{getMailchimp} $title={MailChimp Form} $text={Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates.}

Who is a role model?

Emmanuel Donkor
“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating... too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living they forget to make a life” - John Wooden.

I describe a role model as a person with “a clear sense of what is important to me, putting forth the effort to improve and create things that will make a difference.”

Or a role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. When I feel “lazy, tired, or just plain annoyed,” I think of my role model and “I get motivated to start working again.”

Role models come into young people’s lives in varied ways. They are educators, civic leaders, mothers, fathers, clergy, peers, and ordinary people encountered in everyday life. A study shows that being a role model is not constrained to those with fancy titles or personal wealth. In fact, students were quick to state that “a true role model is not the person with the best job title, the most responsibility, or the greatest fame to his or her name.” Anyone can inspire a child to achieve their potential in life.

The top qualities of role model
Moral: A good role model has high moral values. Children respect those who practice what they preach. Role models who support worthwhile causes and who are willing to act on their beliefs help children develop and strengthen their own values. Role models behave ethically and demonstrate honesty.

Willingness to share ideas, skills, knowledge and expertise: A good mentor is willing to teach what he/she knows and accept the mentee where they currently are in their professional development. Good mentors can remember what it was like just starting out in the field. The mentor does not take the mentoring relationship lightly and understands that good mentoring requires time and commitment and is willing to continually share information and their ongoing support with the mentee.

Commitment to Community: Role models are other-focused as opposed to self-focused. They are usually active in their communities, freely giving of their time and talents to benefit people. The youth admired people who served on local boards, reached out to neighbors in need, voted, and were active members of community organizations.

Respectful: In order for role models to be influential, they must show respect for others. Young people appreciate being treated with respect and admire those who treat them and others that way. Role models who demonstrate selflessness and a democratic, non-prejudiced view of those different from themselves earn the admiration of others.

Ability to overcome obstacles: As Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcomed.” Young people echoed this sentiment, showing how they developed the skills and abilities of initiative when they learned to overcome obstacles. Not surprisingly, they admire people who show them that success is possible.

Clear Set of Values: Role models live their values in the world. The youth admire people who act in ways that support their beliefs. It helps them understand how their own values are part of who they are and how they might seek fulfilling roles as adults. For example, students spoke of many people who supported causes from education to poverty to the environment. Role models helped these youth understand the underlying values that motivated people to become advocates for social change and innovation.

Children develop as a result of many experiences and relationships. Role models play an important role in inspiring the youth to learn, overcome obstacles, and understand that positive values can be lived each day. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, civic leader, clergy member, sports coach, after-school program leader, or a person who just happens into a child’s life, you have the ability to inspire, according to Roots of Action.

In conclusion, I’ll advise all to: “Find someone who has a life that you want and figure out how they got it. Read books, pick your role models wisely. Find out what they did and do it.” ― Lana Del Rey

Source: emmanueldonkorgh.blogspot.com

No comments

Your comments and Encouragement are welcome