as my ‘dad.’ I learned what was at the root of his shared messages. I listened to his stories about how he overcame adversity of losing his own father at a young age and the challenges he faced as an Operation Iraqi war Veteran. During these conversations, I began to reflect and better understand. The messages were really about resilience and bravery during times when you may experience doubt and fear of the unknown. It was also about getting into the arena and being motivated.
One belief I have significantly questioned and developed overtime is that success is solely by individual achievement. Growing up, I was often told that personal accolades and individual accomplishments were the markers of success. However, a series of events during my high-school years led me to rethink this through. One particular event that stands out to me was when me and my friends went to a local park for a community service project for our college applications.
However as we worked alongside diverse groups of people, I began to see the profound impact of collective effort. The sense of community, the shared goals and everyone working together were powerful. It wasn’t just about what I could achieve on my own, but what we could accomplish together.
Additionally, my involvement in the art community, where issues of inclusion, collectivity, and power sharing are paramount. Seeing how diverse perspectives and shared power can lead to more inclusive and innovative outcomes made me realize that true success often comes from working together and lifting each other up.
This belief is important as I enter college because it shapes my approach to learning and collaboration. I now understand that success is not just about personal milestones but also about contributing to and growing with a community. This mindset will guide me in my academic pursuits and beyond, as I strive to make a meaningful impact through collective effort. In essence, the journey from individualism to a belief in the power of community has been transformative, and it is this belief that will drive me to seek out and create opportunities for collective success in college and in life.
Cam C
During my life, I have heard the phrase, “trust no one” numerous times. It was a belief that I kept as there were instances in my life where people proved that I should stand on that belief. But my belief was challenged when I reconnected with my best friend after life made us drift apart. To me, trust no one simply meant never let anyone in, keep everything to yourself, and keep your guard up. After a series of events that left me feel alone even in a room full of people, I was left questioning the past six months of my life. A time where I felt trapped with all my bad experiences on a constant loop. Until my best friend stepped up to constantly make sure I was okay, listen to any lecture I had, keeping those lectures private and never bad mouthing me when everyone else said they were sick of hearing about it. She changed my belief, she showed me that you can trust people. She proved that trust can be found and it exists. This belief is important because we as people can’t handle all the stresses of life alone. It is important to trust someone, it is important to have companionship and people in our lives to lean on during difficult times. “Trust no one” is still a belief I hold, as many are untrustworthy but my best friend managed to challenge and alter that belief through her kindness and presence. Her influence would go on to change my belief system in so many ways but especially in this. Some may be open to trust and quickly be let down. While some may have their guard up due to bad experiences, but there are still people out there that are worthy of our trust and existence. How are we supposed to navigate this crazy thing called life without the support, connection, or trust of others?
Chris s
Some know, but many may not understand the true volume of impact a good or bad role model can have on someone’s life. As a child the people and what they’re doing around have had influence on who you are today. In my life my strongest role model would have to be my father. Ive witnessed him go through hardships and tackle problems that seemed nearly impossible all while not forgetting to pick me and my siblings up from wherever we are and making sure there is food to eat and we are doing all right. He is a hard worker and in recent years took a leap of faith to chase his dreams and has succeeded. My father isn’t perfect and he would be the first to admit that but he is a strong believer in christ and can put his pride aside to ask for forgiveness from anybody whom he may have hurt.
For a young person I think that it is very important to have a good role model in your life/ someone that you look up to and want to be like. even if it is someone you see on TV, a good image of who you want to take after can be a driving force for you to make the right decisions in life and work hard. The people you have around you can also influence your life. It is important that you watch who you keep around you and make sure that they are impacting your life for the positive not the negative.
Aderlis C.
Sometimes, I can’t help but feel that my dreams are too big. From battling homelessness to fleeing my home country, life has placed every possible hurdle in my direction. During my senior year of high school, my dad got very sick, and I became his main caretaker. Every cent my family made went straight to paying for his treatments. While my friends were out prom dress shopping, I was carrying him to his physical therapy appointments. While they were having sleepovers, I was crying myself to sleep, wondering how I could leave him like this when I left for school. That was two years ago. It took a lot for me to apply to college this year. I think a part of me just feels ashamed that I’ll be older than most of my classmates. But then I remember my dad’s in a similar boat. My father doesn’t speak English, not a lick of it. He worked grueling hours to secure a visa for my mom and me, and everything we have is because of him. My dad just started college last year at 51 years old, and that’s the reason I decided to put my pride aside and apply. Time will pass you by regardless, so spend it doing something worthwhile. It’s never too late.
When many children get asked “who’s your role model” growing up they would usually say their favorite superhero or any cartoon. As we get older we realize that role models can be anyone and not just someone with powers or on tv, they can be someone in your everyday life. My role model has always been my mother. She didn’t grow up having both parents in her life and moved out at a young age. She has always told me since I was younger to “always go after your dream” she said “You could do anything you put your mind and effort into” and that she will always support me. My mother didn’t go to college because she had no one to guide her in that direction so she made sure I did, so I can have the best future. My mother is a nurse and she has worked so hard to get to where she is right now and I am so proud of her because seeing all of her hard work has really shown me the importance of my mother to me in many aspects of life. Working since the age of 14 until now, I’ve watched as she’s sacrificed and worked to provide for us children day in and day out improving herself for us as she’d like to say. There’s many aspects & perspectives. Seeing this helps me to see the importance of working hard towards goals as I watched my mother do and as she always tells me to do. I can say at a very young age this has become very eye opening to see what a little determination can do for someone.
There are a lot of people i have looked up to that made me a better person physically and mentally. My mom and my dad brought me up and taught me how to be the best person i can be and showed me the way to life. Watching videos on my favorite athletes like Lebron James, Usain Bolt, Simone Biles, and Patrick Mahomes made me learn how to play sports the correct way and pushed me to be better so I could be like them one day. On tiktok I follow this one guy that makes gym videos and I lift so i can be in his shape or even better than he is. I would always want to learn how to do a backflip my whole life until I started watching the Olympics and watched how Simone Biles would flip, and I told myself I’m going to learn how to do this. Then I went outside and learned how to do it in a couple of ours now. My sister and brother are going to school here at Umass Dartmouth and they always had better grades then me, so that pushed me seeing them get better grades then me soi tried to keep up with them and try to have better grades then them so I could brag I’m the smartest. Good role models and influencers have a huge impact on your life, they can guide you to success and helping you build who you are as a person.
There comes a point in time where you are under a jealous state upon an influencer you saw on a platform. When I was in my single digits of age, I always thought that you would have the happiest life if you were famous on any media platform. I couldn’t help thinking about it, nothing changed my mind however, as I got older and became more mature. I slowly start to reduce in the belief. People don’t realize how much different your life is compared to some “high rich” end influencer. Yes the influencers can post about all the good about their lives but they will never post about the negatives in their lives.
Keeping this belief will keep eating you up inside and could cause you to perform some actions that are not intended to hurt others around you. I’ve heard some influencers dropped their friends because of an awareness act the friend had, later for them to realize they made the most horrible mistake and could never forgive themselves for it. A person could hide that guilt just for their fans to not cause chaos across the media.
In reality you should not be ashamed or comparing your life compared to other influencers cause in actual perspective, those influencers or role models would probably want to switch lives with you rather than keeping all the fame and having to act okay while not knowing who to trust about their true feelings. Be appreciative on the life you currently have before comparing yourself from other media influencers or role models.
All through growing up my role model and superhero was always a fictional character. As I got older I realized that those fictional characters were never real and would never help me gain anything in life. Come to getting older you come to the realization that the only people that will ever be there for you is yourself. Growing up I went through some pretty traumatic events. In 2011 my little brother had a massive stroke and brain bleed and had to go into emergency brain surgery. Throughout the years he had to have three more brain surgeries, I can only imagine the trauma him and my parents had to go through but at the same time it took a very big toll on me. I was always around a new relative to help take care of me and do whatever needed to help my parents out. My parents have done so well throughout the whole situation and further on but I needed them since I was also at such a young age. Through the years passing, my brother has healed and we have all have mostly recovered from the trauma but there will always be that piece that sticks with you. Going through this at such a young age helped me realize that having yourself and holding your head strong is very important.
Sam C
A role model can help shape a person into who they grow up to be. A role model could be anyone such as an older sibling or a famous person however these people all share one thing in common and that is that they serve a purpose in especially impacting a person’s life. As I’ve grown up, I’ve looked up to many different people, but the person that I believe has impacted me the most is my father. Although my father and I have never had the best relationship growing up, he has pushed me to be my best and taught me values I’m grateful to have grown up with. There have been multiple times in my life when I’ve questioned myself to “do the right thing”; one specific instance being when I contemplated telling the truth about using my father’s credit card to buy things online. I knew what I had done was wrong, but I knew I would have to come clean even if I was scared because it was the right thing to do. These values have stuck with me growing up and maybe someday I will teach my children the same way. I believe role models play an important role in defining a person and their beliefs as they grow and understand more about who they want to be. Although not everyone looks up to the same people, we can respect that everyone is different and has their reasons for looking up to certain people.
Mandy E.
In personal growth and self-discovery, having a role model whether it is a public figure or someone close is crucial. Role models inspire and guide us, helping shaping our values and aspirations in significant ways. For me, my mother is the most significant role model. Often described as my twin in both appearance and behavior, she has been a constant source of strength and motivation throughout my life. Having me when she was a teen, she faced numerous challenges with extraordinary resilience and determination. Her commitment to providing not only for my basic needs but also showering me with love and care has been remarkable. Although I didn’t fully appreciate her sacrifices as a child, I now recognize the depth of her dedication and affection. Observing her tireless work and compassion, particularly when she has brought me to her workplace, made a lasting impression on me. Her example of strength, independence, and caring nature has inspired me deeply to incorporate these qualities into my own life. As I approach adulthood, I strive to reflect her values in my studies and future career. Her influence continues to guide me, motivating me to achieve success while balancing personal fulfillment with professional achievement. My mother’s never-ending support and dedication have not only shaped my goals but have also motivated me to emulate her example. Her role as a role model has been pivotal in guiding my aspirations and actions, helping me navigate the path to adulthood with a clear sense of purpose and determination.
