Role models

Image: My father and I (during a trip to Manitoulin Island last year)

When I was a child, my role models were leaders. I looked up to people like Mario Lemieux, the captain of my favourite hockey team (the Pittsburgh Penguins), and even cartoon characters like Leonardo, who was the leader of the Ninja Turtles. I respected their strength and individual talent but also their determination and the sense of responsibility they had for those around them. However, as I grew up, I soon realized that I was not going to be the captain of a professional sports team or a Ninja Turtle, so I started looking to the people in and around my family as more realistic role models.

I saw my Uncle Kevin as a guy who would always be fun no matter how old he got. He would get down and play LEGO on the floor with us when we were kids, and I always said that I wanted to be like him when I got older - the cool uncle with an inner child that would never grow up. Conrad, a friend of the family, also had this kind of character, but his inner child was more charismatic and mischievous. He was a lovable troublemaker that made everyone laugh and smile, even when he was playing a trick on you!

My grandmother is another person that I have great respect for, not only for the unconditional love she has given me, but also for her quick wit, sharp tongue, and sense of dignity. I’ve never seen her lose her composure, and from her I learned to hold my head high, believe in myself, and treat others with respect. I am also fortunate to have a great father, and I admire his sense of humour, his easygoing nature, and his ability to diffuse conflicts and make peace. (I also have to literally look up to him because he’s even taller than me!)

I’m glad that there are many people in my life that I can look up to for different reasons. I would never want to emulate a single role model, but by having a variety of people with great qualities and abilities around you, you can learn from all of their strengths in order to become the best person that you can be.