Make a new resolution this year

Many suppose that celebrities are the most commonly chosen role models, but in a survey by Junior Achievement/Harris Interactive, parents rank number one as the most commonly chosen role model. Following second are teachers with 15 percent of the 624 votes.

Role models represent the qualities one admires and a good role model can inspire youth to become better people. David Fun, 15, says a role model is “someone who is nice, responsible, and easy-going.” Bill Ye, 14, said a role model is “a kind-hearted person who is hard-working and honest.”

Your role model might be an amazing speaker. Maybe he or she can play the piano wicked fast. Maybe he or she promoted reforms to an issue important to you, or maybe they’re simply cool and you hope to grow up to be like them.

A role model is someone you can relate to. He or she might be able to provide advice based on their own experiences, or even the experiences of someone he or she knows to help you overcome obstacles related to academics or family problems.

Role models don’t necessarily have to be adults either. Your role model might just be your best friend, someone in your English class, an older sibling or even an older classmate. According to the August 2008 article, “Gangs replace parents as role models for troubled teens, Prince’s Trust says,” in the TimesOnline, a British newspaper, if there is an absence of parents as role models, teens tend to turn to their peers for guidance. Everyone tries to find someone they can look up to, but the hard part is, who is the best choice?

When a parent is not available, some teens turn to gangs and find members who can relate to them but do not set the best example. Have you ever considered that you can choose to influence another person’s life? You can motivate another teen to work to the best of their ability in school to provide themselves with the best future possible. You can help others see their potential in a way they might not be able to.

If you’re still not convinced you can be a role model, consider the benefits of being one. In a project called Health Rocks!, high school students informed younger students on making healthy decisions. Not only did the younger students benefit, but the teen “teachers” also improved in their self-esteem and leadership skills.

So, remember that little kid who looked at you in awe after you scored that winning shot at your game? How about that girl or boy, who shyly said, “Hi” after your amazing recital last week? Believe it or not, these kids are looking up to you as role models and it is your job to be the best you can be. Make it your New Year’s resolution and change the world, one kid at a time.