Mridula Anand | Week 10: The Power of a Role Model

Source: https://www.growthsourcecoaching.com/blog/cant-find-a-role-model-become-a-role-model

These past few weeks, as I have been working on my POAS essay, in addition to learning so much information about my person, Arthur Ashe, I have also learned and recognized the power of a role model.


Arthur Ashe was a tennis player who was also an advocate for his African American community. He fought for their rights as equal citizens as well as their integration into the world of tennis. However, more than all of this, Arthur Ashe rose to fame and was a celebrity, and this fame inspired and created admiration among African Americans who wanted to be like him and improve their lives.


Throughout history, this has always been the case. Especially for minorities, whether the minorities are women, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, or colored people like Arthur Ashe, having an idea for what they want to become, especially in America, has held an influence like no other. 


To paint a picture, young boys (and grown men) want to become the next LeBron James, little girls want to be the next Serena Williams, and children with disabilities find solace with those who attain success despite the same condition, such as Bethany Hamilton.


More than anything, this creates hope. Hope that there is a chance for these kids to see success, success which may come in fame, wealth, or simply just livelihood. In this way, I believe that the power of the existence of a role model, a truly inspirational one, is synonymous with hope. A role model provides hope and faith, and the mere existence of these two factors is what, in a way, has progressed the human race to be what it is today. After all, without anyone to look up to, how could (most) people look past their own social class and position in society, and strive for something more?


Comments

  1. Durga KurupathFebruary 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Mridula! I think this is such an empowering post! I remember reading one of the MCQ final passages about the disabled journalist looking forward to representation in order to keep moving forward with hope that she can achieve things that are just as great (sorry by the way, I don't know if that counts as academic dishonesty to reveal that information so I'll apologize in advance). It made me think how much mindset is the key to success. I agree that people feel inspired by people like them--whether poor or not fit for a certain position in society's standards--who are capable of accomplishing great things. It serves as motivation to push past existing boundaries and challenge oneself. Human connection is a wonderful thing that brings together many individuals and even communities together. I never really thought of it like that before you wrote about this, so I thank you for enlightening us on what it means to look up to someone and follow through in their footsteps. It doesn't matter who it is too, because whether it be someone's parents or LeBron James, as long as one recognizes their potential, they have the capacity to even surpass such role models and eventually become one themselves. Loving this post so much! Great work!

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  2. Caleb TrunehFebruary 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM

    Hi Mridula!
    I thought your post was very memorable and unique. I think it is so true that so many young people want to be like their idols in sports like LeBron James and Serena Williams. This belief that they could one day be like their idols creates a sense of hope that is irreplicable. Also, human connection being able to bring various individuals together is an important motif which I liked to see you talk about in your writing. I also like how you connected your blog to your POAS person Arthur Ashe and explained many of the contributions which he made to American culture. I look forward to seeing your POAS Presentation of him in March. I also loved reading what you had to say this week and look forward to reading your next blog!

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  3. SabiKatMarch 7, 2025 at 8:33 PM

    Hi Mirdula! Using your POAS for a prime example in your blog is such a good idea. I think you are so right in saying that a role model that you can relate to can provide hope and encouragement. Role models are figures that make your dreams seem achievable; this is only increased more when your role model is like you in some way, either through race or gender or something else. That's why it's so important for people of all types to have an equal opportunity. Your POAS sounds interesting, and I look forward to learning more about him during the upcoming POAS presentations!

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