In today’s case-study we asked, ‘Who is your role model?’ Thank you to everyone who took part!
Helen, 48: ‘Every person I meet is a role model in their own right’ – ‘I meet people every day who I see as a role model. The teacher who works and cares for their students. A nurse who trains to care. The cleaner who works to ensure everything is pristine. These are people who love and care selflessly for others. They may also be listeners, carers, give a simple smile, a hello, someone who devotes their time to animals and to the planet, someone who encourages you to be yourself and your best. The person who carries their neighbours shopping because it is too heavy. My list is endless – basically anyone who gives selflessly with love and kindness is a role model to me.’
Josie, 20: ‘My Dad’ – ‘I’ve always looked up to my dad from a young age. He’s the most kindest, generous and bravest man. He’s taught me a lot of life lessons growing up, and inspires me to work hard if you really want something. He’s taught me to stay positive when times are tough and shown me you can get through it. My dads opinion has always been the most important to me and I’ll always look up to him.’
Karen, 46: ‘My Nan’ – ‘My Nan had a strong work effort, always worked hard to get what she wanted. Never believed that she was entitled to anything. She was a good judge of character and was always able to see through the nonsense. A lady that knew family & friends were important. Through all the tragedy in her life, she always battled on. A strong determined lady who would do anything to help other’s. She also had a wicked sense of humour and was not afraid to speak her mind. I hope that that these traits have rubbed off on me and I can be half the lady she was.’
Emilia, 20: ‘My Nana’ – ‘Because she is such a strong independent woman for her age; I hope I grow up to be like her.‘
Ryan, 22: ‘Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’ – ‘Mihaly is my role model as he was the man who created the flow theory.‘
Louise, 45: ‘My Grandad’ – ‘My grandad opened up his home to me as a very small child, despite being retired and nursing his terminally ill wife. I watched him care for her around the clock until her passing at home – never leaving her side, then rebuild his life and I came to realise what a strong character he was. He didn’t always get things right, but he had good intent and had a heart of gold.’
Libby, 21: ‘My Mum’ – ‘She is a strong, independent woman. She works hard everyday and is so caring. I hope I’m as good as a mum one day as she is to me.’
Maggie, 59: ‘My parents’ – ‘Without ever realising or knowing they gave me all the lessons that I needed to find my way in the world, they gave me work ethic, strength in the face of adversity, morals and above all they gave me love, I can only hope I have handed down all these things and more to my own children and their children xx’
Sian, 20: ‘My Mum & Dad’ – ‘I look up to my mum and dad for their determination to succeed, their strength in overcoming difficult situations and their work ethic. They have both taught that me with hard work and determination anything is possible.’
Libby, 21: ‘My Grandad’ – ‘He is the most knowledgeable person I know. Every time I see him he educates me on something new and interesting. I hope to be as wise and aware as my grandad one day.’
Rachel, 21: ‘BBC’s Zeinab Badawi’ – ‘I consider her my role model as she has told the African story in her series – History of Africa in a way that opens the eyes of the globe.’
Emily G, 22: ‘My parents’ – ‘As cliché as it is to have your parents as role models – they have offered me insight as to what kind of person I want to be. Growing up I definitely wasn’t always a nice person and chose wrong friend groups. Being able to see the kind of people my parents are, really changed my perspective on life and smartened up and became a much better version of myself. So thankful for them being prominent roles in my life to show me that’
Emily W, 22: ‘My mom’ – ‘She is hard working and a great mom. She doesn’t rely on a man or anyone else. She puts her children first and is very kind to others.’
Taylor, 18: ‘My neighbour and best friend, Sophia’ – ‘I just admire every aspect of her’
Ruby, 21: ‘My Mum’ – ‘She is so independent and makes me realise that all you need in life is family, and a hand full of a few good friends. She is so supportive and has made me ready for whatever life can throw at me.’
Millie, 19: ‘My best friend’ – ‘She has overcome many difficulties with family life, with her parents divorcing whilst her brother was undergoing chemotherapy, as well as being diagnosed with autism. The strength she expresses daily to get through life with such happiness inspires me’
Ben, 21: ‘Steven Gerrard’ – ‘He’s my role model because at a young age I grew up to aspire to be like him. I used to watch him play for Liverpool and England, the reasons why he’s my role model are because of the leadership he portrays on the pitch is something I would like to have. The quality in which is performs is almost perfect, this is down to his passion and desire to play at the best of his ability week in week out, including training and that’s why he’s my role model!’
Maya, 21: ‘My Mother’ – ‘I admire her love, care and passion for our family and she has always worked extremely hard to do the best for us. She is the best woman I know and if I grow up to be half the woman she is I will live happy! She is successful, loving, healthy and happy and does everything she can to benefit the people around her.’
Becky, 20: ‘My Mum’ – My mum is my role model because she’s someone who I look up to and respect as a person. Just the way she does things and how she is with others is amazing.
Fatima, 21: ‘My parents’ – ‘I know their story and how they started their life from scratch to build a home and have kids whilst at the same time facing society, life difficulties and how it is hard to try to afford all the necessities to their 5 girls. They sacrificed their time and energy on raising us. I’m glad that they are my parents, I really know what love is thanks to them. They cry and smile next to the airport gate when they see me coming after a long time. I learnt basically everything from them, they are the first school I went to and I will always go back to it whenever I’m lost. I love them. They are my role models.’
Robert, 53: ‘My Grandad’ – ‘He was a true gentleman. Proud honest and hard working and I never heard him complain.’
Georgia, 21: ‘My Mum’ – ‘Because she has taught me to work for what I have and to be appreciative of the small things in life.’
Jenna, 18: ‘Brendon Urie’ – ‘Brendon is my role model as when I was a young teenager, I found his music during a dark time in my life. As I grew older I learned more about him and his character and how he strives to use his platform to do good through his highest hopes charity that helps protect LGBT+ youths across the globe. He also campaigns for better human rights in countries that are discriminating towards their citizens. He has had his fair share of scandals and has made public mistakes but he made sure to right his wrongs and take accountability when it was needed, showing that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you do something to fix your errors which is rare from celebrities now a days.’
Julia, 22: ‘My Mom’ – ‘My mom is my role model because she is the kindest most selfless person I know and she just puts all her energy into everything in front of her. She’s a hard worker, a good listener, and a great problem solver. Plus she’s an amazing cook and I want to be like that one day. She has so much energy and she’s just so much fun to be around and I want to grow up into the thoughtful woman who gives gifts just because she saw it and thought of you and who throws amazing theme parties on a simple whim. My mom really does it all and I want to follow in her footsteps!’