By Phoenix(宋承睿) from 2402 

Dear teachers and students：

Good morning. The topic I wish to speak to you today is should celebrities be the role models we choose to follow?

They are the athletes who perform breathtaking feats, the artists whose voices and stories move us, and the influencers who shape the trends we see. We admire their extraordinary talents, their relentless discipline, and their public journeys to success. It is natural and even beneficial to find inspiration in their achievements.

However, the central question we must confront is not whether we admire them, but whether the glittering surface of fame is a reliable foundation upon which to build our own character and aspirations. I would argue that we must proceed with both wisdom and caution.

The first risk we face is the danger of illusion. The world presented to us by celebrities is often a carefully crafted performance. Social media feeds show us  perfection. What remains hidden are the countless failures, the teams of handlers, the personal struggles, and the often-messy reality behind the scenes. When we  compare our complex, growing lives to their polished highlight reels, it can sow seeds of insecurity and distort our expectations for ourselves.

The second, and more profound risk, is the confusion of fame with virtue. A person can act immense skill in one area while being deeply shorted in their moral compass. History and headlines alike have shown us celebrities who, despite their talent, have been involved in serious scandals, promoted unhealthy lifestyles, or advocated for misguided values. To idolize them blindly is to risk embracing not only their strengths but also their shortcomings.

Does this mean we should dismiss all celebrities? Certainly not. The answer lies not in blanket rejection, but in selection.

We must learn to separate the art from the artist, the achievement from the individual. A true role model is defined not by the brightness of their spotlight, but by the strength of their character, the integrity of their values, and the positivity of their impact. We should look for those who use their platform for a greater good—those who advocate for social causes, demonstrate recovery in adversity, express gratitude, and treat others with respect and humility.

Furthermore, let us remember that the most enduring and powerful role models often live far from the glare of celebrity. They are the teachers who dedicate their lives to enlightening ours, the parents whose quiet sacrifices form the bedrock of our families, the scientists devote in labs for human progress, and the countless  heroes in our communities. Their contributions, though not always celebrated with trophies or fame, are the very fabric that holds our society together.

Therefore, , the power and the responsibility rest with us. Let us be an audience that appreciates talent, not a generation that worships fame. Let us be inspired by the discipline behind the success, not just the highlight of it.

Look to the stars for inspiration, but navigation to your journey on the steady ground of good character. Choose your role models not with your eyes, which are easily dizzy, but with your mind and heart, which can distinguish true worth.

Thank you.