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The Real Young LondonYou are in: London > People > The Real Young London > Young and Real ![]() Students from Cranford Community College Young and RealBy Michael Cloherty and Vivianne Onyango Young people often look to other people for inspiration and motivation. We asked several young Londoners who they see as their role models and how this encourages them to be proactive.
The current issues surrounding young people and crime seem to ignore the good image of young people who are actually taking positive steps to enhance their lives and ensure they will have a good future.
Help playing audio/video ![]() Students taking a moment for a picture One of the best ways of ensuring young people are always looking out for their future is to encourage them to have someone to look up to. We interviewed young people ranging from the ages of 16 to 19 and asked them to tell us about their role models and how important they are to them. We also asked what their future plans are and how they see themselves fitting into society at the present. ![]() Daniel and Zaciya Preparing an interview At The Brit, a performing arts and technology school in Croydon, the students are talented and determined young people who all aim high in their lives. Who is your role model and what makes a good one?Daniel, a Year 12 Music student from Peckham, is inspired by singer / songwriter Lemar and, like his idol, wants to ensure he has a good education behind him. He has already begun spreading a message against youth crime through his lyrics, something which he feels personally connected with. Michelle, a Year 12 student from Cranford Community College, believes a good role model is someone who can give direction when she feels lost and someone to look up to. We then spoke to Michelle's mother to see how she felt about being mentioned as a good role model. She said that she was surprised and didn't expect her teenage daughter to say so. She believes that parents should listen to their kids and pay attention, which can help with encouraging them to reach their goals.
Why is that person your role model? What inspiration and motivation does she/he give you?Rachel, a Year 12 Media student from The Brit School, believes that a role model does not have to be a particular person. She believes in motivating herself, as she knows it is up to her to be the one to get up and create her own future. She stated: ''You are your own person and you may have influences, but you are you.'' Jade, a Year 13 student at The Brit School, said that her mother is her role model because she pushes her to make sure she never loses motivation. ''When I don't want to do certain things she always urges me on, and in the end it always comes out good and makes me a better person,'' she said. When we spoke with Jade's mother she said that being a single mother is not that easy, but she keeps working hard to ensure her daughter will always know to strive for her goals. She also said that mutual respect between parents and young people is necessary and helps to encourage them. What plans do you have for the future?Shelton, a Year 12 student from The Brit School, hopes that his future will be about making a difference. He doesn't want to be like other people, sticking to convention. ![]() Shelton getting ready to interview guest Where do you see your role in society at the present time?Rachel thinks right now there is no place for people of her age and, if they want to get anywhere and have a place to belong, then they need to work a little harder. Shelton feels his role at the moment is to break away from convention in order to make a difference in the future. He said, ''I think my role in society is just to kinda try and break the mould. That's what I wanna do.''
Would you like to be someone's role model one day?Zaciya, a 19-year-old who is a part of The Brit School alumni producing for the radio broadcast, sees herself as a role model to the younger students whom she is helping. Bhuwan, a Year 13 student at Cranford, is a table tennis coach to kids younger than himself. After being taught when he was younger, he is now giving back to kids what he learnt, passing on the inspiration he gained. Michelle from Cranford thinks that a role model has a lot of responsibility to live up to. She worries that if she were a role model she might disappoint those who look up to her.
Do you think role models are a good way forward to a better society?Ali, a Year 12 student from Cranford Community College, believes that role models are a way forward to improving society because if children don't have positive influences from a young age then they grow up to believe certain things are good whilst it's not any good for society. ![]() Mohammed prepares for training at Repton Roland Preece, a Year 12 student from Cranford, agrees that role models are a better way forward, as people need something to aspire to and when they have role models then they can see it is possible to achieve their aspirations. Mohammed, from Repton Boxing Club, believes that it depends on the social environment. He feels that while some people need role models, other people just need the guidance given to them by their parents. last updated: 04/07/2008 at 16:51 SEE ALSOYou are in: London > People > The Real Young London > Young and Real |
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