The Issue: What is the definition of a role model?
Our Stance: A role model is someone who truly cares for others and is dedicated to the “Grad at Grad” qualities.
Having grown up in a country that excessively values money and power, it is sometimes hard to find leaders and role models who value the moral traits we should all exemplify.
Our country was built on the foundation of role models who stand up for what is right and fight against what is wrong. But now since technology has advanced, it has become an obsession to have the best everything in the world.
But what makes a good role model in our day and age?
Is it about being a leader or being a hero?
Or is it about setting an example of how to be a responsible and charismatic person, even if it comes without fame and fortune?
When we think of what it means to be a role model, we think of the five “Grad at Grad” characteristics that Brophy boasts.
Emulating these five characteristics can create a role model who is loving while at the same time committed to doing justice.
Dedicating time out of one’s busy schedule to care for those who need help out of the goodness of your heart shows that community and togetherness are more important than playing video games or wasting time doing something that will have no effect on anyone’s future.
Being committed to doing justice means that you continue to abide by rules when no one is looking.
But a role model does not want to possess these characteristics for merely fame and glory; they have them because that is what they believe is truly right.
Opening up your mind and heart to those who are not as fortunate or who are not friends can show that you are loving and are willing to take an interest in their lives.
Being a role model means that you don’t take anything for granted because you live life to live it, not to sulk and complain about all the little mishaps that may occur.
Being intellectually competent means that you are able to differentiate between good and bad choices and make tough decisions when the time comes.
Making the right choice can influence others to do the same and can even prevent many bad situations from occurring.
Being open to growth and listening to new ideas is beneficial for someone because it allows them to see both sides of a situation and it allows for someone to be impartial to a situation or topic.
Involving your faith when being a role model is a delicate situation because not everyone may have or believe in a faith.
But choosing to live out your faith’s morals and traditions shows that you are a role model because you are willing to demonstrate that your faith is what develops you as a person.
Roles models show themselves every day.
They are our friends, family and neighbors. They are our classmates and teammates.
And they might not be the ones who get credit as “leaders.”
Putting others before yourself and showing that you are loving, intellectually competent, committed to doing justice, religious and open to growth is the best way to be a role model for others.
Staff editorial written by Brett Mejia ’13.
Staff editorials represent the view of The Roundup. Share your thoughts by e-mailing roundup@brophybroncos.org or leave comments online at roundup.brophyprep.org.
