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Re: The Responsibility of Being a Role Model
AndyB, you are wise.
As many others have said, this is a very good post. I don't know anyone who is totally comfortable in being a role model, and it's definitely not easy. However, this is one of the focus points of FIRST, so we accept it. FIRST is designed to put mentors on a pedestal, and so we need to learn to act as such.
With regard to seeing a admired role model do foolish things... keep in mind that no one is perfect and we all are human. Sometimes role models make mistakes, or they have different morals than you do.
Relationships in FIRST are a big benefit of the program. One of the things I enjoy about meeting people in FIRST is that people I meet transform from someone who just knows me to someone who I am friends with. After this peer to peer relationship is made, I believe that role models come down from their figurative pedestals and people just treat each other as good human beings.
A good person to talk about this subject is none other than Dr. Woodie Flowers. He will be the first to admit that he is not totally comfortable with this role, and while he describes his difficulties, you will realize that he is human.
Take care,
Andy Baker
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