I’ve got a couple of role models that have helped me through my life, some real, some not, some kinda.
I’m shameless so let’s start with the most cringe-worthy stuff first. There’s a YouTuber that I watch called Technoblade who passed away a little while ago. His videos would always bring me joy no matter how much of a terrible mood I was in due to a unique combination of wit, humor, confidence, and charm. Watching these videos going out of middle school as a spinless bozo, I decided that I wanted to have those same traits. Needless to say, I rolled up to the first day of high school trying to be as uber-confident as possible. I felt like a fool for the first week, a bozo for the next couple of months, and a fraud for the first year. However, my false confidence started to transform into something real after a while, maybe it was just putting myself out there or maybe it truly just came in time. All I know is that it worked and now a part of Technoblade lives on through me.
Next up is Baldwin the Leper from Darkest Dungeon. Now I could get into a whole hour-long rant about his character and how I love it so much but to save us both some time here’s a quick rundown. Baldwin was a loving king who contracted leprosy through no fault of his own, took care of scheming advisors whose rule would doom his kingdom, and finally ventured out to the corners of the world that needed him the most to fight Eldrige abominations with nothing more than a sword and a resolute mind. His character reminds me not to use misadventures or sucky things that happen to me as an excuse to act like a jerk. Instead, it teaches me to marvel at the world and be grateful for my many blessings. After all, adversity and existence are one and the same. (Fun fact the character is based on King Baldwin the IV, the Leper King, so I guess he’s kind of real.)
Finally, there’s the real deal people. I mean where to begin? I admire my father and his hard-working determination, my mother and her endless humility and love, my brothers for being teachers and terrorizes alike, and my grandfather for giving me the father that I have today. This is the most lackluster paragraph I know but man this is already a little more than the 250 words you’ve asked for plus this is personal stuff you don’t get to know more about.
I get this isn’t the one-and-done cookie-cutter format that you’ve requested, something neat to read, judge, and wrap up in a bow to forget about. My thought process is that every person has varying degrees of different role models, you can’t just have a single one. Some are big, some are small, some are real and some are works of fiction, but all impact us. All shape us in positive ways we might not be able to shape ourselves, to see strength that we might not believe we have, to make the world truly better, one influenced action at a time.
Thomas H.
When I was four years old, my mother took me to an aquarium. To her, it was a normal trip to a place many people visited frequently to learn a little about the ocean. But for me, it was life changing! When I first saw the giant fish tank full of sharks, I wanted to swim with them so badly my mother had to hold on to me and explain that I couldn’t swim with sharks. When I asked why, she didn’t say “because they will eat you!” instead, she pointed to a scuba diver and said, “do you see the man in there with that special suit? You need to have a special suit just like that one”. And ever since then, I wanted to wear the suit just like them. As the years went by, I learned more about marine biology and especially about sharks. I’m transferring to UMass Dartmouth to learn more about the ocean and all the exciting mysteries it contains, and I hope to become inspired by all the people who share the same burning passion as I have with marine biology.
John G.
it is so cool that you knew from such a young age what you wanted to do and are still set on that path all these years later. we would all be better off if we knew what we wanted to do as much as you do. It’s also so incredible that such a small act of kindness from your mother would bloom into such a vivid dream.
Reina P.
Role model is such a vague term to use anymore. Role model are never perfect in a “model” sense. The things that you see in the surface that you admire so much might not be the reality or mentality they hold. They are so many people, especially celebrities that people look up to with out even knowing them person. I used to think the same way, obviously the actions shown on the media is to gain popularity and fans, but as a young girl there were a lot of things I couldn’t tell what was real or fake. Even real people in you like can change dramatically. Honestly changing to the real versions of themselves. People always say that you find out how someone really is once you live with them and believe me I did.
Something that made me question a previously held belief in role models would be how when I was around the age of maybe 12 or 13, I used to look up to my aunt a lot. She was there in place of my mom. After moving to the United States, I was able to stay with her. I wasn’t really comfortable at the time obviously because I’ve never lived outside my home but I was trying. I remember missing my mom so much and wishing she was the one doing all of this for me. Things like doing my hair, helping me with my homework and getting me to school. Those are all the things my mom was able to continue doing, it’s not her fault though. As time went by I would notice comments and the way she spoke to me just got more hurtful. After sometime we just couldn’t get along, I tried to not be affected by her words but as someone whom k looked up to her words still have an affect on me til this day. I have changed and evolved as a young woman, I now understand that you can’t really look up to anyone but yourself. Be the version of you that you will be proud of looking back on. I would say try and be a role model to someone else but in reality I think we just need to be the real versions of our selves.
Thinking back upon my earliest curiosities, when I was in middle school history class an epiphany had struck about humans and people in general- how did we advance so quickly? Well, I believe that the rapid progress of humanity is driven by our deep curiosity and the powerful need to connect and improve. In the blink of a couple centuries, we’ve gone from simple tools to exploring the stars. This speed comes from our shared desire to understand the world and to make life better for each other.
Though this ideology doesn’t climax to just me. It serves vital to my community at UMass Dartmouth, including my friends, family, teachers, and peers. We are all part of this journey. Every one of us contributes to the incredible momentum that moves society forward.
Why should our community care? Because when we realize that our progress comes from working together, we become stronger. We support each other’s dreams and ideas, knowing that even the smallest effort can lead to something great. I believe there’s always something greater approaching, and the good work of the good people around me. When it comes to what most believe in, the primary contributors tend to remain only to themselves and their values. However, in the parochial eyes of the kind, there is an abundance of belief. The ability to believe in the good of society eternally prevails as the best method to feeling good, being good, and seeing the good in us all.
John G.
What criteria today constitute a role model? Different people will have wildly varying answers ranging from status and money to experience in a field, and while these things have their place in some specific examples of role models I am unsure if they truly should be considered within this group. Things like money or experience are not truly objective criteria for a role model as it is very possible for these kinds of things to be in possession of people who do not truly deserve to be looked up to or to have thier behavior replicated. The necessary change in the societal views of role models is difficult as it has to do with our inherent respect toward our “betters”. We see people that have money and think that if we behave in the way they do then we will live a life like them, this comes not from a place of wanting self betterment but rather from a place of jealousy disguised as self betterment. So if these traditional objects of attention are not truly worth our time or respect, what should we as a society focus on? I believe that the innocence of children should be the most aspirational quality for a person. The trust in others exhibited by children is incredible, if you were to ask a child who did not know better to hug a cactus, they would likely do it as the child believes that you would not do anything to harm it. It is aspects of personality like this, which are possessed only by children today that we should all strive to return to.
July 10, 2024 at 12:00 am
Once in your lifetime you will find yourself at least once looking up to something or someone, whether that be when you’re five years old and you have a favorite basketball player or your 18 years old aspiring to be just like your mom and wanting to go to nursing school. Having some type of role model plays such a crucial role in shaping individuals while seeing and finding the deeper meaning of who you are and what you want for yourself in the future. They offer someone their own idea of what success is and from such ripe ages we set that up ourselves without even knowing or realizing. Looking up to something also sends encouragement to push boundaries whether they’re your own or stereotypical, and helps to find who we really are. Having your own role model provides guidance and motivation while also shaping our own goals, values and behaviors. Growing up my role models were the Highschool softball team of my hometown, specifically my neighbors. They were always the talk of the town and always have been known to be the best. At such a young age I looked up to these girls, I dressed how they dressed and tried to play how they played. While this only built me into a better softball player as I grew up and continued to shape and direct me into becoming who I wanted to become. It’s not like I was trying to replicate what they were, and what they did, it was more so a specific guidance they provided me without them actually knowing. Although looking up to the best softball players in my hometown, who ended up going to top division 1 colleges, that isn’t the route I went for with my future because you eventually realize that some things aren’t what they seem they are.
August 8, 2024 at 7:23 pm
I love your descriptions and I too look up to someone who is very close.
August 14, 2024 at 4:57 am
I completely agree that having a role model is crucial in shaping people because if you have a terrible role model you could become just like them but if you have a good role model you could become just like them but sometimes there’s situations where you don’t become just like them.
August 22, 2024 at 12:46 pm
I also have a couple of role models that I look of to. they have helped me with multiple poles I have faced and will continue to help me in my future.
August 26, 2024 at 5:41 pm
This was so nicely written! I also agree completely.
September 1, 2024 at 12:53 pm
I really enjoyed reading your post! A good role model definitely shapes the person that one becomes. If someone grows up with a bad role model that could change then in a negative way. It’s always good for people to have positive role models in their lives that make them the person they truly want to be.
September 2, 2024 at 9:08 pm
I love the way you described your own experiences and how those impacted the choices that you made for your future! I also looked up to the older athletes at my high school and wanted to be just like them for so long, but realized that I actually was not what I wanted, similar to the way that you did. Role models are very important especially to young adults like us!
September 3, 2024 at 11:20 pm
I truly believe that having role models are crucial. They help shape you. I love your thoughts on role models and I also have a role model who made me want to major in Biology!
September 4, 2024 at 2:41 am
I completely agree with you. When I was younger, I looked up to tv stars that hosted shows on HGTV. It inspired me to do the same thing that they are doing now. I am now going into my freshmen year of college, and I am majoring in Interior Architecture.
July 16, 2024 at 2:47 pm
The people who have been with you through thick and thin. That one person or many people who have been with you when u needed them the most. The people who have been with you thought out all the break ups and bad days. The people who were with you when you did not even know you needed them yet. The people who you look up to and are with you when your advice or just someone to talk to too. Everyone needs to have someone they look up to and those you hold closest to. That person for me is my dad. My dad has raised me to be the person who I am today. My dad has raised me and my sister single handedly since my mom left when I was incredibly young. He has shown me I can be whoever and whatever I wanted if I put my mind to it. He taught me to never give up, to always go towards my goals, and to never let other people be the reason you do not reach those goals. He has shown me how to persevere through the tough parts because it to always brighter on the other side. He has always been there for me. I know he is immensely proud of where I am today with getting into Nursing. I have so many more role models in my life. They have no idea how thankful I am for them, and I will always try my hardest to repay them for all they have done for me.
