By Mhia Vignoulle
“Who is your role model?”
This was a question my mother asked me on a random Tuesday. I replied instantly, “You, mama.” And while that’s still true — my mother is my role model in so many ways — when I thought about the details, the little things I love and the career I want to pursue, I realized… I had no idea who else inspired me.
That’s when I understood how powerful the question was. Who do I aspire to be?
I often feel we have forgotten to dream about the potential of our lives, which is why, to a question like this, we don’t give it much thought. But when you have someone to aspire to, whose life connects so deeply to your desires, you start to picture an image to which you slowly fall into. You start to get excited about your life and feel where you belong.
As children, we all used to have role models. They often changed with every Disney movie we watched, books we read, or toys we got, but we always found a way to connect with a character. To see the possibilities, beauty, and adventure a character could obtain came so easily to us.
Which is why I decided to watch movies that star inspirational female characters. Slowly, I began to recognise certain traits that formed a kind of role model for me. I started connecting with these characters, admiring who they were and what they managed to achieve.
Here are three film suggestions that might help you find your role model—or perhaps simply connect with a female character who inspires you.
“My Old Ass”
First up is My Old Ass, directed by Megan Park and released in September 2024. The film follows a young woman named Elliott, eager to leave her small hometown behind. On her 18th birthday, a mushroom trip with friends leads her to meet her 39-year-old future self. What initially seems like a hallucination turns out to be reality. As her older self begins to appear more often, Elliott receives warnings about what choices she should—and shouldn’t—make.
What makes this film so touching is Elliott’s character. She’s reckless at first and doesn’t quite grasp the importance of her loved ones. But she’s also spirited, spontaneous, and finds a way to laugh through life’s struggles. Watching this film brought me a sense of lightness and reminded me of the value of being present, because we only get each moment once.
“Little Women”
The second film I’d recommend is Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig and released in 2019. This warm and heartfelt adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel is filled with inspiring women, each carving their own path.
It tells the story of four sisters coming of age in the 19th century, navigating love, family, ambition, and sacrifice. With such a rich variety of female characters—each with distinct strengths and dreams—it’s hard not to connect with at least one of them.
“Blind Side”
Lastly, I suggest The Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock and released in 2009. Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager adopted by a wealthy white family, the film explores themes of compassion, resilience, and belief in others.
At its core is Leigh Anne Tuohy, Michael’s adoptive mother. She faces social judgment and pressure, but stands firm in her decision to support Michael. Despite already having everything—wealth, a stable family, comfort—she chooses to help someone in need. Her strength, empathy, and determination are truly inspiring. Someone who saw him for who he was and fought until the world saw it too.
Watching films with such powerful female leads, one can only feel confident and hopeful about the future. These characters show us that there is nothing we can’t do — only an endless number of possibilities.
So, I’ll turn the question to you: Who is your role model?
