Matt Kohn just wants someone to look up to.
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I’m 22. I’m a guy. I’m a college graduate from a nationally- and globally-renowned university. I was raised by two awesome parents and had a strong, loyal support system of friends and family my entire life. I am and have been blessed.
I often times like to think that I have it all figured out. I know what I love doing, I have a good idea of what I want to do and who I want to be.
I’m a happy person, I do my best to stay positive and am excited to wake up everyday. I don’t know exactly how I’m going to make everything work out, but I’m excited for the ride and the journey.
But again, I’m 22. I don’t actually have it all figured out. I don’t think I should either. That’s why we have role models, right?
So who makes a great role model? Most often, role models are usually people we admire, idolize, aspire to be like.
Maybe its people like local sports heroes, NFL and MLB stars.
That is until they test positive for illegal substances… or until they knock their girlfriend unconscious…
Maybe its someone who has, against all odds, become the best at what they do in the entire world, despite severe handicaps. How about someone without two legs, that is a sprinter, and competes with the best in the world at the Olympic games?
Wow! Now that is someone I could use as a role model.
That is until they get charged with killing their girlfriend in cold blood…
Ok enough, enough. No more athletes.
What about people who bring joy to others, they brighten their day and bring smiles to their faces.
Someone like a comedian or an actor. That is certainly someone that could be a role model!
Until they take their own life…
I’m 22. I’m confused. Who can I look to? Who can I admire?
Well, I have a few people in mind, but I won’t get my hopes up…
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Photo: hsing / flickr
First thing, please don’t interpret this post as any sort of conceited/I’m amazing sort of post. But for many years, I led a teen leadership development program. We covered things like team building, communication skills, community service, prioritization and time management, public speaking, and tougher issues like drugs and alcohol. During that time, I created a lot of deep relationships with the kids. But it all happened organically. It happened when they saw that an adult cared about them and took a genuine interest. To this day, I have my former “kids” who are now in their mid-20s coming to… Read more »
Awesome Ken! I completely agree. Role models don’t need to be celebrities or on TV and most often they aren’t. Thanks for that great insight and for the awesome work you’ve done in your community.
Thanks Bill for reading and for sharing that. Certainly an impressive and remarkable individual! Appreciate you sharing his story.
(I’m about to bore those who’ve read my posts before.) Matt, speaking as a 64-year-old man who has witnessed dramatic changes in this country and abroad, I’ve always been impressed by those who would manifest moral courage in the face of fierce opposition. Certainly one of the greatest heroes of the past century was the Swedish businessman and humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg — who, incidentally, is only the third foreigner to be granted honorary American citizenship by the Federal government. Sweden was neutral in World War II. Wallenberg, who came from a rich family, could have spent the war living in… Read more »