August 15, 2024 at 12:44 am
I agree with this because it is true how those role models should be the people that see you a your lowest, they help motivate you to be a better person and to strive for bigger and better things.
July 17, 2024 at 2:47 am
Ava M
Many young children have such elaborate dreams of what they will become when they are older, but for me it was very simple. My big dream has always been to become someone that can help others in such a way that will leave a lasting impact for the better.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer on February 22, 2000, and was given the most devastating news any women can receive, which was that she would not be able to have any children after her intense chemotherapy treatments. Being the strongest woman that I know, she proved all her doctors wrong, and gave birth to me exactly six years later, February 22, 2006, while in full remission.
Being inspired by my mother’s miraculous capability of being able to give birth to not only one child, but three, after being it would not be possible, has inspired me to want to help patients who are doubting their capabilities, and help them prove themselves wrong. Being a first-hand miracle child, has shaped me to believe that anyone is capable of performing the unknown or unthinkable, which is what has motivated me to try so hard not only for myself, but for all of my future patients and to prove to my mom that all of her long hours of fighting through chemotherapy and pushing through such a devastating diagnosis, has truly paid off.
July 25, 2024 at 4:57 am
Yasir T
I really like this post because I had a similar experience just like you my mother also had cancer and beat which really motivated me as well.
August 14, 2024 at 9:12 pm
This is very inspirational! That’s an amazing story to have, and an amazing source of motivation.
August 26, 2024 at 7:52 pm
This was such an amazing read! That’s great that your mom was able to beat it! This is very motivating and heroic. Thank you for sharing this story!
August 27, 2024 at 6:34 pm
John G.
it is truly incredible that your mother was capable of going through all of that. we should all hope to have as inspiring a person as your mother to look up to.
July 24, 2024 at 9:51 pm
Payton Medeiros
A belief that I have come to question is if there’s good in everyone. Before highschool, I always saw the good in everyone and always gave chance after chance no matter what because I believed in the good. Come my junior and senior year as everyone started to develop into young adults, I questioned believing the good in people. My belief was questioned when wrong information was spread about me for no reason aside from the person being hurt and choosing to take the hurt out on me. I still choose to believe the good in people until people start showing their true colors and that they would rather hurt someone for personal gain then have a good person in their life. This belief is so important not only to me but others because we never truly know people’s true intentions and they can choose to hurt you at any moment and I think we try so hard to get people to accept us in college, that sometimes our judgment can be clouded. Always remember the good and bad in people.
August 14, 2024 at 5:00 am
I agree with you I question the good in people too because too many times people get trusted and then break your trust. Like so many of my old friends I used to trust them with everything and what did they do when we had a argument they went told our friends personal stuff and started talking about me behind my back.
September 3, 2024 at 11:01 pm
Trey A
I’m sorry you went through that and had to experience someone like that. Although, it is inspiring to see you still trust the good in people first and wait to see them do something wrong to see who they really are. I hope that Umass Dartmouth can be a place where people find others who accept them, and everyone can be more inclusive and find the good in others and respect everyone they meet.
July 24, 2024 at 11:18 pm
Maelen A
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mother’s role in my life showed me how to be a strong, independent young woman. I went to my mother’s job one day as a young child and admired the work that she had done as a licensed practical nurse. While passing out trays to the patients they would tell me so many great things about her and I aspired to be exactly like that. This resulted in me wanting to go back almost everyday. I used to say “Mom, when can I go give food to the customers again?” because I didn’t know the correct words to use and she would laugh. This is something that she still brings up to this day. Usually kids grow out of a phase of what they want to be growing up, however I didn’t. That experience stuck with me deeply. My mother is truly my role model in life. She raised three kids by herself, provided and supported my siblings and I with anything that we needed. As I progressed in life, I realized that I would not be the person today without the values that my mom implemented. She taught me to be kind, but not too kind to where you disrespect yourself and your boundaries. I know that to some people hearing “you’re just like your mom” can be offensive but to me it’s an honor. I am forever grateful for her because I can use my upbringing in order to navigate the world and know how I want to raise my future children.
August 26, 2024 at 5:47 pm
I totally agree. My mother is also a nurse and I look up to her because of the way she is always putting others ahead of herself
July 25, 2024 at 4:55 am
Yasir T
Everyone has a dream that they want to accomplish. Watching people online from my home complete what I dream to do motivates me to work even harder. Growing up, I always had role models, both fictional and real. It helped motivate me to do better, to watch someone come from the bottom and rise to the top. Influencers can come in any form people you see online or people you know in your personal life, like friends and family. Always being surrounded by people who want to succeed made me want to do better and work harder.
Everything I do in life, I like to be able to look up to someone because it helps me want to chase that goal. In school, I look up to my classmates because everyone is working so hard it makes me want to do the same and try even harder. Every sport I’ve ever played, I had pros that I looked up to because they are the best of the best and make me want to join them and become one of the greats. My biggest role model is my mother, who had cancer around the start of the pandemic. I was always in constant worry about what could happen to her, which really took a toll on me mentally. Always having to worry, my mom was able to show me what real strength was because she kicked cancer’s butt and beat it. Watching my mother beat cancer and maintain a great mindset inspires me every day. Even if I’m down, I have to keep pushing and believe in myself. It’s great to have someone to look up to who keeps you motivated and gives you a goal to beat.
August 14, 2024 at 2:13 am
I found your submission to be very relatable, and I also look up to my mom greatly; she inspires me to be my greatest self.
August 14, 2024 at 7:22 pm
Anthony A
Growing up, it was just me and my mom. I went to her for everything. Needed clothes to wear? “Mom.” Needed food to eat also, “Mom.” I truly appreciate her for being such a great role model to me throughout my life.
I was born and raised in Hyannis, MA. A suburban town in Cape Cod. I went to elementary and middle school in Hyannis. While adapting to new schools I was also adapting to new places I thought would be my home. From my 3rd grade year to my 7th grade year, we were moving back and forth between my Nana’s house and Aunts house. I now realize the struggle my mother was put through trying to keep me in the school district and making sacrifices to give me a good life. Then came high school.
After my 8th grade year my mom made the decision that moving to New Bedford would be a smart choice for a fresh start. I was entering high school during the “covid” year and was terrified. I had no friends; I didn’t know how the year was going to be online. I felt isolated in my bedroom 7 hours a day with no outlet. That year was rough, but I got through with great grades and even made honors.
My first year of in-person school was the following year, I still didn’t have friends, and I was just as scary as 9th grade. I met a girl in my 3rd period science class, I didn’t notice her at first but she caught my eye when we became partners on a project. We became close friends and even started dating my 10th grade. I am still with this girl today and she has helped shape me to the person I am today. She is my role model.
September 3, 2024 at 2:23 pm
I also look up to my mother and can relate to how difficult it is to start high school virtually! But finding that person to rely on and who pushes you to keep going makes the journey a lot smoother.
August 23, 2024 at 1:37 am
i also look up to my mother greatly. she is one of the most hardworking and independent people i know, and i aspire to be like her in every way. like you said, she inspires me to keep pushing.
August 29, 2024 at 8:48 pm
I can totally relate to that. My mother is one of the most hardworking and independent people I know, and I aspire to be like her in every way. She really inspires me to keep pushing forward too.
July 26, 2024 at 5:15 am
In an age dominated by social media, the lines between role models and influencers have become increasingly blurred. Traditional, role models were individuals who exemplified admirable qualities, inspiring others to strive for greatness. They were often figures from history, arts, or sports, whose impact was measured over time. Influencers, on the other hand, are contemporary figures who cultivated a large following through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Their influence is often immediate and based on trends, fashion, and lifestyle.
As a young singer, I want to be able to be both. I want be able to influence people to good in life. But, I also want to be a role model to younger kids. I want them to view me as a older sister. Being the first born girl in my family, I felt like I needed someone to look up to growing up and now I think I’m ready to be that someone for younger girls, A good good that reminds of how good it is to be a role model would be Beyonce’s song “I was here”. In “I was here”, Beyonce spoke about wanting to be remember long after she’s gone. She wants everyone to know what she did and also what she had accomplished as an artist but more as just a person.
July 26, 2024 at 3:21 pm
I am someone that likes to help, whether at home or in any environment. Sometimes I wouldn’t do it because I didn’t feel confident. I used to have the belief that sometimes we can’t do much to help, that someone with a special skill would do better. But there’s a moment that changed my mind towards that belief and had help me to make up my mind in situations where I didn’t know how to act or what to do, It started when I was in the Dominican Republic I was about thirteen or fourteen years old I was in a river with my family and a strong current took my cousin away, He was about 15 years old and two other people who could barely stand to stay afloat in the current by holding on to the shore while the current took my cousin further and further to a place too dangerous for someone with a small swimming experience to intervene, it was a lost situation a crowded place of people but no one had made a move to save him, until a good man who didn’t even speak our language jumped into the river, swam as fast as he could to my cousin and took him to the shore and that certainly inspired me to decide what kind of person I would like to be in the future, After that happened it made me acknowledge that you don’t have to be someone with a good ability or talent to help people that needs it. I saw in it a way of making a difference.
Would you do the same?
