The power of positive role models in inspiring change
It’s the news we hear time and time again, yet it still bears repeating: mental health in children is a pressing topic. Sadly, most of the discussion centers on symptoms and disease, without discussing cures or prevention. But now there may be some cause for optimism. Researchers from Harvard University have found that children who had strong relationships with adults - both adults they know well and those they only saw from a distance - are more likely to be more empathetic and less aggressive than their counterparts who have weaker ties to adults.
It’s always inspiring to see someone make an incredible difference in the world for the better. It’s just as inspiring to see a child make a difference in the world. A 2007 Mott Children's Hospital study found that children who regularly listened to music, watched a movie or played a computer game were more likely to be more empathetic and less aggressive than their counterparts. It is incredibly important that our children follow these role models so they are held up as examples of how wonderful they can be.
Example #1 – 13-year-old Tania Kappler
Tania Kappler, the 13-year-old from Wisconsin who received national attention after she brought her paralyzed brother home from his hospital bedside by carrying him, died on Friday morning in a car accident near her father’s home.
The impact that Tania’s actions had on her family, including her little brother and parents, ended up being a positive force for change. She was able to inspire many people with disabilities across the country.
Example #2 – Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Maya Angelou is an award-winning author who has published numerous books of poetry and prose. She has been praised for her ability to take complex issues such as race relations, poverty and gender inequality and translate them into profound poetry without losing their meaning or beauty. In fact, her works have been used as teaching materials in most major universities in the country.
Dr. Angelou is very influential and sets an excellent example for young people to follow. Her words are well-respected and appreciated by people of all ages.
Example #3 – Ellen Stofan
NASA’s chief scientist, Dr. Ellen Stofan, was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People for 2015 for her longstanding contributions to the science community, as well as her passion for furthering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). She works very hard to inspire young women all over the world to pursue careers in science.
Example #4 – Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey first rose to prominence as a talk show host on television. She is the most influential person in the entertainment industry, and has used her power to help empower millions of women to be more confident and empowered. She is widely regarded as an inspiration and is known for being fearless when it comes to promoting positive change.
Example #5 – Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani human rights activist who was targeted by the Taliban for advocating for her right to learn. The Taliban shot Malala in the head in an attempt to silence her message of education, but she survived and made a full recovery. She continues to advocate for a global education movement, and she is regarded as one of the most influential people in the world.
Example #6 – Pat Summitt
Pat Summitt is a retired American basketball coach who won more than 1,000 games as a coach. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. She is widely credited with revolutionizing women’s basketball at The University of Tennessee, and that has had an impact on young girls all over the world.
She was able to inspire young women all over the world to strive for excellence in their chosen field of study.
Example #7 – John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy is the 35th President of the United States, and served from 1961 to 1963. He has been widely regarded as one of the most influential people in U.S. history and is credited with modernizing the country with his energy, drive and charisma. He strongly believed in equality between men and women, which has greatly influenced women all over the world to pursue careers in politics and other fields that were not traditionally male-dominated at that time.
Example #8 – Yao Ming
Yao Ming was a Chinese basketball center for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a 7-foot-6 center who won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2006. He was extremely popular in China, but he also has been very influential around the world. He is often recognized as one of the world’s most famous athletes and one of the most influential people, and has inspired millions of girls to pursue careers in sports.
Example #9 – Helen Keller
Helen Keller was an American author, social reformer, political activist, teacher and lecturer, deafblind person, and civil rights advocate. She became well known for her revolutionary methods that helped thousands of people around the world to learn how to read and write. She has been influential in changing the lives of many people.
Example #10 – Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American business magnate, the founder of the Ford Motor Company and father of modern assembly lines used to mass-produce affordable automobiles. He was very influential in many industries, and is remembered as one of the most influential people in history. His innovations have inspired millions of inventors from all over the world to create new technologies that have changed our world.
Example #11 – Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South African lawyer, anti-apartheid revolutionary and President of South Africa’s governing ANC political party from 1991 to 1997. He was the first black head of state in South Africa and played an important role in the transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy. He has been praised for his support of labor rights, human rights and women’s rights, which have helped women all over the world to achieve equality in their political and economic endeavors.
Example #12 – Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 from President Barack Obama. She is one of the wealthiest women in America because she uses her powerful position as a voice for change by encouraging people to live their best lives through self-improvement, motivation and inspiration.
She is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential people, and has used her powerful voice to help women all over the world achieve their dreams.
Example #13 – Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is an American physicist and astronaut who was part of the first group of female astronauts selected by NASA in 1978. She became the first black woman in space after being selected as part of NASA’s crew for Space Shuttle Mission STS-47A in September 1992. She has been praised for her pioneering work in science education, inspiring young girls all over the world to pursue careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math).
Conclusion
Women all over the world have been able to take inspiration from these women who have served as role models. These women are not only inspirational, but they are also the reason for many of the advancements we enjoy today. It is important that young girls everywhere continue to be inspired by these women so that we can continue to make great strides in our society.
Example #14 – Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her self-portraits that show her intense expression and surrealist style. She was an amazing artist whose work continues to inspire millions of people all over the world.