Be an Influence, Be a Change, Be a Role Model

We all have that certain special person in our lives; 

- and no, not your significant other - that we may hold very dear to us.

     Some people have a certain someone, but I have certain people. I don't have just one person, I have a select few people. You never know when these people come into your life, and that's the amazing thing about it! It's not like these people are just selected to you out of the 'brilliant people' category, out of the box of dreams. They may have been there your whole life, or they may be here tomorrow or the next year.

     These are the people you may look up to because they seem wise in all their years or the fact they can flip a phrase in an instant. These may be the people you admire because you have always known them to be mature in all situations and make responsible decisions (especially, when it's most crucial) or the person that consistently looks on the bright side of the half-full glass of life - they could even be a combination of all these, plus more. 

                                   Are 

                                                                     You

                                                            Tired

                                                                                            Of

                                                               These

                               Riddles?

     I'm talking about Role Models!

The people that you metaphorically (or physically too) look up to in life, the people that talk you out of dumb life decisions, the brave ones that are 'devils advocate' so you can see clarity in your actions, the ones that provide you with words of praise or motivation, & most definitely the ones that believe in you. There are people in my life that work tirelessly on their academics; that always think things through; that are pure leaders in everything they do; and that have been through the toughest times in life and never have complained about them - everyone better believe that all of these people are role models in one way or another in my life.

     Role Models have the highest influence in life, because they're not only friends, but because you want to be just like them. Not to say that you are putting them on a pedestal (because you are), but they are #always so true, loyal, and impactful; Everything they do is so righteous and awesome, right? You look at someone that puts so much effort into studying, with every test they have, and it's like, if you don't put that much effort into your studying then you're just flat out insulting them. The fact that you wish you could make every decision as practical as they do, or some how they always have some kind words to say; so you say, "you know what.. I'm going to say one nice thing to someone each day/ study twice as hard/ think things through before I act on them!" (Maybe not all in that one sentence, but you get the gist). They make you want to do better in life, and why not? #winning

     Talk about a change... these fearsome individuals will blaze a revolution with their sagacious brilliance. They do this without even realizing it. I mean, how many people go up to someone and announce that they are their role model in life? Not many, if any at all.They are the ripples that come through conventional society and create waves of inspiration. Everyone needs someone like this in their life to switch things up and change the dynamic of your usual routine. Personally, I couldn't do life without these people. I am smitten with every second I get to spend with them.

This is a tribute to some of my personal role models:

Josh Geary. This man has been through the toughest experiences in life, through everyone I know. he has never complained to anyone for what he's gone through, and that says something about him. I've known him since the beginning of my high school career. We've lived at each other's houses, talked about nonsense, and know each other very well. He is most definitely the brother I never had.

Dani Godin. This extraordinary individual has impacted my life beyond anything. From welcoming me into college, to being the person that will always keep me young with her whimsical theories and carefree attitude. She is the hardest working person I have met, and she #always knows the right life choices to make. She's a leader in her own league and it's noticeable just by looking at what she does. I adore this girl to death, and she has been there for me through a lot more things than almost anyone. She #always knows how to make me happy, and I will #always be there for her.

Brian (Panda) Proffer. This guy has been there for me not only in Fraternity Life but as a great friend too. I can't even count how many times I've visited him to vent to him or to update him on my life status. He helps me sort through my thoughts and helps me make the right decisions before I act on irrational speculations. He's very laid back and was even part of the making of our fraternity chapter that I love. I can come to him any time, to any place, and he'll do everything he can to help me. He is very much a brother of mine. A.E.K.D.B

Sharnée Mead. Brilliance radiates off Sharnée, and her talent is limitless. She is such a go-getter with everything she puts her mind to, even the most hardest things in life, and honestly, it's just ridiculous! She will tell you exactly what's on her mind, and I love her for it; because not only is it entertaining to the fullest, but it's the truth for every situation. She walks proud, and with her accomplishments, she definitely should. She strives to do well in school, in being healthy, & being determined to be successful - and her life reflects that. She will absolutely be someone that travels leaps & bounds in this world.

Jared Arnold. Jared is one of the people I've respected every since I joined my fraternity. He has never made a foolish mistake, and while he doesn't #always say a lot, when he does, he knows exactly what needs to be said. Not to forget, he's always a good time to be around. He makes level-headed decisions and has a demeanor that everyone struggles and aspires to have. It's easy to look up to him, and it's almost impossible not to.

Jena Petzold. I have never ran into somebody that has had anything negative to say about Jena - literally. She owns the bright side of life and controls optimism to the fullest. If someone wants to laugh until they cry, she is your person to go to. She will #always help someone that needs it, and will care for you until you're overflowing with elation. I have never seen anyone put so much effort into their academics as much as Jena does, she's even in charge of it in her sorority too. Her second home is the library, and whoever says that she isn't working hard, is ill-advised, insane, and preposterous. You really have no choice but to love this girl.

Janet Tabor. I know it's cliché to say my mother is one of my role models, but it's incontrovertible. There are a million things I could say... my mother is just amazing at how much she's been there for me, taken care of me, & loved me. I would never be where I am without her. Between using her money so I could save mine, trying to give me the best life she could, providing me with everything that I needed to succeed in life, and the unbelievable support she has distributed throughout my life, she is the most incredible person in my life. Some say we are split images in person, but we are also split images in personality too. We are both exactly alike in a lot of ways. I owe my kindness, my optimism, my thirst for adventure, my happy-go-lucky attitude & my overwhelmingly stunning ability to love from her. There is nothing I can't do with her. I have undoubtedly got this far in life because of what she has given me; both materialistically and emotionally. Lately, she's even been more of a college kid than I have been, and she is someone that knows how to have fun. She also owes her stunningly, breathe-taking good looks from yours truly.

Role Models are the people that you can't help but love in life, the ones that extrude brilliance & love to a whole other level, and the people that you would never want to live without.

You never know when you could be somebody that someone else is looking up to you.

Be an Influence, Be a Change, & most of all, Be a Role Model.

Live free. Be kind.   

Stay loyal. Smile often.

#Always