July 28, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Aris S
A belief I had when I was younger was that my parents knew everything. My mom was and is a fantastic cook, my mom was a nurse whenever I scraped my knee. My dad was the best basketball player whenever we would play together, my dad is the type of person to always somehow know something about everything. My parents always seemed in control. This belief was challenged as I grew older, more specifically after my sister got sick. My older sister had a very serious eating disorder that had hospitalized her for months at a time. My mom was a wreck and my dad was often quiet about it and believed it was just a phase. Seeing your parents being thrown into a position like that makes it easier to see their layers. More specifically how they handle trauma. DCF had been to our home a bunch of times to see if my parents were suitable and if they were the reason she had been doing this to herself. They were not but I understand now that they were just doing their job. Being 12-13 at the time I felt pretty powerless. When in a position like that you start to observe more than act. My parents are just kids that grew older. My parents still get scared. My parents don’t know the answer everything. My sister got better and with that it seemed my parents grew deeper in their understanding of my sister.
August 5, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Lauren B
I believe in the power of family. Since I first learned the concept of mom, dad, and sister, I immediately recognized the power of our connection. I identified that the crinkle in my moms eyebrow when she laughed, was a trait I inherited. That the color in my dads eyes reflected back to me in the mirror, and the clothes my sister had since outgrown laid upon my skin. Though the superficial traits passed down from my family were a symbol of our connection, the most valuable lessons they taught me were shown in their day to day actions.
My mom’s nurturing behavior taught me the importance of caring for others.
My dad’s dependability taught me the importance of showing up for others when they need me.
My sister’s loyalty taught me the importance of commitment to myself and others.
Having my family act as role models has shaped me into the person I am today. I constantly try to care for others like my mom has taught me. I make it a priority to help those I care for when they need me. I always stick to my own beliefs and values even if others may not agree with me.
I began to recognize that surrounding yourself with people who can act as role models to you is important. With their help, you can see how to treat yourself and others. You may also learn what not to do. Overall, having positive role models in my life has shaped me into who I am today.
August 15, 2024 at 4:39 pm
I found your post very relatable. I also am very close with my family and believe they have helped me become who I am today.
August 31, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Lauren,
I thought your post about family and role models was truly inspiring and thoughtful. I think it’s a great asset to have positive role models in your life.
September 3, 2024 at 5:18 pm
I can relate to this because at the end of the day I believe you should keep your family close because they are your number one support system and they always want the best for you. And when they are positive role models in your life you are learning how to navigate through life in a healthy way.
August 9, 2024 at 2:54 am
Vainavi Shrestha
Public speaking equals goosebumps and nervousness! When it’s time for Public Speaking, nobody is confident and no one wants to go to the podium. People sweat, have butterflies in their tummies, and think about the worst situation. No one is a born leader and a public speaker. As Michelle Obama says it’s all about Practice. Practice makes people perfect. You will make mistakes but you will overcome that fear.
It is nerve-wracking speaking in front of a huge crowd about any topic. To be an anchor and host a show. Wow! Hats off to them. Celebrities like Trevor Noah, and Oprah Winfrey, speak in front of thousands of people. I am a big fan. Wonder, how they do it?
In today’s world, public speaking and communication skills are integral parts of our career development. You don’t have to be an extrovert to public speak however you need to be able to know about the subject and deliver the presentation calmly. These are important soft skills you need in the long run.
Public speaking is one of my pet peeves and biggest fear. It is certainly out of my comfort zone but to be successful in life, I attempted to try it. I am shy and a good listener but that does not excuse me from public speaking. Mistake happens and you learn from your failure and move on.
My mother has been my biggest inspiration regarding this matter. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to chase my dream. Right after my high school graduation, the school offered a free public speaking class. Though reluctant and unsure, I joined this class. I have done a couple of sessions and enjoying it now. Attending and speaking in front of my classmates have uplifted my confidence and trust. It has helped me overcome my fear of talking to people and sharing my views. It is important to have a positive and supportive role model. Though we have disagreements, my mother has always been on my side. Looking back is not my forte!!
August 11, 2024 at 12:33 am
Abeer Z
When I think of someone I admire, my mind instantly goes to my mother. Her life has been a series of challenges, yet she has faced them all with unwavering strength and resilience. Growing up in Pakistan, her days began before the sun rose, with the roosters crowing as if mocking her early rise. While her brothers remained in bed, she was already up, preparing breakfast, tidying the house, and making sure her younger siblings were taken care of. By the time they awoke, their lunches were packed, and she was ready to walk them to school, only to return home later and help with groceries from the local stalls.
Her wardrobe was sparse, and her shoes were often worn out, but she never let that deter her from her duties. She never complained about what she lacked but instead focused on making sure her siblings were cared for. This was her daily life, a life she never chose but embraced with all her heart.
My mother has always worked tirelessly to ensure that my siblings and I have a better life than she did. She makes sure we have the best shoes to play in, toys to enjoy, and opportunities she never had. It’s not that anyone is to blame; it’s just the way things were in the culture she was brought up in. Despite the limitations, my mother’s parents gave her and her siblings as much as they could, even though it meant marrying her off at 18 without even knowing her husband’s name. This was the norm in Pakistan, a reality she had no choice but to accept.
As life went on, my father often came home late, managing his business, while my mother stayed home, cooking, cleaning, and shuttling us to our after-school activities. She was always the one to step up, learning to drive on her own so she could take us wherever we needed to go. My mother is the strongest person I know, having faced challenges that many would find unimaginable.
Because of her experiences, she naturally strives to make my siblings and me stronger, ready to handle whatever life throws our way. When we were younger, my sisters and I were taught the importance of household chores. At first, it was frustrating, but now, I am grateful. I know how to cook, clean, and take care of myself, all thanks to my mother. She has prepared me for life in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.
One of the most significant gifts my mother has given me is the freedom to choose my path, something she never had. She never had the opportunity to pursue an education or follow her dreams, and she didn’t want the same for me. Even though I was reluctant to go to college at first, my mother insisted. She wanted to make sure that I could take care of myself and earn a living if life took an unexpected turn.
After reflecting on her advice for a few years, I’ve come to see the wisdom in her words. College is a gateway to a better life, a way to secure a future for myself and my family. If I ever need to, I want to be able to earn for my family and give my future children the opportunities they deserve.
In everything I do, I carry my mother’s strength, resilience, and love with me. She is the person who has shaped me into who I am today, and I will always be grateful for her guidance and sacrifice. My mother is more than just someone I look up to; she is my hero, my inspiration, and the reason I strive to be the best version of myself every day.
August 12, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Haden F.
When you meet someone, there are many things you see. You see their facial structure, the shape of their body, the way they walk, how they speak, how they carry themself. However, when you admire someone, the way you view them is entirely different. You notice beyond the surface. When I think of the person I look up to, I see him as a whole. How he can overcome when times are difficult, how he can persevere and stay calm through his biggest challenges. How he is diligent yet devoted in his everyday life. How he fair minded to others.
My older brother is the man I have looked up to. Even through all the rough arguments and disagreements, even when things seemed unfair to me. I saw through his tough actions to the end. Without him I wouldn’t be who I am today. My life would be different if I didn’t have someone to guide me through the hardships of life and how to see there insignificance in the grand scheme.
When growing up people saw him as a person who was careless and rebellious. In other words I learned what not to do by watching his mistakes in life. As he grew older he changed his ways dramatically. He gained wisdom from his years of being a mischievous youth.
I believe without having someone to either look up to or aspire not to be, people don’t have as much motivation to do well. My brother has shown me both sides. To have the good qualities and leave the others behind. Whats your motivation, who pushes you to be the best version of yourself? Do you want to be just like them? Or just the opposite?
August 17, 2024 at 1:55 pm
I completely agree, and having an older sibling as a role model is so much more than just some you look up to. You get to see the real version of themselves, the struggles, the successes, and so many more. Compared to a celebrity or a fictional character whom you have never met face to face to truly know the person
August 13, 2024 at 2:36 am
Alannah B.
One thing that made me completely change my view on the world is when my uncle passed away. My uncle was one of the most fun and loving people that existed in this world. He made me realize that you don’t know who you have impacted in your life until you are gone. When my family was at his funeral, we realized just how many people he truly impacted. More and more kept showing up and we had no clue who any of them were. They told us stories about how my uncle impacted their lives. You truly do not realize the impact you have on somebody else’s life until it is too late for them to say thank you. The more you talk to people and be empathetic the more people will like you. Growing up in a world where cyberbullying exists, the easiest thing to do is to be nice to people. My whole family has always believed in “Treat people the way you want to be treated”. My uncle was always the biggest shower of this. Every memory that I have with him is positive. The more you give into the universe, the more you can take out. People do not realize how easy it is to be kind to each other. I tell this story about my uncle to people who are important to me. The reason I share this story now is because it is important for people to be kind to each other. I hope one day I can impact many peoples lives in a positive way just like he did.
August 13, 2024 at 4:53 pm
Anthony P.
I believe that everybody has a role model growing up especially through their childhood years because those characteristics make who you are today. A certain person that I looked up to through my childhood was my sister. One thing I noticed from my sister is that she always encountered problems through her stage of growing up. but she didn’t feel the need to quit through the hard problems. Instead she faced them and kept progressing on the better things and achieved certain goals in her life and continuing. That really changed my mindset growing up and i develop to face problems at a young age getting my education in a predominantly all white school throughout my life also learning the difference in society at a young age it really strengthen my mindset before middle school and high school till this day i carry that lesson in my head everyday knowing you can’t just quit when something doesn’t go your way in life you have to fight for every opportunity you get. Another reason why I chose my sister as my role model is because we have both faced the same problems and she always had a solution. I look at her as the opposite version of Me. She was always supportive through my biggest goals and I’m so grateful that she’s guiding Me through this process we call life. Eventually I will fulfill my goals and aspirations one day. Another thing my sister always said “take it day by day and you will find your true purpose in life it only takes time ” The young me wouldn’t even take that into consideration not knowing the meaning behind those words but as i figure out later on through my high school years i realized the meaning behind it all.
August 14, 2024 at 1:45 am
I loved you story, I really relate as I’ve always looked up to my father, he’s such a hard working guy and his put his all on the line for are family. It’s amazing to have someone to look up to.
