"a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others"
Throughout my lifetime, I have come to find out that people are imitating my actions and behavior for every role I have ever played. It's a scary thought and because I consider myself a role model here in Goshen and my hometown, I am always watching what I say and do for the sake of others. When you become a role model in the community, it is your job to uphold that title and lead others on the right path, wherever that path may lead.
Throughout High School, I was involved in many organizations and clubs that directly put me in the limelight of younger generations and the youth of my community, these I will touch more on later. But here at Goshen, it is hard to place myself in large organizations and clubs because of the lack of time I have. I have found that there are many small things I can do as a college student that still allow me to be a role model around campus. Since the college scene is almost always filled with temptation and self discovery, I have the power to illistrate good and healthy behavior outside of the normal "college atmosphere."
Weekends are always a chance for students to "let loose" and forget about all the homework that is due on Monday. Whether that means going to a party, hanging out wit
h friends, or just stayin up as late as possible doing God knows what; most students are "too tired" to wake up for church on Sunday. On a Christian campus, most people are expected to have some sort of faith and spiritual life. But upon coming to Goshen, I've realized that this isn't always the case and most of the students here don't put in the kind of effort they should. As a Christian myself, I find it very important to show that your faith is a very important part of your life and that making the effort is everything. That is why I attend church regularly, participate in a Bible study here on campus, and attend the Campus Worship Nights as well. Every time I invite someone to accompany me, I can tell that it makes them aware of their choices and the fact that they aren't attending those events. I am a role model in that sense and it is comforting to know these actions are beneficial to my spiritual life as well as have an effect on others. I could even possibly bring someone to Christ through these actions.
Another way I am representing a role model here on campus is through my participation with Goshen College Athletics. I've been an athlete for ten or more years and I know what it is like to be watched by hundreds of people at a time and the effects that has on younger athletes. Here at Goshen, I am still merely a sophomore, but the freshman girls on my team are still looking up to me primarily because I have had experience playing college volleyball. Most of the freshman are already comfortable playing at this different level, but they still need someone to go to for help or assistance. They will most often go to an upperclassmen. In that sense, I am a role model in how I act on the court, how I play on the court, and how I behave off the court. It is my responsibility as an upperclassmen to be a positive role model for the younger players and the ones to come.
The only way I have come to know what it's like to be constantly watched and looked upon is through my activities in High School. I was a three sport athlete, involved in ten clubs (literally), a member of the concert choir, and participated in the Musicals and Plays every year. Now that's what I call being put out there for the world to see. A lot of these clubs, sports, and musicals mostly took up a lot of time and energy but the rewards were endless. I was a role model in my community and I could tell that I was actually making a difference in various people's lives.
One organization I was highly involved in and still is, is called PRIDE Youth Programs. PRIDE is a drug and alcohol prevention program that uses performances to spread our message. Each year, I would make skits, PSA's, dances, posters, etc; all spreading a positive message to the youth of today. I would also travel around the country for conferences and to perform for local schools in my area. I made lasting friendships with a team from Sao Palo, Brasil and traveled to Washington D.C. to talk to US representatives about the issues of today. I gained three sisters from Brasil and a new appreciation for other cultures. I was immediately placed as a role model in my community and around the country, I was on fire for the youth; wanting the very best for them. I learned so much through this group and I am still highly involved in what they stand for and accomplish throughout the year. My senior year of High School, my PRIDE team was rewarded for our efforts and we were named "National PRIDE Team of the Year." The following is a link to the PRIDE website, honoring our team. http://prideyouthprograms.org/conference.php?year=2006&event=2While here at Goshen, I have tried to stay involved with my PRIDE team. I have volunteered at some of our local conferences and performances, taking pictures or helping with the various duties. I also volunteered as the official photographer for the 2007 National Conference in Charleston, West Virginia.
Originally from Crawfordsville, Indiana; a hick town if you will. You could consider me a farm girl. I participated in 4-H for ten years and was part of the Jr. Leaders club as well. I completed projects ranging from flowers, sheep, dog, cats, arts and crafts, geology, scrap booking, and woodworking. Another part of 4-H was the Montgomery County 4-H Queen Contest. My sister did it for four years and I look up to my sister in many ways. As soon as I was eligible at the age of fifteen, I signed up and found myself looking out at a crowd of over 500 people; answering a pop question in a formal gown. The Montgomery County 4-H Queen Contest is highly looked upon in my county and the Queen is supposed to be a positive representative of Montgomery County. My third year running for the title, I was crowned Miss Montgomery County and I've been a role model ever since. I passed out ribbons at the county fair, gave speeches around the county, sat through the Christmas parade, and am one of only 50 women in the last 100 years who holds this title. After receiving that title, I competed at the state level and spent a weekend around the Indiana State Fair, truly feeling like royalty.
Upon receiving this title, I gained the obligation of helping with the next year's contest, helping the girls to get through their nerves and giving them the best advice I can give as a past queen. I also volunteered to teach the dance portion of the contest, taking on a second responsibility for the summer. I am also teaching the dance again this coming summer. I just can't get away from that contest and all the opportunities it gives me to lead in my community.
While all these opportunities I've received have put me in a positive light, nothing compares to the memories I've gained. I now know what it's like to have those little eyes looking up at you like you are perfect, and though this is not true; it is flattering and stressful at the same time. When I become a teacher some day, I will regain that role model figure and have to live up to it in everything I do. I now know what it takes to do that and I am ready for the challenge.
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