My stepdad, Chris, stepped foot into my life when I didn’t have my dad to look up to, and he became a role model that I needed. His dedication and support to the community of step-parents who show that family is about love and commitment, not just biology-related. His story proves that role models are people who are willing to step up when others don’t choose to. What makes Chris stand out to me is how he communicates through his actions and words really showed me that family is built on love and commitment. He doesn’t just tell me he’s there for me. He proves it by listening, or just going out of his way to do something for me.   

This stays with me now, because it showed me that role models are people who are willing to step out of their way and do something for someone else. I carry that lesson moving forward, knowing that how I act and how I communicate with others can matter more than what I say. Chris showed me responsibility and how to care, which is something that will always stay with me.