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What kids really need in to today’s society are role models. They need someone to be there for them, when or if their parents aren’t. They need someone to show them what’s right from what’s wrong. Some of kids now days, are so used to seeing things doing wrong; they don’t know what’s right. Role model generally means any “person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others.” So many of us can be role models, if we choose to do so.

 

Who can be a Role Model?

 

Deborah Burrow, executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, in South Bend, said it’s a great feeling knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life. Burrow said isn’t a hard thing, to do, but you must be a present in a child’s life. A role model can be a sibling, parent, coach, teacher, nurse, doctor, athlete, artist, writer or hard worker. In order for someone to be a role model, they must be a person that inspires the child. He or She needs to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. The role model must also be a responsible individual who can teaches a child the negatives and positives in life. Preferable the person should be a confident leader rather than a follower. Role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people. We often don’t recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress. A lot of celebrities wouldn’t be the best role models because several of them have a lot of negativity on their name. Emma Watson from Harry Potter is a good role model, she was named the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, but instead of letting the fame go to her head, Watson decided to use some of that money to pursue an education at Brown University.

 

Why is it important for kids to have Role Models?

 

It’s important for a child to have a role model, because they will always need someone to be there for them. It’s better if a child has a role model who can relate to them, someone who lived in their shoes, under the same circumstances but survived. They need someone to show them that anything is possible, and also another side of life which they aren’t immune to.

 

What shouldn’t a role model do?

 

A role model shouldn’t do anything negative around a child. They should present themselves well, and never show any public indecency. In the film “Role Model,” from 2008 they have perfect examples of how a role model shouldn’t act. In the film they make several attempts to encourage kids to stay off drugs. One of the characters in the film becomes a big brother, and does everything he’s supposed to do. He lets the kid drink, and let him listen to inappropriate music such as; KISS’ love gun. He displays crude and rude humor in the film. This is how a role model shouldn’t behave. Although it is a very good movie, it’s not the way society views a role model.

 

What can you do to help?

 

There is so much that can be done to help out. You can become a tutor, Young Life mentor and/or leader, a BIG; at the Big Brothers, big sisters Club, or you can work at the Boys and Girls Club. There several other things you can help out, and become a role model.

 

How to get involved?

 

An interested person can get involved by contacting the following places; who have agencies worldwide.

Boys & Girls Club

Big Brothers, Big Sister

Young Life