admin I chose Dolly Parton as one of my role models. Growing up she was played often in our house, as my mom admires and loves her as well. My mom saw mirrors of her own childhood in the story of Dolly’s. I have always been inspired by how both Dolly and my mother rose out of what they were dealt as children, growing up in poor areas and households. Dolly grew up in a one-room cabin in Tennessee with her 11 siblings. She persevered through economic struggle and became a star through her singing. As she grew in stardom in the 1980s she created her Dollywood Foundation which promoted literacy in children through her “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” She has used the money she has amassed to do good throughout her life, donating to hospitals, cancer centers, children’s hospitals, wildlife foundations, and research to make a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. Most recently she is providing full tuition for anyone who works at her theme park “Dollywood.” I will always admire Dolly, her positive attitude, efforts to do good for the people around her, and accomplished diverse career inspires me to emulate her energy in the future. I wish to follow my dreams like Dolly but at the same time not lose sight of what is important, making change however I can. Though she didn’t attend college herself, she promotes the importance of education and recognizes how important educating and teaching children from all backgrounds are. I don’t hope to be famous, and I am not sure if I will ever make enough money to largely donate to any foundation, but I will donate where and when I can and work with organizations to help the things I believe in.
Great Smoky Mountain Wildfires in 2016.
The second person I chose is Shelton Johnson. He is a National Parks Service Park Ranger who worked in Yosemite for 25 years of his 35-year career. He was born in Detroit in 1958 and moved around a lot as a kid as his father was in the army. This allowed him to see nature of all sorts around the world. He knew he was in love with being in nature so he pursued his career in the National Parks Service. I chose him because he advocates greatly for bringing people of all backgrounds to visit, experience and enjoy the outdoors and National Parks. He is a black man, and recognizes the fact that black Americans are the most underrepresented group in the National Parks Service. I chose him because I also want to advocate for people of all backgrounds to be involved with the National Parks. Coming from Chicago where at the camps I would work at, the zoo was the only place kids would see certain wildlife makes me want to connect those who have not yet become involved with outdoor recreation. He is also a renaissance man, as he is a playwright, musician, novelist, and taught English in the peace corps, this inspires me to always be doing things that make me feel engaged and connected while also pursuing a fulfilling career.
Articles detailing the accomplishments of both Dolly Parton and Shelton Johnson.
