It is difficult to know what my life might look like today if I had not had supportive role models that celebrated my successes and supported me through my setbacks. The research is clear on the powerful impact having even one positive role model has on a child. An article by Marilyn Price-Mitchell indicates that most of our youth learn to behave in a socially acceptable manner by looking towards older individuals and how they carry themselves.

Growing up, athletics was (and remains) a large part of my life. Whether participating or watching older siblings, I found a passion for being active while learning valuable lessons. Because I invested the most time in this environment, it is no surprise that my siblings and a few older athletes were those that I modeled my behavior after. Witnessing these role models handle their successes and failures taught me how to carry myself with humility through my greatest highs and lows, while not letting either define me. This served to be a crucial skill for me growing up as I always seemed to be the athlete on crutches or in a cast!

I had my fair share of frustrating injuries and surgeries to apply the lessons I had observed, but my junior year was a turning point. Despite entering the school year feeling healthier than ever, I quickly experienced unknown health concerns. Not sure how to stay hopeful in a time of such uncertainty, I leaned on my role models. Their encouragement to not quit when things seemed to be their worst, to take it day by day, to focus on variables I could control, and to leave the rest of the worry behind me was invaluable. Their guidance that modeled these behaviors helped me return to an optimistic mindset. It was not until the end of the year when my coaches remarked that the example I set working through difficult times had a positive impact on my younger teammates who found themselves dealing with their own challenges.

“Witnessing these role models handle their successes and failures taught me how to carry myself with humility through my greatest highs and lows, while not letting either define me.”

Since then, I have actively sought ways to serve as a role model in the communities I am a part of. I have applied the lessons I have learned by volunteering with youth, inspiring young athletes at a summer gymnastics camp, serving on leadership panels, and providing tours for my university. All of these have been rewarding in their own way, and all have provided me with the opportunity to mentor others as a way of paying back those who have invested in me. As a Fellow for the Fall term working with Can Play, I have found yet another opportunity to learn as well as set an example.

Seeing these admirable behaviors mirrored in my partner organization’s staff and mission “to increase the positive impact on youth through the growth and evolution of adaptive and no-cost recreation programs” day after day has been both exhilarating and humbling. The opportunities that our participants are given provide more than just a space to play, but encourages them to grow as individuals and express themselves in a safe environment similar to the one I had growing up. Investing in these youth allows them to grow into themselves and their experiences without confining them to pre-defined limitations, which instills confidence and self-worth.

Many variables come into play in youth development, but knowing that there is at least one person that stands by you when you need it most can be the difference between learning from that experience or letting it define you. The role of a strong mentor is an asset for youth’s growth and brings with it endless rewards for both the young person and mentor.