August 13, 2024 at 8:28 pm
Owen B
Growing up everyone looks up to at least one person, usually a family member, a close friend, or a famous person. For me that person was my older brother. Growing up my brother was always there for me anytime I needed him, he was always there, just like a built in best friend. I can remember as a kid looking up to him for everything. Being two years younger than him, I was able to see how it was to be older and that was all I wanted, just to be like him. With anything I did I wanted to impress him, whether that was showing him how far I could kick the ball or trying to do the same things as him showing him I was just as good. Watching and looking up to him I was able to see him at his best and worst and nothing stopping him. I always thought nothing could stop him, it was like he was indestructible. Having him growing up was the best thing that could’ve happened to me and really shaped me into the person I am today. Having someone to look up to, a good influence is very good for you. Realizing that makes me be a better person and always be the best I can be. It pushes me to do my absolute best all the time because I know one day someone will be looking up to me. That is why having a good role model in life is always so important.
August 13, 2024 at 8:53 pm
Timothy Z
Every day, I receive multiple texts from my friend Brodie starting each with his signature “Hey buddy!” Whether he is sharing his favorite balloons or the history of marbles, his messages never fail to brighten my day. Brodie, who was a premature baby and has special needs, became my friend in middle school and his love for life and compassion were evident from the start. Brodie never let me sit alone at lunch and did not care that I was not one of the “cool” kids, he only cared that we were buddies.
In high school I joined the football team, and after every game, Brodie was there to congratulate me. As homecoming approached, I was not excited about it, however, Brodie’s infectious enthusiasm convinced me to go, and we ended up having a blast dancing and taking pictures.
While in school, Brodie would check in with me twice daily, sharing his excitement about school and his life. His optimism transformed my view of the school day from a long dreadful grind to a series of bright moments. When prom approached, I was not looking forward to it, but Brodie’s excitement persuaded me to attend. We had an incredible time and the next day he talked my ear off about how much fun he had with me.
My mom has always said, “Life is like a zip line. You can either climb down and regret it or jump and take the chance.” Brodie lives by this philosophy, never letting his disability hold him back. His fearlessness has inspired me to embrace life, take chances, and be more extroverted. Brodie’s friendship has made me realize I need to live in the moment and cherish the little things. As life moves forward, Brodie will continue to inspire me, and I will look forward to seeing his “Hey buddy text pop up on my phone. Even though most people would not realize, Brodie is my role model.
August 26, 2024 at 7:42 pm
This was beautifully written. This story is inspiring and eye opening, such a great way to reflect the lessons that can be taken from those around us. As I read it, I thought of some of the “Brodies” in my life and was handed a wonderful reminder of how encouraging our enthusiastic, fearless friends can be.
August 27, 2024 at 12:15 am
It’s great that a kid that is seen as a burden to others is a role model for you. Kids like Brodie have such pure hearts and don’t get distracted by the negative things in life. You both learned and grew from each other and that is the most important part of friendships.
August 31, 2024 at 2:42 am
Wow this is very inspirational! I also have a role model similar to yours. His name is Matt, and we call him Matty Soups for short because he does a soup review every day for lunch as his signature.
August 14, 2024 at 2:17 am
Adriana G
A belief of mine that has newly developed is the phrase that “everything will be alright.” I believe the words are quite common and often heard; it is essentially used when somebody in distress is comforted by another. Many things along the journey of life can sometimes make us frustrated, confused, scared, worried, etc. In these moments, it’s hard to believe other people’s words when they tell us it will all be okay. When life can’t seem to go my way, I usually turn to someone in my life, that person being my mom. Since I was a child, my mom has been my rock through thick and thin, and luckily, I chose the right person in my life to look up to. Over the past few years, I’ve seen my mom go through rocky rollercoasters that have noticeably taken a toll on her. The loss of her mother, separation from my father, and then experiencing another heartbreak after having found love again are only a few of the hardships that she has had to cope with. My mother has shown me her strength by continuously growing and finding happiness despite her gut-wrenching experiences. Watching these moments unfold in her life has taught me something about mine. As I’ve experienced more difficult situations in recent years like losing friends, harsh breakups, and my grandparents passing away, I can now believe it when someone tells me that everything will be alright because of my mom. This belief is fundamental to me because now when a conflict arises, I can take a step back and think to myself that this isn’t going to be the end of the world for me. As I see it, I think everyone should lead a life with this phrase in the back of their heads. No matter what age or stage of life you may be entering, it’s always good to remind yourself that things won’t always be bad. Life will never fail to place challenges for you, but it’s how you choose to approach and handle them that will determine your outcome.
September 3, 2024 at 9:53 pm
Adriana,
I completely agree with you! Staying on your path and moving forward despite obstacles is an important milestone for everyone. Sometimes life can be hard but there is always a future!
August 14, 2024 at 2:53 am
T Lennox
After my teammates and I played in out last high school football game in the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium, I realized how we got that far. Since I was 4 years old I have played sports. I have been on so many different teams and have played many different sports. The first things that comes to my mind when I think of the word team is teamwork, respect, dedication and family. I learned at a young age that it takes a team to win games and not just 1 person. Teamwork is working together to achieve a certain goal. It promotes sharing of ideas, techniques and knowledge and it helps other teammates to learn and gain better experience. Having respect for your teammates and coaches is a must. You are to treat them with consideration and dignity and they are to do the same to you. Respect builds trust and safety and it is important to treat your teammates with respect. Dedication is a learned trait and it is not something athletes are born with. Athletes learn this over time through hard work. Dedication shows how much the athlete cares about the sport and their team. Working together to achieve a goal is important to me. Although we lost the Super Bowl we gained so much more. My teammates are my brothers for life. We respect each other, we worked together at the same goals and we dedicated ourselves to our team. Teamwork isn’t just in sports it is a part of every day life. People need to work together to get good results.Are you willing to be a good teammate?
August 14, 2024 at 11:41 pm
Very good. I was an athlete myself, and all the things you learn from it. It could be on or off the field, but I believe it really shapes the person you are today.
August 14, 2024 at 5:52 am
Cole J.
For as long as I have been alive, I have looked up to my father. His hard work and dedication is something that has always pushed me forward, showing me how life can treat you if you try hard enough. He grew up in a household without a father of his own, and troublesome relationships with his siblings. His lackluster effort and troubled home life led him to being a terrible student, and effectively barred him from attending any traditional college. This, however, is where he turned himself around. He began to attend a motorcycle college, where he learned all he could. Many would see bike repair as somewhat of a low end job, but my father was the best at what he did, and was able to support my family for quite some time. That was until he got sick. He would suffer from 2 strokes and an aneurysm due to a parasitic infection. Many doctors wrote him off, saying there was nothing to be done, but my family fought. Eventually he would recover. Barely able to walk, he came home. He was unable to work, and had brain damage. He fought through physical therapy, seizures, mountains of medication, and eventually brought back his old self. He proceeded to then earn a job at Pratt and Whitney building jet engines, on nothing more than an associates degree and hard work. My belief is that there aren’t enough people like my father in the world. There aren’t enough people who will work that hard not only for themselves, but for others. I strive to be as hardworking as my father, for myself, my family, and my community. I hope, more than anything, that my fathers story helps encourage you to do the same.
August 14, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Elaine S.
Belief is a tricky thing; it’s often easier to pursue another’s beliefs than our own, and this can lead to shifts in your own perspectives. At least, that’s been my experience.
Throughout high school, I moved between various friend groups, each distinctly different from the others. One group, in particular, remains etched in my memory. I found myself altering my own identity to fit in, like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit. I laughed at jokes that made me uncomfortable, listened to music I didn’t like, all in an effort to belong. Although I initially liked these friends, getting to know them better made me realize I was imprisoning myself within a role I had created.
One girl from this group, whom I had become very close to before sophomore year, encouraged me to join the group. She was energetic, loud, and unapologetically herself. I admired her confidence and wanted a friend like that, the role model I needed. We had all our classes together, and initially, it was great. However, over time, the traits I once admired began to grate on me.
She had a way of making private matters public, using them to her advantage. Her loudness and exaggerated behavior started to intimidate me. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing, constantly walking on eggshells. Soon I began to dislike who I was becoming around her. The person I had been before, the one I felt comfortable with, seemed lost.
Eventually, I distanced myself from her, blocking her on every platform I could. Despite this, I struggled to reconnect with my true self after having lived so long in a role that wasn’t mine. It felt as though I was still piecing myself back together.
Over the last two years of high school, I gradually rebuilt my identity. I realized that I wasn’t meant to fit into a specific mold; I was meant to be myself. This journey underscored a crucial belief: accountability is not just about meeting others expectations but also about being true to oneself. It’s challenging when both personal and external expectations shift but finding the courage to align with your own values and authenticity is a profound and liberating realization.
I leave you with this thought, have you distinguished between parts of yourself that are truly authentic and those that have been shaped by external pressures?
September 4, 2024 at 1:14 am
I am happy that you were able to become the person you want to be instead of morphing your personality for others!
August 14, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Throughout my life, many people have guided and encouraged me both academically and personally, helping to shape a better future for me. My parents, siblings, friends, and teachers have all played crucial roles in supporting my journey and helping me reach my goals. I believe that aligning plans, goals, and dreams is important for achieving a stable and fulfilling future. Social media influencers also provide motivation by showing that persistence and hard work pay off. Observing people from similar backgrounds achieve their dreams gives me confidence that I can accomplish my own goals as well.
Recently, I’ve taken up going to the gym, and the positive influence of friends who share their fitness journeys online has been a great source of inspiration. Their dedication encourages me to push myself, both physically and mentally, and to stay committed to my fitness goals.
My aunts, who are both nurses, have been significant role models for me. Although I initially aspired to become a pediatrician, I decided to shift my focus to accounting. Seeing how my aunts have built stable and comfortable lives through hard work and dedication motivates me to strive for success in my own career. I am determined to excel as an accountant and eventually open my own businesses, with plans to expand and grow in the future.
Additionally, my sister’s success and courage in her career continually inspire me. Her achievements and determination drive me to push beyond my limits and aim for a successful and fulfilling life. Her example reminds me that with perseverance and hard work, I can achieve my aspirations and create a comfortable and prosperous future for myself.
