Article by Savanna Graves
When I was growing up, my mom was constantly pointing out celebrities in the news she felt were proper role models for her young daughter. At the time, I appreciated the pretty faces and modest clothing, but I failed to consider how that person could be someone I look up to in everyday life. As we’ve entered the age of technology and Instagram, proper role models are even more important. We see them on our timeline every day and we strive to mold ourselves to be more like them. But in a world ruled by the Kardashians, it’s hard to see the solid role models we ought to be looking towards and supporting. So here’s a list of some of our favorite role models on and off the A-List right now!
1. Selena Gomez
If you grew up watching Disney Channel like I hope you did, there’s no doubt you saw Selena Gomez at every turn. She took pivotal roles in multiple Disney Channel original movies and starred in her own show, Wizards of Waverly Place, for four seasons. Since her separation from Disney, she branched out; focusing on her music. But her film and song credits aren’t what got her a spot on our list. When Gomez was 17, she became the youngest UNICEF ambassador ever, taking her first field mission in Ghana to help children around her age, but less fortunate. Not long after her time at Disney, she was diagnosed with Lupus but became very open with her struggle with the disease only recently. She has also spoken out about her faith on multiple occasions and hasn’t tried hiding her weekly trips to Hillsong Church in Los Angeles. While Gomez has all the credentials of a solid role model, she is always striving to dress modestly while still showing off her personal style. The 26-year-old singer has never been one to trash others online or in interviews and has always remained a classy role model who I have had the honor of supporting since I was in elementary school.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson found his claim to fame in a successful wrestling career and recently began pursuing an acting career. In 2015, he proved he wasn’t afraid of commitment when he stayed with his girlfriend after they had their first child. Johnson, a registered Independent, has spoken about his conservative ideals in the past but has stayed quiet about his views in recent years. His silence is respected, as so many celebrities in his position isolate a portion of their fans when they attack one side or the other. Johnson has a heart for terminally ill children and has supported charities like Make-A-Wish for years. His respectful yet fun-loving attitude makes him the kind of person you want to strive to be like.
3. Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, has quickly become one of my favorite style icons — but she is also one of the classiest women in the spotlight right now. A famed actress, Markle came from humble beginnings and has been a true “Cinderella story” in the past year. She is a huge advocate for women’s rights and has written an op-ed in Time magazine regarding the stigma around a women’s menstrual cycle. Markle is a self-proclaimed feminist and has continued to speak out for women’s rights and social justice since joining the royal family. The Duchess has always had a great sense of style she has kept up since marrying Prince Harry earlier this year. While the Queen prefers a more modest and sophisticated style, the new Duchess has applied her own taste in her updated closet.
4. Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt is the definition of small town boy turned King of Hollywood. He found fame in the acclaimed comedy Parks and Recreation where he played lovable yet dopey Andy Dwyer. When he was cast in the role of Peter Quill in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, he went through a huge physical transformation, losing weight and gaining muscle in the process. In 2017, Pratt split from his wife Anna Faris, who he shares a son with. Since the split, the Jurassic World star has been supportive of Faris, even penning the foreword of her memoir Unqualified. Pratt has been very open about his Christian faith and his beliefs in recent years, from things as simple as taking his new girlfriend to church with him to wearing graphic tees spouting “Jesus Loves You” when walking through paparazzi. He was awarded the Generation Award at the MTV movie awards where he gave nine rules for the next generation to follow. Two of those nine rules pointed to his belief of God’s realness and the importance of prayer. Pratt remains not only a solid role model, but also a fitness inspiration as well.
5. Ivanka Trump
When it comes to the Trump family, you either love them or hate them. As the eldest daughter of the President, Ivanka is a stunning example for young women. She has faced backlash from the moment she became advisor to the President, yet through it all she has handled the media and insults with grace. She hasn’t been afraid to contradict her father on certain issues, proving she has a mind of her own. As a businesswoman, wife, and mother, she has managed all her different roles beautifully and gracefully. Ivanka Trump is the definition of class in a classless generation.
6. Stephen / Ayesha Curry
Stephen and Ayesha Curry were high school sweethearts and have been married since 2011. Stephen is a successful professional basketball player while Ayesha has found her own path as a chef and cookbook author. The two of them have been open with their Christian faith, both sharing the idea that whatever they do, they do it for God. Steph has always been classy on the court, even when the calls don’t go his way. Ayesha is a fashion icon at home and courtside while staying simple yet true to her style.
7. Millie Bobby Brown
The youngest on our list, Millie Bobby Brown is wise beyond her years. After taking on the titular role of “Eleven” in the popular TV show, Stranger Things, she was skyrocketed to the A-list along with her other young co-stars on the show. Her style is always appropriate for her age while still being unique. The young actress has stayed away from the drama and feuds so many her age can’t seem to avoid. Brown is also smart with how she handles her social media, always watching what she posts and knowing how each picture and tweet can affect her in the future.
8. Kassy Dillon
Kassy Dillon is one of my favorite young conservatives. She is the founder of Lone Conservative and a staff writer for The Daily Wire. Everywhere she goes, she holds herself with class. Her writings are smart and spot on, garnering attention from her new boss Ben Shapiro. Her social media remains intriguing and sharp, finding a solid balance between funny yet appropriate. Plus, she loves pineapple pizza!
9. Robert Downey, Jr.
Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr. is the underdog of all underdogs. Downey hit rock bottom in the early 2000s as he struggled to overcome addiction. He went to jail multiple times, got kicked off sets of tv shows and movies for his substance abuse, and finally achieved sobriety after a trip to rehab in 2003. After his stint with drugs, he struggled getting his career back on track, but eventually received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Tropic Thunder. Soon after that, his career skyrocketed back up when he was cast in the role of Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man. He has been labeled as the “Godfather” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has had a hand in almost every movie since the first Iron Man. The actor doesn’t describe himself as a Democrat or a Republican, but has had conservative tendencies. Downey is involved with charities such as March for Dimes and the Make-A-Wish foundation. My personal favorite on this list, Robert Downey, Jr. is inspiration for anyone trying to take on a major comeback.
10. Nikki Haley
If you haven’t heard her name by now, just go ahead and put her name on your new “favorites” list. As the first female governor of South Carolina and the second Indian American governor to serve in the United States, she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s the United Nations Ambassador, and proven she can be forceful and fair. Haley is a favorite in the conservative circles and a top pick for the first female president. The wife and mother juggles her personal life and her politics gracefully and is always dressed the part. Women across the political spectrum should look to Haley as a role model in their political aspirations and daily lives.
