When I decided to run for the 2009-2010 PRSSA National Committee, I had to submit a 250-word essay about my favorite leader and why I admired him or her. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great role models, and I look to each of them for different reasons, but I hadn’t considered who my favorite was.
And while most of my friends who are the oldest child in their families are an example for their younger siblings, I find myself looking up (figuratively) yet down (physically) to my “little” sister. Jackie Huelsman, my 18-year-old sister, a recent alumna of Marion Local High School and the “runt” of my family is my favorite leader and role model because she exemplifies the best characteristics of one:
- She’s the most compassionate person I’ve ever met. Jackie can brighten a room with her smile, and she knows it. She’s kindest to the strangest of strangers and treats everyone equally. Some might call it being naive, but she’s just trying to make the world a kinder place.
- She’s nothing like me. To h-e-l-l (not sure if it’s appropriate to “swear” on my blog) with those who say to admire someone like you. My sister is extremely spontaneous, loves to party and hates school; I once (or twice, or maybe three times) tried to convince her that she was adopted. But, by surrounding myself with people like Jackie, whom I don’t have much in common with, I’ve learned more about myself and how to appreciate others.
- She gets it. Jackie knows that she only has one life to live, and that she’ll live it to the fullest, all day, every day. Sure, I’ve been frustrated with her when I want be serious and she refuses to stop laughing, but she makes life more enjoyable. And after all, life should be about having fun.
Who is your favorite role model and why?
j
