Who's made a difference in your life?
	Inner Teacher Everyone has the chance to be her or his own role model. You know that voice way in the back of your head telling you right from wrong, reminding you that you are smart and beautiful—your own cheer squad. That is your built-in role model. Pay attention to it, it is there to guide you. How to Listen to You In a special journal, notebook, or blog: 1. Keep track of your dreams—both daydreams and the ones you have when you sleep. 2. Create personal goals and timelines of where you want to go in life and when. 3. Consider financial cost and plans; life can get expensive. 4. Ponder life's questions and come up with your own solutions. 5. Show gratitude to those who have helped you along the way.

Finding Balance
Super Girl

By Rande Bynum, staff writer

I nervously stood up in the auditorium and said, "I am here to say thank you for helping me—be me".

I recently had a chance to say "thank you" to a professor who mentored me when I was young and unsure. She was a little surprised when I told her that she changed my path in life and that I credit who I am today to her.

I recognized the grin on her face because a couple of years ago I got a phone call from a young woman I had mentored—Chey—when she was in high school. Just as I had thanked my former professor, Dr. Boyce-Davies, Chey let me know that her success was my success too. When I was a mentor I had barely finished college and was still a little unsure of my future. It was hard for me to believe I had made such an impact—and I certainly never expected a "thank you."

Role models, mentors, leaders, teachers, and parents are good at what they do because they do it with passion. Though there is usually little to no reward for this work, the feeling you get when someone says, "thank you" is indescribable.

Wanted: Superheroes

Being a superhero is not an easy task, which is why there are so few of them, and why they are usually imaginary. Being a role model, however, is a more realistic aspiration. It does take some effort, though. Here are five steps to get you on your way.

1. Set an Example
   When someone looks up to you, they are watching your every move. This includes everything from style and language to handling stress and building relationships.
   
   
2. Be Accessible
   Try to schedule regular "together" times but be open to the fact that being a role model is not a 9 to 5 job. You never know when you might be needed.
   
   
3. Stand for Something
   Being ethical, honest, and having strong values is important. But standing up for what you believe and being consistent are just as valuable.
   
   
4. Admit Mistakes
   Sometimes showing that you are not perfect is the best way to build a relationship and open communication. Use your life's mistakes and solutions as a guide.
   
   
5. Discover New Paths
   Just because you are mentoring someone doesn't mean you are grooming them to be a carbon copy of you. Accept that they might choose a different and unfamiliar path. You can still be supportive.

Reward your Role Model

I never thought I'd get a "thank you" from Chey—that's not why I mentored her. After all, saying thank you isn't your first thought as you are soaring towards your life's dreams.

Now that you have some insight into what it takes to be a role model, take some time to reflect on who has helped you along the way. Here are some unique ways to say thank you.

Gratitude: Five Tips

1. Share your success
   Give your mentor copies of awards and certificates. Share with them when you've been honored and invite them to celebrate.
   
   
2. Make Time
   Don't leave them behind just because you have moved on to your next step. Spend time together; they can still offer lots of support and direction.
   
   
3. Continue Connections
   Make opportunities for old and new mentors to network. Take this opportunity to expand your circle; include younger people in your life as well.
   
   
4. Highlight Special Moments
   Remember the good times. Say thank you to your role model or mentor with a memento of a life changing moment. A book, photo, or CD will do.
   
   
5. Create and Share
   Who have you become because of the support you received? Share a little of the new you with your "hero."
   

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uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/UNILEVER SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM was established in the fall of 2001 to boost self-esteem among girls ages 8 to 14. The uniquely ME! resources are available for all girls.