Learning from our role models

By Alyssa Schneyman
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November, 2010

I enjoyed today’s class a great deal. It was very interesting to hear who my classmates consider to be their role models. It is quite clear that everyone’s role model has made a very large impact on their lives. It was interesting to see that everyone’s role models shared many of the same characteristics. That is, that while the actual person may differ from classmate to classmate, but the characteristics of the role model or the reason for seeing them as a role model may not have changed. While it was interesting and enjoyable to share who my role model is with the class, at the same time it was tough. This activity was tough, because since my role model Sandi passed away less than a year ago, it still is difficult to talk about her sometimes.

However, it was a little bit tough for me to describe how Sandi was as a person and teacher. But I hope that I was able to do her justice in describing her personality and how she touched my life and those of the other students in my high school. I also hope that I was able to show what an amazing teacher Sandi was and inspire some of the other students in the class to when they have their own classes, to take a little bit of Sandi with them, when they teach. While it was tough to talk about her because it reminds me of how much I can no longer share with her, I know that I feel this way because I loved her so much and miss her. I miss her smile and love. However I know I was very lucky to have known her and am very much the person I am today because of her influence. While it is hard because she is no longer here, I know that I will always carry her influence with me in my heart and actions. I often feel that she is watching over me and sends down advice and is there for me in a way when I am having a tough time.