Inspiring our students by becoming their role models

By Kristina Carrano
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
October , 2010

Today’s class was very emotional. I really liked the activity that we did; everyone was so connected and supportive of one another. Going around the room and listening to everyone’s stories about someone that has impacted their lives, whether that person is still alive or has passed away, was an experience that I’ll never forget. The whole class was open with one another and extremely vulnerable. The connection that we had with one another was so touching. While people were becoming emotional, I really wanted to get up and hug that person and let them know that we were there for them. I cried with the students and laughed with them during this activity. I’ve never had a class that was as emotional as this one.

Listening to people talk about role models, I’ve noticed that even though they have impacted our lives differently, they all have the same characteristics. People who have impacted our lives were all inspirational. They were strong and very courageous. They were helpful and there to listen and to talk to us whenever we needed them. The people that we talked about all have contributed to who we are today and have made us change for the better.

Having someone like this in your life is very important and being a teacher, you have the opportunity to be this for a struggling child. It’s an amazing feeling to know that and it makes me more and more excited and motivated to get my degree so that one day I can help students as much as these role models have helped my peers.