The Cosby Show
I fell in love with Heathcliff Huxtable and his family starting in elementary when my parents brought home, "The Cosby Show." We own the first three seasons and still frequently watch them. In high school, I decided I wanted to write a TV show like the Cosby Show. I had realized that many shows for kids and teens were filled with bad attitudes from the kids toward their parents and sometimes teachers. Personally, kids who are exposed to this type of behavior eventually display it. If the characters in the shows aren't being reprimanded for these kinds of actions, why are we surprised when kids continually talk back to authority? In my opinion, entertainment should change in a way that brings honor to the parents. I realize that may sound "old school," but I really think it would make a difference. Maybe we won't have so many issues with respect at home or discipline at school if the TV shows these kids watch weren't filled with garbage.
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So, it is still my dream to create a TV show that is centered around the same ideals as The Cosby Show.
Sue Thomas
​For those of you who don't know, Sue Thomas is a Deaf woman who got a job in the F.B.I. doing undercover surveillance reading lips. I have linked her autobiography here.
I love that she didn't let being Deaf stop her no matter who ridiculed her or tried to scare her. I see kids all the time making fun of others who are different from them. My heart goes out to those who are bullied and I try to encourage kids to not let others dictate who they will become. The only person who has the power to change you is yourself. Don't let others tell you that you have to wear a certain brand or like a certain band to be considered important. In middle school, I played with only white barbies and straightened my hair. Soon after, I grew tired of trying to please other people. No one should have to physically change in order for other people to like them. Growing up, my passions were reading, writing and running and I still love those things. Sadly, it took me until college to realize I wasn't the only one who had those hobbies. There are times when I wish I didn't care what other people thought, but the reality is I do. Regardless, I want to persevere and be the woman I was created to be. I won't let someone tell me I can't do something. I have the same rights as everyone else. She is my role model because she never gave up. :)
Derrick Coleman
This former offensive player for the Seahawks football team is Deaf. People wonder how someone like him can compete successfully in a team sport, never mind end up being drafted in the NFL. He is such an inspiration not only to the Deaf community but to everyone. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be something you dream of being. If you have a passion, go for it all the way. Someday, I hope to meet this role model of mine. I sincerely pray that he doesn't end up like many athletes and stars who lose their focus or forget the road that took them to where they are.
I've included a commercial done by Duracell featuring Derrick as well as an article explaining his story. Both bring tears to my eyes. I hope someday to be an inspiration like he is. Of course, some may say I already am through the impact I made in college, various clubs, on the soccer field and just by being me. Sadly, it took me until recently to love who I am and not be afraid to talk about myself truthfully. I'm confident you will find him an inspiration as well as whether or not you have a disability. This is a must read!
Mr. Rogers
"One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self." This is one of my favorite quotes from the renowned Mr. Rogers.
Growing up, my family watched his show, "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," every time it was on PBS. Back then, my parents had strict rules on what was allowed to be seen on TV. Sadly, there were more nurturing shows for kids then than there are now. I can see why my parents only let us watch certain shows because as kids we were susceptible to a lot. We were much more likely to behave the way the characters behaved without realizing the implications of those actions.
I agree with Mr. Roger's statement about how TV can be terrible. There's so much garbage. Someday, I hope to create a show that kids can learn positive things from and not reiterate how to backtalk to their parents.
Here is a link to an article I recently read that I think my readers should take a look at.