Are you model material?
Framing Communities
Did you ever get the feeling you were being watched, that your every move was being scrutinized and studied?
Most of us go through our days on fast forward not thinking much about the immense responsibility we carry in every word, action, and choice we model for the young people around us. Every day in every way, youth’s eyes are upon you. How they watch as you peacefully resolve a disagreement with a friend, how you show empathy to someone in need, how you choose to spend your time engaged in productive and meaningful activities, and how you keep a level head at times of crisis.
Young people are searching for everyday heroes, people who model behavior that is not just appropriate, but makes others feel respected, valued, loved, and needed.
Your behavior and actions can be a roadmap for youth who are looking for guidance in navigating the ups and downs of their young lives. Unfortunately, according to Search Institute, a research based non-profit specializing in positive youth development, only 27 percent of young people between the ages of 11-18 report parents or other adults who model positive, responsible behavior.
Adult Role Models, Developmental Asset No. 4, is one of the 40 Developmental Assets, the values, experiences, and qualities that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Youth long for caring, supportive and positive adults to guide them. According to the 2015 Maine Integrated Youth Survey, only 65.6 percent of Aroostook County youth between the ages of 14-18 report having support from adults other than their parents.
As communities and individuals there is much work to be done. There is a disconnect between what many well intended adults are modeling and what youth perceive. For far too many young people, there may simply be a lack of adult presence in their lives.
As for the remainder of young people, their eyes are watching us even when we think they are not. It is our responsibility to show them that although we make mistakes; we continually strive to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Being a role model is not about being perfect; it is about being real, accountable and about doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
Work with young people in your life to identify role models that have made a positive impact in the world. Challenge them to find real life heroes who model the kind of behavior they admire and discuss the qualities of those individuals. Offer mentorship opportunities where youth can work alongside mentors and people they admire most.
Remember how you live your life is the legacy you leave to the next generation. Are you model material?
Allison Heidorn is outreach and marketing coordinator for Healthy Aroostook/Drug Free Communities. She can be reached at 207-999-1014.
