For every stage of life, we look up to different people. As high schoolers, we haven’t had very many different stages, but by this age, we have had a few role models. In many cases, the people we idolize affects how we act and treat each other.

As a small child, usually everyone’s role model was his or her parents. It’s unavoidable. They are way taller than us, make all the decisions and feed you. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve had many different role models. In elementary school, it was my teachers. In middle school, it was Gabriella Montez from High School Musical. She was smart, capable and didn’t change who she was to get the guy.

Going into high school however, I’ve had a different role model for every year. Freshman year it was Taylor Swift. Sophomore year, it was my youth leaders. This year, I’ve had so many role models, so I’m just going to list them out. Taylor Swift is still on the list, as well as Gabriella Montez and my youth leaders. Joining them are Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the friends I have made this year because in my opinion, no one is ever too young to be looked up to.

I think it’s important to have these people to look up to, to have a person to model your behavior after. As children and even teenagers, our minds are impressionable and therefore, we need positive influences to guide our actions and keep us from making stupid mistakes. Now, I’m not saying that they can prevent us from doing stupid things entirely, but it provides a guide for us to see how we should live.

In a year or so, I may have a completely different role model, but the purpose and intent will be the same. I will continue to look up to certain people to help guide