True role models are those who possess the qualities we would like to have. Role models are those who have influenced us in ways that influence us to be better people. They are people who others imitate, emulate, or look to for guidance. There are good role models who inspire greatness in others and bad role models who are bad influences. There are also anti-role models, labeled by the media as "bad girls" or "bad boys" who serve as good examples of what not to do if you want to become a successful and respected person. Since I spend most of my time as an athlete throughout high school and college, I believe athletes should serve as role models. Athletes can be good role models in terms of demonstrating how to be a professional. How athletes behave in conversations and interactions with others says a lot about their overall personality. I don't think professional athletes embark on their careers without first knowing that they need to present themselves as a good public image to both young people and their peers. While I'm sure they make mistakes like anyone else, they have to be extremely careful about how their fans and communities perceive them. Making a good impression is always a great way to be a great role model. To be a good role model you need to pay attention to your audience. To attract an audience, the athlete must honor their fans by acting correctly, following the laws, succeeding in sport, and helping others when appropriate. When the public sees these positive characteristics and actions, youth and adults are inspired to imitate these positive behaviors. Players show their professionalism in many ways. An example of this is the way professional athletes behave... middle of paper... like good players but also good role models. Athletes are considered people of good character and integrity. It's not unusual for young people to look up to athletes. I remember growing up as a child and seeing how every kid I knew wanted to be "like Mike." Fortunately, Michael Jordan was a good role model and still is today. Even if a young person doesn't want to become an athlete, at least they can have a positive figure to look up to, to aspire to be like in other ways besides being athletic. In short, there are good role models in all areas of sport. From golf to football, up to the most popular television sports, such as football and basketball. Even less televised sports like cricket and lacrosse. Even though athletes may not know they are respected, they must behave and perfect their craft in their sport as if they were.