A few days ago there was a story about a family who was sitting behind Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu on a plane flight. Before landing, the mother gave him a note which read: “Hi! You don’t know us but we wanted to thank you. Our son sat behind you on this flight and watched you. He saw you studying your plays, watched you make healthy choices with your food and snacks, food and drink. He watched how polite you were to everyone. He is only 10 but he just made an elite hockey team and we are on our way to training in CT. You are an inspiration to children and for that you should be proud! Thank you and best of luck! The family that sat behind you. :)”
It’s important to remember that we are all role models – because for good or ill people see the things we do, and hear the things we say. It’s not just when we think people are watching, it’s all the time! What are the times you can remember when someone did something that you admired? What are the times when someone did something you did not admire? Ask these questions of your team, or of some of your friends. Does anything surprise you in the answers?
Remember the preamble to the Code for Living: “Because I am a role model with the opportunity and the responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others, I commit to this Code…”
