I know a lot of peoples’ role models come in the form of a teacher, supervisor or parent, but my Aunt is the person who has taught me more about life, love, support and friendship than almost anyone else.

Now don’t get me wrong here, I have several role models in my life that come in the form of educators and many others, but my Aunt is the person I call when I feel like no one will understand what I am going through and need guidance. She inspires me to be the very best in all that I do, while being the most genuine person I can be.

1. Her life experience provides a wealth of information and perspective

She has found incredible success in her life all based on her own grit, expertise and understanding of the way the world works. From a very early age, she told me to find a mentor who believes in me more than I do myself. My aunt talks about the mentors and role models in her life as the pillars to her success and her motivation to continually achieve — and I can safely say she is the reason I aim so high with my goals.

2. She is always there for a bit of advice when I need it

Her guidance and continual advice make me feel as if I am always supported, no matter where in the world I may be.

I know I can call her up and she will talk with me, for hours if need be, to find solutions and new perspectives. When I was in the darkest parts of my depression, she was a key element in my steady recovery. My aunt reminded me who I was and why I was loved, she reminded me that I have purpose.

3. She reminds me how much I have to offer

My aunt is one of the best people who can asses your strengths, weaknesses and can find your talents. I remember a few weeks ago, we were talking about what I have to offer as an intern at a new company I’m working for. She told me to remember what my strengths are: compassion, hard-working attitude, versatile communication skills, and geniality. She always combines personal skills with work skills and never forgets to remind me that I am a good person first. Everything else comes second to being a genuinely kind person.

4. My Aunt inspires me to be my best self


She is the reason my goals look much more like personal development than anything else. Her outlook on life never ceases to amaze me. She is the most sincerely generous and caring person I know. My aunt is not only someone I look up to, but is someone I aspire to be similar to and raise my kids to be like.

Her optimism on life and continuous care for other people is something that motivates me to emulate that in my everyday life.

5. She has the foresight to challenge me

My aunt has the amazing trait of being able to challenge others. By this I mean she challenges me to think from different and diverse perspectives, love when my heart is scared, forgive when I need to move on from pain and to admit when I am wrong.

She knows that in order for me to grow, I need to be challenged. She knows the balance of hearing the hard realities and support when I can’t bear another minute.

I am lucky enough to have a strong woman in my life who cares for me deeply and has the unique abilities to support, challenge, and advise all at once.

My role model also happens to be one of my best friends and for that, I am lucky. I’m truly thankful for her years of friendship, mentorship and unwavering love.