August 15, 2024 at 4:13 am
This was amazing!!! Great Job
August 29, 2024 at 2:13 am
My parents, family, friends, coaches and teachers have always supported and encouraged me academically and personally. I think everyone needs a role model to look up to and get support from.
August 14, 2024 at 8:33 pm
Connor L
I can confidently say that other people have impacted my life and changed me for the better, and no one has had more of an impact than my Environmental Science teacher in high school. He instilled into me the value of not just becoming knowledgeable yourself, but sharing that knowledge with others to raise up everyone around you so that change can be made. Before meeting him, I only really focused on myself when it came to school. As long as I was learning, I didn’t really worry about other people and how difficult classes were for them. From Mr. Kane, my teacher, I was taught the value of the group when it comes to knowledge. The main reason that this idea was brought up in class was because it was about environmental science, which is a field that, in order for real progress to be achieved, needs the effort of a large number of people. With just one really smart guy working alone, although the ideas might be better on some levels, they end up falling short on achieving any real change. This belief is important to me not only because it was taught to me by the most influential person in my life, but because it changed my life path from being one of work centered around myself to work centered around working with others to achieve a goal. The influences of this value can be seen in my daily school life now. Rather than being by myself in classes and separating work from friends, I now value sharing in our work, where if anyone struggles I help them to understand the topic and not just give them the answer.
August 14, 2024 at 9:10 pm
LindseyM
I find my biggest source of inspiration in Jesus Christ, he is my role model in all things. But I also see his light through a very important person in my life, my Dad. One of the most devoted and faithful Catholics I have ever known, my Dad has taught me so much about life and my faith through is actions. A time in my life that made me see how much I looked up to my Dad was in the fall of 2021. My Dad caught Covid and became very sick. This was definitely a slap in the face kind of moment that forced me to think about how thankful I should be to be in good health and to appreciate the wonderful parents that I have. Something as serious as my Dad being hospitalized was very hard for me to cope with and my life has changed because of it. I saw how he stayed positive and pushed through all the hospital visits, countless procedures, and tests. Thinking back on when all of this was happening, I know that the experience motivated me to try and live a life where I take nothing for granted and appreciate every moment, because you never know what is coming.
While God’s and my Dad have been the most prominent role models in my life, little things like a movie scene or a sunset can have the same life changing importance. To have family and friends, to be able to enjoy life, and experience new things, these are all motivators for me. These are the experiences that I think back on when I am feeling down. However, I try not to undermine the beauty of a memory, a scenic view, a friend, or a loved one and how these simple moments also motivate me. They never fail to remind me how blessed I am and to push me forward into whatever is coming next. Drawing motivation from God, significant times in my life, and simple moments every day, I find the reasons why I have to keep trying my best every day.
August 14, 2024 at 10:40 pm
Austin L
When people say they have a role model, it is someone that they look up too and want to resemble that person as much as possible. I look up to my dad, however being able to resemble him is much harder then it seems. I am aware that I am still young and have plenty of years for mistakes and triumphs and to grow, however I am locked in a mindset where I believe achieving as much as he does is near impossible. He is the most hardworking and smartest person I know, and he does everything for our family and close friends. Everyone turns to him for support and is knowledgeable in any field you task him with. He is known by everyone and is able to run multiple businesses at once and I don’t get how he can do it. His mind is always thinking and everybody turns to him when they have questions because he has the answers. His phone never stops ringing, and he has to tackle so many scenarios and problems a day. Along with this he provides the people he cares about with whatever they want, because he does all of this for us. Being his son, I feel lots of pressure when talking about family businesses and being the next generation up, because I don’t believe that I will be able to do half as much or be half has knowledgeable as he is with everything. However that just taught me that maybe having a role model isn’t just someone that people want to become, but maybe being motivated by their impact on themselves, to become the best you as you can be, and impact others, just as much as they have impacted you.
August 14, 2024 at 11:38 pm
People have guided and inspired me physically and mentally for a better future. My family, siblings, friends, and teachers played a huge role in shaping me and helping me throughout life. Making goals and planning how to do them is important for having a successful future. As I go further in life, social media influencers are helping me change my life for the better.
When I go on social media; I see influencers go to the gym and make themselves feel and look better. This made me go to the gym and start eating well to better myself. When I see others better themselves; it makes me more motivated to do it because I see others could do it.
My sister is currently in school studying to become an engineer. She will be getting a lot of money from her job, and she will be living a very stable life. This made me feel motivated and passionate about wanting to go into the engineering field. I would like it because it’s challenging and fun. Also, I am competitive, and I want to show my sister that I can do it too.
Now that I look back at all this; role models and influencers shape and impact our lives even if we don’t notice it. I believe that your life will be majorly affected by the people you surround yourself with and the people you look up to. That’s why I make sure that the people I watch and talk to are good influences.
August 15, 2024 at 12:12 am
Ciera Demelo
As a teenager growing up in the years in which social media has grown into the phenomenon that it is now, the complex nature of its influence on the world today will change the world forever. In our generation, we were immediately thrown an iPad or a tablet to play on, instead of learning with books and toys. It’s common for kids nowadays to be glued to a phone or sucked into the reality of the online world. It is statistically proven that teeangers who are actively on social media are more likely to develop sleep disorders, eating disorders and mental health disorders. In my personal beliefs, social media has changed the way teenagers and young adults view themselves. Social media influencers portray a life that is not what it truly seems. You see influencers everywhere who seem to be prettier, fitter and happier, and you can’t help but think badly about yourself. You begin to compare yourselves to everyone and everything you see online until it becomes an ongoing habit to where it’s difficult to be comfortable in your own skin. I want to emphasize on how social media can lead to bad habits in this generation especially adolescents that are entering their teenage years as social media is all they know. I wish we grew up in a society where social media was less compared and more uplifting. Instead of bragging about how you look or what you have, influencers can appreciate what they have and inspire others, especially those who are younger.
August 15, 2024 at 12:40 am
Arbab J
Everyone has role models in their lives, for some people it’s their parents, athletes, music artists, and even youtubers. Everyone at some point in their lives is inspired by someone else and wants to be like that person. Having a role model is important as it helps you find out who you are and helps build your character. For a lot of people it helps having someone you can look up to and think to yourself “I want to be like that person”. This helps us shape ourselves and put together who or what we want to be in our lives. They help you realize what goals you want in your life and help you by motivating you to pursue those goals. For lots of people they look up to their favorite athletes or favorite music artists but for me personally I have always looked up to my parents. They have helped me so greatly in my life up until this point that even if I become a successful person in my life I still feel like I haven’t repaid them for what they have done for me. I have watched my parents work day and night for me and my little brother to provide for us a better life than they had for themselves. So we wouldn’t have to go through that kind of struggle in our lives. I really feel like they were the greatest role models I could have had in my life as they have taught me many things in my life that have helped me become the person I am today. They have also always supported me in anything I have ever wanted to from any sports I wanted to play to whatever interests I showed in school subjects. It is truly a blessing to have them be my parents and I hope I can continue to make them proud in the future.
August 15, 2024 at 12:42 am
Cayden B
Throughout my entire life there have been so many people that have encouraged and have pushed me to be the best person that I could ever be. I am so thankful for all of those people for helping create the person I have become today. Role models have huge effects on people whether you believe it or not. I think that one of the best role models that you could ever have is your family. No matter who it is in your family you always want to be like them when you grow up. For me it has always been my Mom, Dad, and Brothers. They have always been there for me throughout my high and lows in life. I can’t even begin to thank them for all that they have done. You always want to look up to someone in your life because you inspire to be them. My role models are always there for me and even if you don’t know your role model just know that they are doing what they are doing to teach the youth. Not only can our family be our role models, it can be any influencer, any artist, anyone that you want it to be. It comes down to how well that they teach you lessons and how much you would like to be like them or model your life after. This doesn’t mean that you have to copy your life by them, it just means that you can have the same morals and same work ethic, etc. Thank you for letting me share my role models with you and how they have affected my life positively.
August 15, 2024 at 2:31 am
To me, Role models are the people who shape who you are as a member of your community. They can influence every single factor about a person, even if they do not know it. Every person in a community has a person they look up to, someone they aspire to be, or someone they appreciate for being there. Those are role models, even if they might not know it. Every role model influences those around them to change. Role models, be they peers, teachers, parents, or just people, shape the people and communities they participate in. One of my role models who exemplifies this is my high school theater teacher. From him, I gained much of how I now work with my peers. He taught me how to work and communicate with a group of people, even if I might disagree with them. He was also the bedrock for the entire theater community during our time recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. He worked tirelessly to ensure our department, our theater community, did not become a thing of the past. That is how a role model directly influenced me and my community. He was directly involved and his actions are what made a difference. Furthermore, a role model might more subtly influence someone. For me, this had to be my grandfather. He has always pushed me to be the best person I can be, supporting me to explore the world for myself. This is how role models have influenced my life, this is how role models influence their communities, and the people in them, for the better.
August 15, 2024 at 3:27 am
Brianna M.
Even at the time of writing this piece I think of my mom as the most influential person in my life. Not only is she caring and hardworking, but she is one of my closest friends and strongest supporters.
If you ask everyone who knows me and my mom personally, then they will tell you that me and her have the same individual traits. We are both kind, determined, authoritive, and sometimes overthink but we are both honest and only want the best in life. I can proudly say that my mom is the reason for me wanting to pursue a career in the medical field. Ever since I was in third grade, I have always wanted to be a nurse and would always dress the part when it came to show and tell (I mean who wouldn’t!). During high school, I had the chance to partake in a career and technical program focusing on becoming a CNA. With this program, I wanted to gain general knowledge of the healthcare profession as well as make my mom proud of me being so attentive in my education. Not only did I get an early start on education that will help me with nursing school, but I was able to do clinical work at both a hospital and nursing home my senior year, that really helped open my eyes to how much I wanted to care for people who need medical attention. What made this experience all worth it was being able to work alongside my mom in the hospital setting with my classmates and really grasp how both demanding and compassionate nurses can be. Although my mom cannot share information outside of work due to HIPPA, she always speaks highly of how much she loves caring for everyone she encounters daily, even her patients tell her how much they love her. Given my mom’s inspiration I am now a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home in Fall River continuously gaining more skills that will be beneficial to my education here at Umass Dartmouth.
