Reflective Essay about My Role Model

In my definition, a role model is someone I admire in all aspects of their life. I look to my role model for inspiration and direction. Their personality, demeanor, and even intelligence are of desire. In my eyes, my role model is successful, the perfect being, and someone I strive to become. 

My role model is my father. He has been my source of inspiration for as long as I can remember. His presence has greatly influenced me as a person. His unwavering perseverance and selflessness are qualities I look up to with great admiration. Since young, I saw my father as a figure upholding the highest level of discipline and determination. Taking on responsibilities and facing obstacles head-on shaped the way I viewed him - as a man of his word, a man of dignity. 

A memory that remains etched in my mind is of when he used to drive my brother and I to school every morning from our home in Ang Mo Kio to Bedok, before driving to work at Sembawang. He did this every single school day without fail for 2 years. No cough or flu could hinder him from sending us. Doing this meant that he had to wake up an hour earlier than usual and refill the petrol more often. Although I appreciated the extra 45 minutes of sleep, and not needing to fight for seats on public transport, my secondary school self could not see the rationale behind his actions. As I matured, it got seemingly obvious that he wanted to ensure we lived our lives in comfort, free of the hardships he had to face growing up. I saw this as his way of showing love and making it up to us, since I barely saw him as he always returned home late. However, it was only later that I found out he was in fact working overtime to afford our school supplies, and volunteering at donation drives for the needy. Even though our family was eligible for the Financial Assistance Scheme, my father chose to work because he believed that there were people in greater need of the funds. In that moment, I felt as if I truly understood the meaning of compassion and what it means to put others before yourself. His selfless act left a lasting impression on me. 

Luke 6:31: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To me, my father is the epitome of this quote. His determination and selfless mindset is evident through his daily actions. I follow in his footsteps by volunteering occasionally, and pressing on when faced with setbacks or rejections in school and work. 

I aspire to be able to impact the lives of students as my father did to me. Including academics,  I believe that guiding students by behavior instead of just words will inspire them to be the best version of themselves which will lead them to achieve their goals.