6 Celebrity Role Models for Your First Year in College

By Danni White on September 11, 2017

Celebrities are everywhere. From the front pages of magazine covers to multiple articles across the internet to YouTube videos and social media postings galore, celebrities never cease to both amaze us with their talent and skill or get us talking about their choices on everything from food to fashion.

All too often, it appears that scandals, rowdy parties, sex escapades, and fashion mishaps are what dominate the front-page news daily. While all celebrities possess at least one good quality or trait, many get known more for the drama that surrounds their lives than anything else. Physical attractiveness, stellar acting skills, great voices, and A1 Instagram accounts can only get one so far. A little brains and the knowledge that others are watching you could go much further.

Amid raunchy music videos, famous Twitter feuds, baby momma-and-daddy drama, and reality TV shows that are scripted for the screen, it can be difficult to shine a spotlight on those who are doing good and making an extra effort to have a positive and uplifting effect on others.

Here are some celebrities that you can look to for inspiration while you get through the college years.

1. Steph Curry

You probably know him as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. With two championships and two most valuable player awards under his belt all before the age of 30, he well deserves the mention.

But Steph Curry is much more than just a basketball player; he’s a role model who willingly gives his money to charitable causes such as the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to fight malaria.

Beyond that, he never lets his small frame (compared to other basketball stars) stop him from striving to the best. And he is unashamed about sharing his faith with those around him both on and off the court.

2. Zendaya

If you don’t love Zendaya, then I don’t know what planet you were born on. From her days on Shake It Up to her latest movie appearances, Zendaya embodies positivity, inspiration, and confidence. Beyond her accomplishments in music and movies as well as fashion, she understands how to balance life, how to make wise decisions, and how to handle haters.

3. Lebron James

For all the hate that he received when he made the decision to move from Cleveland to Miami to play basketball under a huge contract, nobody can argue that Lebron has a heart for his community and for people in general. The basketball star is not only a highly publicized athlete and avid businessman, but he uses his smarts to support several organizations including the Children’s Defense Fund and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Image by Keith Allison – https://www.flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Additionally, his foundation holds annual events to give back to his childhood community. Considering he never went to college, he promises to send 1,000 inner-city kids to college as part of his foundation’s scholarship program. In 2017, he was awarded for his dedication and service to the community with the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

4. Emma Watson

Well-known for her role in the Harry Potter film series, Emma has used her good name and good heart to push for women’s rights around the world. In 2014, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador and gave a well-received speech at the HeForShe campaign that same year.

Beyond that, after leaving school for a year, she entered Brown University in Rhode Island in 2009 to endure the rigors of higher education like every other college student. In 2014, her efforts paid off as she earned a degree in English.

5. Jennifer Lawrence

Aside from her starring role in The Hunger Games film series, her multiple Golden Globe Awards for Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy, and her other accolades, Jennifer is known for speaking up about body image and equality issues and how it affects younger girls. She also challenged the gender pay gap in Hollywood and gave new (more accurate) meaning to the term feminism.

Aside from that, she willingly lends her smarts, wit, charm, and money to charitable organizations including Feeding America and the Thirst Project as well as to children’s hospitals. Her foundation that goes by her name supports the vital needs of children and drives awareness of participation in the arts.

By GabboT – mother! 07, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

6. Simone Biles

Well-known for her stellar gymnastics skills and impressive five gold medals at the Rio Olympics, Simone was born to be a role model.

In and out of foster care as a child before being adopted by her grandparents, she entered the world of gymnastics training at the age of 6 and never looked back. Her megawatt smile and her ability to focus on goals and overcome odds (include her short stature) make her an inspiration to many people.

There are many celebrities but only a select few are making a positive difference in the lives of people around them that is well deserving of recognition. In our celebrity-obsessed culture, taking a stand, giving to important causes, and advocating for worthy issues can be difficult. But if you can look at one or two people who are doing just that, you have all the inspiration you need to focus on your own goals and to make a difference in your world.

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