When I hear the term “like father like daughter” from family, I like to think of the term as “like mother like daughter”(even though I look more like my father) when thinking about me and my moms bond. Now it makes me wonder, “who is the influential or role model in your life?”.
August 15, 2024 at 10:46 pm
great job!!!
August 16, 2024 at 2:25 am
I think that it’s amazing the close bond you have with your mom, and how you want to follow in her footsteps!!
August 15, 2024 at 3:33 am
Kavelyn C.
Something that completely changed my view on the world and life itself is when my grandfather passed away. He was one of the most loving and caring people I could think of and probably that existed in this world and my biggest role model. He made me realize that you cant take life for granted and u never know when your time is up in this world. Since his death my family hasn’t been the same but I still appreciate the knowledge and lessons he left with me behind. Throughout my whole life he was always there for me physically and emotionally. My grandfathers hard work and dedication was always something that has always pushed me forward and to look at life in a different aspect. Learned to appreciate life and everything I have because he did and I hope everyone can as well.
August 15, 2024 at 3:54 am
Emelia R
As I approach my upcoming journey into college, I have been reflecting a great deal on the past eighteen years and all of the people, experiences and lessons that have positively guided and influenced my life. Today, in anticipation of the significant transition into college, it has forced me to become more introspective about myself, my personal qualities and the values that will best serve me as an upcoming nursing student and citizen within a new community. When answering the question who in my life has been a positive influence, I think of my father. He is a man of very strong character and pride. My father is someone who models approaching life, particularly changes with a strong sense of purpose, direction and motivation. Through his modeling and the messages of “showing up in your life” with a sense of purpose have deeply resonated with me.
My father’s influence helped me persevere and overcome the challenges of moving through the global pandemic. I overcame the isolative days of quarantine, at home learning, the loss of in person interactions with friends and holiday traditions with family. I could have become withdrawn and sad. Instead, I took the opportunity to spend more time engaging with my family, particularly with my father. We took long walks to White Horse Beach and on those walks I learned more about him as a person and not just as my ‘dad.’ I learned what was at the root of his shared messages. I listened to his stories about how he overcame adversity of losing his own father at a young age and the challenges he faced as an Operation Iraqi war Veteran. During these conversations, I began to reflect and better understand. The messages were really about resilience and bravery during times when you may experience doubt and fear of the unknown. It was also about getting into the arena and being motivated.
August 15, 2024 at 4:13 am
One belief I have significantly questioned and developed overtime is that success is solely by individual achievement. Growing up, I was often told that personal accolades and individual accomplishments were the markers of success. However, a series of events during my high-school years led me to rethink this through. One particular event that stands out to me was when me and my friends went to a local park for a community service project for our college applications.
However as we worked alongside diverse groups of people, I began to see the profound impact of collective effort. The sense of community, the shared goals and everyone working together were powerful. It wasn’t just about what I could achieve on my own, but what we could accomplish together.
Additionally, my involvement in the art community, where issues of inclusion, collectivity, and power sharing are paramount. Seeing how diverse perspectives and shared power can lead to more inclusive and innovative outcomes made me realize that true success often comes from working together and lifting each other up.
This belief is important as I enter college because it shapes my approach to learning and collaboration. I now understand that success is not just about personal milestones but also about contributing to and growing with a community. This mindset will guide me in my academic pursuits and beyond, as I strive to make a meaningful impact through collective effort. In essence, the journey from individualism to a belief in the power of community has been transformative, and it is this belief that will drive me to seek out and create opportunities for collective success in college and in life.
August 15, 2024 at 5:49 pm
Cam C
During my life, I have heard the phrase, “trust no one” numerous times. It was a belief that I kept as there were instances in my life where people proved that I should stand on that belief. But my belief was challenged when I reconnected with my best friend after life made us drift apart. To me, trust no one simply meant never let anyone in, keep everything to yourself, and keep your guard up. After a series of events that left me feel alone even in a room full of people, I was left questioning the past six months of my life. A time where I felt trapped with all my bad experiences on a constant loop. Until my best friend stepped up to constantly make sure I was okay, listen to any lecture I had, keeping those lectures private and never bad mouthing me when everyone else said they were sick of hearing about it. She changed my belief, she showed me that you can trust people. She proved that trust can be found and it exists. This belief is important because we as people can’t handle all the stresses of life alone. It is important to trust someone, it is important to have companionship and people in our lives to lean on during difficult times. “Trust no one” is still a belief I hold, as many are untrustworthy but my best friend managed to challenge and alter that belief through her kindness and presence. Her influence would go on to change my belief system in so many ways but especially in this. Some may be open to trust and quickly be let down. While some may have their guard up due to bad experiences, but there are still people out there that are worthy of our trust and existence. How are we supposed to navigate this crazy thing called life without the support, connection, or trust of others?
August 15, 2024 at 6:13 pm
Chris s
Some know, but many may not understand the true volume of impact a good or bad role model can have on someone’s life. As a child the people and what they’re doing around have had influence on who you are today. In my life my strongest role model would have to be my father. Ive witnessed him go through hardships and tackle problems that seemed nearly impossible all while not forgetting to pick me and my siblings up from wherever we are and making sure there is food to eat and we are doing all right. He is a hard worker and in recent years took a leap of faith to chase his dreams and has succeeded. My father isn’t perfect and he would be the first to admit that but he is a strong believer in christ and can put his pride aside to ask for forgiveness from anybody whom he may have hurt.
For a young person I think that it is very important to have a good role model in your life/ someone that you look up to and want to be like. even if it is someone you see on TV, a good image of who you want to take after can be a driving force for you to make the right decisions in life and work hard. The people you have around you can also influence your life. It is important that you watch who you keep around you and make sure that they are impacting your life for the positive not the negative.
August 15, 2024 at 8:05 pm
Aderlis C.
Sometimes, I can’t help but feel that my dreams are too big. From battling homelessness to fleeing my home country, life has placed every possible hurdle in my direction. During my senior year of high school, my dad got very sick, and I became his main caretaker. Every cent my family made went straight to paying for his treatments. While my friends were out prom dress shopping, I was carrying him to his physical therapy appointments. While they were having sleepovers, I was crying myself to sleep, wondering how I could leave him like this when I left for school. That was two years ago. It took a lot for me to apply to college this year. I think a part of me just feels ashamed that I’ll be older than most of my classmates. But then I remember my dad’s in a similar boat. My father doesn’t speak English, not a lick of it. He worked grueling hours to secure a visa for my mom and me, and everything we have is because of him. My dad just started college last year at 51 years old, and that’s the reason I decided to put my pride aside and apply. Time will pass you by regardless, so spend it doing something worthwhile. It’s never too late.
August 15, 2024 at 8:57 pm
Vanelix R
When many children get asked “who’s your role model” growing up they would usually say their favorite superhero or any cartoon. As we get older we realize that role models can be anyone and not just someone with powers or on tv, they can be someone in your everyday life. My role model has always been my mother. She didn’t grow up having both parents in her life and moved out at a young age. She has always told me since I was younger to “always go after your dream” she said “You could do anything you put your mind and effort into” and that she will always support me. My mother didn’t go to college because she had no one to guide her in that direction so she made sure I did, so I can have the best future. My mother is a nurse and she has worked so hard to get to where she is right now and I am so proud of her because seeing all of her hard work has really shown me the importance of my mother to me in many aspects of life. Working since the age of 14 until now, I’ve watched as she’s sacrificed and worked to provide for us children day in and day out improving herself for us as she’d like to say. There’s many aspects & perspectives. Seeing this helps me to see the importance of working hard towards goals as I watched my mother do and as she always tells me to do. I can say at a very young age this has become very eye opening to see what a little determination can do for someone.
August 15, 2024 at 10:45 pm
There are a lot of people i have looked up to that made me a better person physically and mentally. My mom and my dad brought me up and taught me how to be the best person i can be and showed me the way to life. Watching videos on my favorite athletes like Lebron James, Usain Bolt, Simone Biles, and Patrick Mahomes made me learn how to play sports the correct way and pushed me to be better so I could be like them one day. On tiktok I follow this one guy that makes gym videos and I lift so i can be in his shape or even better than he is. I would always want to learn how to do a backflip my whole life until I started watching the Olympics and watched how Simone Biles would flip, and I told myself I’m going to learn how to do this. Then I went outside and learned how to do it in a couple of ours now. My sister and brother are going to school here at Umass Dartmouth and they always had better grades then me, so that pushed me seeing them get better grades then me soi tried to keep up with them and try to have better grades then them so I could brag I’m the smartest. Good role models and influencers have a huge impact on your life, they can guide you to success and helping you build who you are as a person.
August 15, 2024 at 11:20 pm
Samkhann Nhem Jr
There comes a point in time where you are under a jealous state upon an influencer you saw on a platform. When I was in my single digits of age, I always thought that you would have the happiest life if you were famous on any media platform. I couldn’t help thinking about it, nothing changed my mind however, as I got older and became more mature. I slowly start to reduce in the belief. People don’t realize how much different your life is compared to some “high rich” end influencer. Yes the influencers can post about all the good about their lives but they will never post about the negatives in their lives.
Keeping this belief will keep eating you up inside and could cause you to perform some actions that are not intended to hurt others around you. I’ve heard some influencers dropped their friends because of an awareness act the friend had, later for them to realize they made the most horrible mistake and could never forgive themselves for it. A person could hide that guilt just for their fans to not cause chaos across the media.
