Role Models

I was recently asked on a job application who was someone I admired most and why. The smart girl in me said to choose someone who fit the job's archetypes; Mother Teresa, Pope Francis I, or some other Catholic figure head. The twenty-one year old female in me screamed for Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, or my mom. I struggled with it for a few minutes; and then I went with Emma Watson.

As I justified this in mind:

She's intelligent. She's modest. She has a lot of charity work. She plays Hermione Granger. 

I was also tearing it down in my mind:

Do I really want this job? Shouldn't I be writing to please them? Why in the world are you not writing about Pope Francis I right now? 

My reason, when it was all said and done, is that they asked for role model and that she is immediately who popped into my head. I find her modest, chaste, tasteful body image to be inspiring. I love that even though she is an incredible actress, she still continues her education because it's something she values. I find it impressive that she uses the influence she has developed to benefit organizations that she believes in. Why is that something to be ashamed of?

Role models are what we make of them. Whether or not everyone else finds your particular role model inspiring is unimportant. What matters is that this name, this person helps to inspire you. Never mind how anyone else sees you, or her.

Whether your role model is someone you met on the street, found in book, discovered in a movie, or is part of your faith, they influence you. Embrace that, use it to your advantage. Be inspired, be bold, use them as something to push and encourage you.

Totus Tuus,

LeAnn

2012

Adios cinnamon toast! Or in this case, 2012.  

I thought I'd try something with my last post of 2012, just for fun.  Instead of throwing a bunch of words at all my lucky readers, I thought I'd give you all a lot to look at instead, and with that, give you all of my highlights of 2012!

 Nothing really happened in the winter of 2012, but Memorial Day Weekend, my family visited St. Louis, and got to see my boy Yadi hit his first grand slam of the season.







For Mother's Day, I borrowed my aunt's amazing camera, and took my siblings out to a beautiful local park called Jolly Mill.  We took a bunch of shots, to fill a large frame of nice pictures of her kids.  We had a great time taking pictures and playing that day.

 

 Trips to my grandparent's lake house on Table Rock lake are always a blast.  The house is built on top of a hill, and at the bottom is the lake.  I don't have very good cell service or internet down there, which makes it the perfect get away.







Camp Re-New-All, my favorite place in the world, it's what keeps me going year after year.  This place and these people are more important to many than most people know.  It is always on my highlight list.

Football games! I love PSU football! Even though we are Divison II school, our games are so much and full of energy.  And of course, being in the band means we have the most fun.

 This girl right here.  She makes my every day better.  We visited KC in June, tie-dyed in August, suffered through Parkinson's college algebra class together, and had so much fun all semester.  She is my best friend, and I am so glad I can call her "sister".

  

This girl as well.  I couldn't have survived this semester without her and our long walks around campus, searching for the perfectly crunchy leaves.  Between our walks and shared love for writing, the MBTI, and music, we get along great.  

And this lovely lady.  My roomie, twin, and now SAI sister.  Two highlights in one in this picture.  I moved onto campus this year, and was lucky enough to room with my twin and we've had a blast living together whenever we have time to actually hang out!  We also joined Sigma Alpha Iota this semester and I am so honored to be accepted into such an amazing group of young women.

Finally, my quote of the year.  2012 held a lot of ups and downs for me.  From fights, break ups, and betrayals to some incredible new friends, a stronger bond with my family, and greater connection with God.

Happy Early New Year's to you all!

Totus tuus,

LeAnn