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Maya Angelou Good Role Model

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The late Maya Angelou had this to say, "... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Whether she was talking about life in general or the responsibility of being a good role model, and whether in the role as a relative, family friends, foster carers or even a parent, those in this position have the potential to make others feel valued and strive to live up to their potential. Most individuals in a role model position may find themselves questioning their actions or words and wondering if they are doing the right things or enough to set the best example possible. Fortunately the qualities that make a good role model include being able to admit flaws and mistakes. This does not mean that the role model will dwell on these, rather they would be able to overcome them and accept them as part of what makes them who they are. Perhaps one is bad at sports yet they still join a company sponsored sport team that benefits a cause or charity. Overcoming obstacles or difficulties with dignity and poise or with the ability to laugh it off sets the tone that it is okay to fail, it is what is done after that makes the difference. Doing things that are beyond their expertise and comfort level is what makes one grow as a person and learn to develop strengths which they never knew they had. …show more content…

Being able to be open minded and forgiving even when someone has wronged them or made them feel inadequate (even when that person is unable to admit the mistake themselves) sets a much better example than holding grudges or planning revenge. Being tolerant and accepting of those that are different than oneself is a great way to teach compassion and empathy whether through social, economic or even religious

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