In reality you should not be ashamed or comparing your life compared to other influencers cause in actual perspective, those influencers or role models would probably want to switch lives with you rather than keeping all the fame and having to act okay while not knowing who to trust about their true feelings. Be appreciative on the life you currently have before comparing yourself from other media influencers or role models.
August 16, 2024 at 2:32 am
Jasirah T
All through growing up my role model and superhero was always a fictional character. As I got older I realized that those fictional characters were never real and would never help me gain anything in life. Come to getting older you come to the realization that the only people that will ever be there for you is yourself. Growing up I went through some pretty traumatic events. In 2011 my little brother had a massive stroke and brain bleed and had to go into emergency brain surgery. Throughout the years he had to have three more brain surgeries, I can only imagine the trauma him and my parents had to go through but at the same time it took a very big toll on me. I was always around a new relative to help take care of me and do whatever needed to help my parents out. My parents have done so well throughout the whole situation and further on but I needed them since I was also at such a young age. Through the years passing, my brother has healed and we have all have mostly recovered from the trauma but there will always be that piece that sticks with you. Going through this at such a young age helped me realize that having yourself and holding your head strong is very important.
August 16, 2024 at 2:42 am
Sam C
A role model can help shape a person into who they grow up to be. A role model could be anyone such as an older sibling or a famous person however these people all share one thing in common and that is that they serve a purpose in especially impacting a person’s life. As I’ve grown up, I’ve looked up to many different people, but the person that I believe has impacted me the most is my father. Although my father and I have never had the best relationship growing up, he has pushed me to be my best and taught me values I’m grateful to have grown up with. There have been multiple times in my life when I’ve questioned myself to “do the right thing”; one specific instance being when I contemplated telling the truth about using my father’s credit card to buy things online. I knew what I had done was wrong, but I knew I would have to come clean even if I was scared because it was the right thing to do. These values have stuck with me growing up and maybe someday I will teach my children the same way. I believe role models play an important role in defining a person and their beliefs as they grow and understand more about who they want to be. Although not everyone looks up to the same people, we can respect that everyone is different and has their reasons for looking up to certain people.
August 16, 2024 at 2:57 am
Mandy E.
In personal growth and self-discovery, having a role model whether it is a public figure or someone close is crucial. Role models inspire and guide us, helping shaping our values and aspirations in significant ways. For me, my mother is the most significant role model. Often described as my twin in both appearance and behavior, she has been a constant source of strength and motivation throughout my life. Having me when she was a teen, she faced numerous challenges with extraordinary resilience and determination. Her commitment to providing not only for my basic needs but also showering me with love and care has been remarkable. Although I didn’t fully appreciate her sacrifices as a child, I now recognize the depth of her dedication and affection. Observing her tireless work and compassion, particularly when she has brought me to her workplace, made a lasting impression on me. Her example of strength, independence, and caring nature has inspired me deeply to incorporate these qualities into my own life. As I approach adulthood, I strive to reflect her values in my studies and future career. Her influence continues to guide me, motivating me to achieve success while balancing personal fulfillment with professional achievement. My mother’s never-ending support and dedication have not only shaped my goals but have also motivated me to emulate her example. Her role as a role model has been pivotal in guiding my aspirations and actions, helping me navigate the path to adulthood with a clear sense of purpose and determination.
August 16, 2024 at 3:41 am
Eoghan R
I’ve got a couple of role models that have helped me through my life, some real, some not, some kinda.
I’m shameless so let’s start with the most cringe-worthy stuff first. There’s a YouTuber that I watch called Technoblade who passed away a little while ago. His videos would always bring me joy no matter how much of a terrible mood I was in due to a unique combination of wit, humor, confidence, and charm. Watching these videos going out of middle school as a spinless bozo, I decided that I wanted to have those same traits. Needless to say, I rolled up to the first day of high school trying to be as uber-confident as possible. I felt like a fool for the first week, a bozo for the next couple of months, and a fraud for the first year. However, my false confidence started to transform into something real after a while, maybe it was just putting myself out there or maybe it truly just came in time. All I know is that it worked and now a part of Technoblade lives on through me.
Next up is Baldwin the Leper from Darkest Dungeon. Now I could get into a whole hour-long rant about his character and how I love it so much but to save us both some time here’s a quick rundown. Baldwin was a loving king who contracted leprosy through no fault of his own, took care of scheming advisors whose rule would doom his kingdom, and finally ventured out to the corners of the world that needed him the most to fight Eldrige abominations with nothing more than a sword and a resolute mind. His character reminds me not to use misadventures or sucky things that happen to me as an excuse to act like a jerk. Instead, it teaches me to marvel at the world and be grateful for my many blessings. After all, adversity and existence are one and the same. (Fun fact the character is based on King Baldwin the IV, the Leper King, so I guess he’s kind of real.)
Finally, there’s the real deal people. I mean where to begin? I admire my father and his hard-working determination, my mother and her endless humility and love, my brothers for being teachers and terrorizes alike, and my grandfather for giving me the father that I have today. This is the most lackluster paragraph I know but man this is already a little more than the 250 words you’ve asked for plus this is personal stuff you don’t get to know more about.
I get this isn’t the one-and-done cookie-cutter format that you’ve requested, something neat to read, judge, and wrap up in a bow to forget about. My thought process is that every person has varying degrees of different role models, you can’t just have a single one. Some are big, some are small, some are real and some are works of fiction, but all impact us. All shape us in positive ways we might not be able to shape ourselves, to see strength that we might not believe we have, to make the world truly better, one influenced action at a time.
August 16, 2024 at 4:08 am
Thomas H.
When I was four years old, my mother took me to an aquarium. To her, it was a normal trip to a place many people visited frequently to learn a little about the ocean. But for me, it was life changing! When I first saw the giant fish tank full of sharks, I wanted to swim with them so badly my mother had to hold on to me and explain that I couldn’t swim with sharks. When I asked why, she didn’t say “because they will eat you!” instead, she pointed to a scuba diver and said, “do you see the man in there with that special suit? You need to have a special suit just like that one”. And ever since then, I wanted to wear the suit just like them. As the years went by, I learned more about marine biology and especially about sharks. I’m transferring to UMass Dartmouth to learn more about the ocean and all the exciting mysteries it contains, and I hope to become inspired by all the people who share the same burning passion as I have with marine biology.
August 27, 2024 at 6:40 pm
John G.
it is so cool that you knew from such a young age what you wanted to do and are still set on that path all these years later. we would all be better off if we knew what we wanted to do as much as you do. It’s also so incredible that such a small act of kindness from your mother would bloom into such a vivid dream.
August 17, 2024 at 3:09 am
Reina P.
Role model is such a vague term to use anymore. Role model are never perfect in a “model” sense. The things that you see in the surface that you admire so much might not be the reality or mentality they hold. They are so many people, especially celebrities that people look up to with out even knowing them person. I used to think the same way, obviously the actions shown on the media is to gain popularity and fans, but as a young girl there were a lot of things I couldn’t tell what was real or fake. Even real people in you like can change dramatically. Honestly changing to the real versions of themselves. People always say that you find out how someone really is once you live with them and believe me I did.
Something that made me question a previously held belief in role models would be how when I was around the age of maybe 12 or 13, I used to look up to my aunt a lot. She was there in place of my mom. After moving to the United States, I was able to stay with her. I wasn’t really comfortable at the time obviously because I’ve never lived outside my home but I was trying. I remember missing my mom so much and wishing she was the one doing all of this for me. Things like doing my hair, helping me with my homework and getting me to school. Those are all the things my mom was able to continue doing, it’s not her fault though. As time went by I would notice comments and the way she spoke to me just got more hurtful. After sometime we just couldn’t get along, I tried to not be affected by her words but as someone whom k looked up to her words still have an affect on me til this day. I have changed and evolved as a young woman, I now understand that you can’t really look up to anyone but yourself. Be the version of you that you will be proud of looking back on. I would say try and be a role model to someone else but in reality I think we just need to be the real versions of our selves.
August 24, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Connor Rafanan
How Are People so Advanced
Thinking back upon my earliest curiosities, when I was in middle school history class an epiphany had struck about humans and people in general- how did we advance so quickly? Well, I believe that the rapid progress of humanity is driven by our deep curiosity and the powerful need to connect and improve. In the blink of a couple centuries, we’ve gone from simple tools to exploring the stars. This speed comes from our shared desire to understand the world and to make life better for each other.
Though this ideology doesn’t climax to just me. It serves vital to my community at UMass Dartmouth, including my friends, family, teachers, and peers. We are all part of this journey. Every one of us contributes to the incredible momentum that moves society forward.
Why should our community care? Because when we realize that our progress comes from working together, we become stronger. We support each other’s dreams and ideas, knowing that even the smallest effort can lead to something great. I believe there’s always something greater approaching, and the good work of the good people around me. When it comes to what most believe in, the primary contributors tend to remain only to themselves and their values. However, in the parochial eyes of the kind, there is an abundance of belief. The ability to believe in the good of society eternally prevails as the best method to feeling good, being good, and seeing the good in us all.
August 27, 2024 at 6:31 pm
John G.
What criteria today constitute a role model? Different people will have wildly varying answers ranging from status and money to experience in a field, and while these things have their place in some specific examples of role models I am unsure if they truly should be considered within this group. Things like money or experience are not truly objective criteria for a role model as it is very possible for these kinds of things to be in possession of people who do not truly deserve to be looked up to or to have thier behavior replicated. The necessary change in the societal views of role models is difficult as it has to do with our inherent respect toward our “betters”. We see people that have money and think that if we behave in the way they do then we will live a life like them, this comes not from a place of wanting self betterment but rather from a place of jealousy disguised as self betterment. So if these traditional objects of attention are not truly worth our time or respect, what should we as a society focus on? I believe that the innocence of children should be the most aspirational quality for a person. The trust in others exhibited by children is incredible, if you were to ask a child who did not know better to hug a cactus, they would likely do it as the child believes that you would not do anything to harm it. It is aspects of personality like this, which are possessed only by children today that we should all strive to return to.