how to be a role model

Demonstrate confidence in yourself. Whatever you choose to do with your life, be proud of the person you’ve become and continue to become. It may have been a long and difficult road, but commemorate the lessons you learned, the strength you've amassed, and the character you've developed.
True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people. To advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don't recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress.
Role models live their values in the world. Children admire people who act in ways that support their beliefs. It helps them understand how their own values are part of who they are and how they might seek fulfilling roles as adults. For example, students spoke of many people who supported causes from education to poverty to the environment. Role models helped these students understand the underlying values that motivated people to become advocates for social change and innovation.
Be humble. While you are a good role model or are well-looked upon by others, this does not mean you always have the best answers. Understand that there are other paths of action, ways of thinking, or perspectives that are just as valuable as your own ways.

Nobody's perfect. Everyone, including role models, make mistakes. Just do your best. Despite their mistakes, good role models earn the trust of those who believe in them.
Young people develop the skills and abilities of initiative when they learn to overcome obstacles. Not surprisingly, they admire people who show them that success is possible. One student shared a story of a young man she met in Cambodia on a service-learning project with her school. “He is an incredibly hardworking individual who has faced unimaginable obstacles in his life, yet continues to persevere to support his family and encourage his community. He survived the Cambodian genocide. He earned his education in a system where those who succeed are the ones who bribe officials. He has dedicated his life to give back to his community. Wow! What an individual; and the best civic role model!”