Posted by Anne

Just a small chunk of my collection of heroes and heroines.

When you hear the term “role model”, it’s usually in the following context:  “You know, young women today need positive role models like Michelle Obama, instead of Lindsey Lohan.”  Indeed…how true.  But here’s my question:  Does a role model need to be, by definition, older than oneself?  I hope not.  And furthermore, is it a prerequisite that role models be actual people—people who live in the flesh, and appear on CNN?  Again, I hope not. 

I hope my role models can be young, and I hope they can be fictional.  There’s a simple reason:  Lately, the people I aspire to emulate are…well…little girls from books.  Long since the day I first turned the pages of a “chapter book,” I’ve been hooked on children’s literature.  I love an adult novel as much as the next reader, but every so often, I need something different.  I need the pure, entertaining storytelling of a child’s novel.  But most of all, I need the characters.  I need to feel inspired.  And I’m sorry—Anne of Green Gables somehow inspires me worlds beyond the “modern-day-woman.” 

The favorite books of my childhood (and let’s face it, adulthood as well) are the ones that tell the stories of girls I admire—girls who try new things, take risks, make changes, and touch the lives of other people.  And when I think of Life in Pencil, I think of these beautiful, spunky, sassy, genius gals.  They are my role models.  Here’s why…

Hermione Granger, Harry Potter Series
Oh, Hermione.  I relate to her on so many levels…mostly her nerdy propensity for answering questions in class, and how she’s always so tickled to shop for school supplies in Diagon Alley.  But as much as I share her teacher’s pet persona, I don’t always share her most important quality—bravery.  She may be anxious when it comes to exams, but her anxiety seems to melt away at exactly the moment when danger lurks.  Man, she’s cool.

Mary Lennox, The Secret Garden
Okay, so she’s not the cheeriest of girls in the beginning.  But can you blame her?  Cholera, creepy Yorkshire mansions, and aloof hunchbacks?  It’s gotta be tough.  But ultimately, she finds solace and joy—through quirky people, fresh air, and a very secret old garden.  She steps outside of herself, and embraces a part that she never knew existed.  She’s brave—she dares to leave the bitterness behind, and move forward. 

These are the girls I wish I could be.  No, you won’t find me hiding at the local art museum, and I regret to say I’m a horrible gardener.  But I will continue to strive for the LiP qualities these girls represent…adventure, wisdom, and the courage to change. 

Any fictional role models in your life?  Or do you stick to the traditional definition? Or just tell me your favorite children’s novel…if I haven’t already read it, I will.