The presence of good role models can have a significantly positive impact on the youth of a community, while the absence of such role models can be detrimental to their development. What I’ve seen in my community has been an ongoing cycle of bad choices – more high school drop outs; more young people falling into a life of crime; more teenage pregnancies; more substance abuse; more violence. I strive to be a role model that our youth can look up to, helping them to develop a sense of direction and purpose in their own lives. As role models we can mentor youth on healthy ways to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles. We can inspire them to work hard and strive for success as we demonstrate values of honesty, integrity, and compassion, which can help shape their moral compass. This is what every single one of us needs and I have found this in Growing Champions: a family with people you can look up to, and go to when in need, knowing that they will do whatever they can to help. I choose to become the help, the sturdy ground my brother or sister can stand on when they feel their lives have been shaken.