Impact our students by being their role models

By Briana Nussbaum
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
October, 2010

Today in class we focused on role models. Professor Boyanton had everyone bring in their role model, which most people did by bringing in a picture. We went around the class and everyone shared who their role model was and why. Many chose parents, siblings, various relatives, friends, teachers and celebrities. Something interesting that I observed about everyone’s role model was they are all strong people. Whether they had a tough childhood, are hard working or had some type of injury or illness, all of these people were strong in their own way. This is a quality that we all admire in other people. Role models are people that we look up to and aspire to be like.

When I become a teacher I definitely would like my students to look up to me. I would feel honored to know that I made a difference in someone’s life, and to know that my students consider me their role model. I hope to achieve this by making my classroom a comfortable place where everyone can express how they feel and not be afraid to open up. As a teacher, there is nothing wrong with showing that you care and relating to your students on a personal level. I plan on being an inspirational teacher in my future career.