Random Thoughts

Role Model

ROLE MODEL
Most of us have people we look up to, whether they are people in our family, our friends, our colleagues, our leaders and so on. And you and I are even being looked up to by the younger generation, irrespective of where we presently are in life. As a teacher, my pupils look up to me as their role model because I don't only teach them academic aspect, but also moral and spiritual aspects of life.
Role modeling is not about popularity and fame, which means you can be a role model even when you are not a celebrity. It's such a pity that we've limited role modeling as a "celebrity thing", that is, we have to be holding celebrities accountable for their actions and words because many people seem to be looking up to them. Unfortunately we've forgotten that these celebrity people are humans and are not robots, they have their challenges, problems and so on.
You need to listen to Eminem's "Walk On Water", Eminem talked about the expectations of people about him as an influential person in the society and how he has failed to keep up to this expectations because he is not Jesus. Let's be sincere, no one is a perfect example for you to follow and to copy because we all have our own faults and weaknesses.

"I walk on water
But I ain't no Jesus
I walk on water
But only when it freezes
'Cause I'm only human, just like you
Making my mistakes, oh if you only knew
I don't think you should believe in me the way that you do
'Cause I'm terrified to let you down"

The above lyrics is from Eminem's "Walk On Water", and you should be able to understand the message he's trying to pass across to his listeners.
In today's world as a role model you are expected to be flawless without any fault, and if you are not you'll be ridiculed, that's it honestly.
Nobody signed up to be a role model, it's just that people tend to look up to you as someone they want to emulate and copy, while you might not know, you are a role model to some folks. Does that mean because you are now a role model you have to start seeking for people's approval for what you do or say either privately or publicly??? Not at all!!!
I have role models and these are people that I've lived with and the ones I'm presently living with. These people make me strive to be a better man for myself and for the society. Their lives and lifestyles motivate and inspire me to be a good person.
As a youth, if you are going to choose a role model, choose someone you know very well and who is making a positive change in the society, there are people in your family that you can look up to, and you can even look up to yourself by making good choices that will affect your life positively which will in turn make you a role model to the upcoming generations.
I'm a teacher, a writer, an educator and also a role model.
Choose wisely!!!

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