Should 8th Graders act as role models to the younger ones?

12:00 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, the elementary school kids walked in the Cafeteria for their lunch while the 8th graders still hung around. Throughout the Cafeteria a certain table with lots of girls seemed to be shouting at the top of their lungs and goofing around. The elementary schoolers stared at them , some with looks of annoyance while more than the half of elementary school looked as if question marks hanging above their heads, seeming to think if what the, 8th graders were doing was right or wrong?

This brings us to our question today that, do 8th graders have to act like role models to the younger ones? Jasmine Zeng of Class 8JRa stated that, ‘Ideally it would be good if that were the case, however I think some 8th graders lack the maturity to be proper role models, as we saw in the cafeteria.’ while another student, Wan Zhen Li of 8GTs said,’ Yes, I believe that 8th graders should be a general role model for the younger children to look up to, as well as the IB and High School students to the 8th graders, but, as those children grow up I think that it is important that they are able to choose their own role model.’

Hearing the answers of two different girls with pretty similar opinions, tells that according to them that 8th graders should be role models, but many lack the maturity for it and could give a wrong example, but looking around, a bunch of boys seemed to be talking about being role models, one the boys sitting there stated,’ I don’t think us 8th graders should be looked upon as role models, as we would be on our puberty stage just turning 13, so in my opinion the younger ones should look up to adults.’ What he said is a true fact, so in conclusion I think every one of them should try their best to set a good example for the younger ones, but at the same time be themselves and have fun of their teenage lives.

By Ishita