If you asked me how I got to where I was today, I would say that I wouldn’t have gotten to this point in my life without having some amazing role models to look up to. Since it’s National Role Model Month, I thought I would share some of my favorite role models to look up to outside of the family and friends that I have.
Tanya Rad
When I’m going through a rough patch in my life, I take a breath and think to myself, “What would Tanya Rad do?” If you don’t know who Tanya is, she’s a radio personality who is making a name for herself in entertainment, but there’s more than that. She is a modern woman, and as a modern woman, she is working to empower other women to be the very best that they can be. I strive to provide a light in this world similar to the one she has ignited in me.
Jeannie Mai
Out of all the role models that I mention here, Jeannie Mai is the one that I have discovered the most recently. I heard her talking about life and career on The Ladygang Podcast, after doing a deep dive to go back and listen to old episodes. In that interview, she talks about life and career, and I’ve been following her career since.
Keltie Knight
I’ve already mentioned The Ladygang Podcast, which is one of the podcasts that I listen to religiously. Keltie is one of three founders of the podcast, and she is the one that I relate to the most. I’m definitely the K-Type, who loves to unwind at the end of the day with my journal. The reason I admire her is because she got this far despite all the setbacks that she’s faced. Yes, she’s thirsty, but she knows that she deserves more, and she woke up at 4 AM for years to work for what she deserves. That type of resolve is admirable, and I strive to get to that point.
Marie Lu
Anytime someone asks me who my favorite writer is, Marie Lu is on that list. She makes my role model list because this is what I strive to do, to make a career our of writing. It takes a truly creative mind to develop a world like she has, and it takes dedication to work in a craft like writing. I devour her writing, in hopes that one day I can make a career for myself and end up on the New York Times Bestseller List with more than one of my own novels.
Ali Wong
I’ve been a fan of Ali Wong for a couple years now, but I think what made me really admire her and pave a similar path of my own is reading her book. Her book Dear Girls is a New York Times Bestseller, and she penned these memories and lessons for her daughters to read one day. While there is plenty to laugh about in the book, Ali also shares the lessons she’s learned about growing up Asian American, about the hard work she’s put in for years to get her where she is today, and how hard it is to get recognition for her wit and her craft from others instead of being defined as that Asian female comic. Hopefully, by the time I make a career for myself, I won’t just be defined by my gender and race.
What is something you look for in a role model? Who is someone that you admire? Do you believe that you are a role model for someone else, and if yes, who and why?
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Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 