Where Have Our Role Models Gone?

Sally Ride

I was talking with a friend lately and the subject of role models came up. This person asked me who my role models were, and believe it or not, I had a hard time answering that question. I remember a time when I had role models that I could easily name if the question arose. As a five-year-old, I watched the Challenger shuttle launch and almost immediately blow-up. It was perhaps one of my first real childhood memories. I remember crying when I saw the pictures of the astronauts who had lost their lives. On that day I set the goal to be the first female Commander of a shuttle flight, and proceeded to learn everything I could about being an astronaut. One of the people I learned about was the first American female in space, Sally Ride, who became my role model. Of course, before I even finished by BA, a woman had commanded and piloted the shuttle, and by that time my interests had shifted. Nonetheless, having a strong role model as I was growing up and making plans for my future was very important to me.

So here I am an adult, and I have realized that I don't really "look up" to anyone anymore. Why is it that when we become adults we are not as interested in looking up to others? Shouldn't that be the time when we are more interested in following in the footsteps of those great individuals that have gone before us because by that point we are more self-aware and our dreams are more concrete? Likewise, how are we to ever become our "ideal" self if we never think about who we might emulate?

During the 2010 Youth of the Year competition, I became close to our winner, Dajah, and we have remained in almost daily contact for over a year. I know that she looks up to me and that I provide guidance and a strong example for her. She has told me on many occasions that she does not know how she would have gotten through the first year of college without me. She tells her friends all the things she has learned from me and it makes me feel great knowing that I am providing her with the tools she needs to become her "ideal" self.

If we, as adults, are to become role models for the younger generations, I think it is imperative that we give thought to our quest for own self-improvement. We should seek out those individuals that can teach us something about ourselves, and perhaps show us a better way. Otherwise, how can we be sure that we are showing our youth a better path?

Do The Right Thing

Josh Cribbs Photo credit: Tracy Boulian / The Plain Dealer

Guest post by Traci Christler, Annual Fund Coordinator, 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland 

I don't think it is a secret that Clevelanders love their sports teams. Good or bad, adults and kids alike look to sports figures as role models. Some athletes put themselves before the team. Some get involved with drugs and alcohol and breaking the law. Just the sort of person you don't want your children to end up like.

But, then there are other athletes. Many athletes get involved in the community and give back to the city (Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is a great example). Some of these men and women work hard and strive to do their very best. These folks conduct themselves as professionals both on and off the field. 

This past week, members of the Cleveland Browns showed up to the practice facility for the start of Training Camp. Because of the uncertainty of the recent NFL lockout, the players were turned away and were not allowed to work out. The players had two choices, they could turn around and go home or they could work on another solution.  Josh Cribbs and several other players left the facility and went to the Cleveland Metroparks and created their own work out. As a fan, it was exciting to read news about our team working together to be the best that they can be.

Every day in our clubs, there are dedicated Boys & Girls Club staff members trying to guide our kids into making good decisions.  Our kids need great role models in their lives to help them to BE GREAT!

If you are interested in taking a tour of one of our Clubs or volunteering to be a role model, please contact Christopher West at cwest@clevekids.org.