How to Write About My Role Model

High school and college teachers often ask students to write essays about role models as part of their English class. Teachers want to know how important people in your life helped shape your values, goals and passions. Even though you're writing about an influential person, the essay is about you, so stress ways your role model positively affected your life. Provide specific examples to back your points, and start and end your paper with inspiring words or thought-provoking examples.

Discuss the positive influence your role model had on you and how she impacted your life. For example, you might choose a family member who inspired you to explore a certain profession or a close friend who helped you to conquer a difficult life situation. Explain how your role model challenged you to become a better person. Maybe she stood against civil injustices, reached out to others in the community or gave of her time and resources to make the world a better place.

Give examples to support reasons why your role model deserves your admiration and respect. You might discuss his exemplary military service, commitment to his job or dedication to his family. He might have held leadership roles or made heroic decisions to save or rescue others. Provide specific examples of his determination, sacrifices and strong decision-making skills. You might use familiar sayings, specific quotes, anecdotes or special interactions between the two of you to start and conclude your paper.

List some of your role model's admirable character traits -- especially those you witnessed firsthand. You might discuss her charismatic personality, loyalty, perseverance, enthusiasm, honesty, selflessness or authenticity. Explain how you've tried to model those same attributes. You might discuss how your role model's road wasn't always easy, such as suffering with illness, disabilities or hardships, and how she overcame those obstacles. Most role models don't have perfect lives, but they learn to make the best of situations and teach others to do the same.

Explain the long-term impact your role model has made on your life. You might have followed in his footsteps and established similar goals. Maybe you decided to pursue the same career path or chose to invest in similar organizations. You might have adopted the same political, social or religious beliefs or retained some of his personal habits. Make sure your essay has a strong, personal touch, so your teacher relates to your sentiments and understands why this person is so important to you. If you chose a role model that you don't know personally, such as a celebrity, historical figure, famous athlete or politician, make sure you discuss how that superstar has left his mark on you.