The role of role models in personal development

Role Model

Maya Angelou

The way we live our lives is an expression of our world view. The choices and decisions we make, while involving some aspects of volition is deeply influenced by the experiences and situation we pass through as individuals. People who have passed through fiery trials in childhood may be destroyed or become deeply insightful. The latter is the condition of Maya Angelou. Her childhood challenges of abuse and parental divorce combined with a life of privation and hardship produced one of the most insightful and powerful women in modern America. A role model for many women and men she stands shoulders above many others in society. Her music, poetry and books form a tapestry of beauty and human expression that inevitably influences how we live our lives.

The understanding of Maya Angelou's view of family can be derived from her multiple relationships as well as her experiences from her family of origin. Maya Angelou clearly believes in family. The strong bonds she has with her brother are demonstrated in her decision to tell her brother about the abuse she endured. Additionally, the name that she uses Maya is a nickname given to her by her brother (Maya Angelou 2012). She is monogamous and tends towards the traditional western model of family life. Her monogamy is noted because she engaged in a romantic relationship with a Ghanaian national and moved to Ghana for a time. This action suggests that she is willing to make sacrifices for the success of her relationships. Family is important to her. She was married at one time to a young sailor but the marriage ended in divorce. These events and her subsequent actions suggest that while family is important she is wary of marriage as an institution. This is very harmonious with my own world view about family and marriage. Marriage is important but not a necessity. I think that if relationships are not working couples need to make decisions to have them work or terminate the unhappy unions. I could not conceive of living life in a continuous state of unhappiness.

The career of Ms. Angelou is phenomenal. She is a poet, actor, songwriter and author. Additionally she has time to lecturer and mentor students. This approach to one's career is very inspiring. She is doing what she wants to do. This of course did not occur overnight; she clawed her way through difficulty and discouragement to be able to experience the sweet taste of success. Maya Angelou also has a generous side to her personality and regularly gives money to charitable organizations and worthy causes. Her wealth and fame allow her to have the life she desires. While I may not want to be as varied in the career options I have. I am of the view that your career should be taken to the highest you can go. Additionally, you should be able to have the lifestyle you want based on this success.