Starlit Inspirations: Shining a Light on Our Tween’s Role Models
By Carmen Greger
In the constellation of modern fame, certain stars shine brighter, illuminating the paths of young fans navigating the intricate journey of adolescence. Welcome to “Tween Talk,” a column dedicated to exploring the luminous impact of celebrity role models on tweens.
Through a lively 25 Question Tween interview, we delve into the hearts and minds of tweens, uncovering why they look up to certain celebrities, and how these stars embody the virtues of confidence, creativity, compassion, collaboration, inclusion, kindness, philanthropy and genuine respect for self and others.
Where Dreams Meet Role Models – A Tween’s Guide to the Stars
Celebrity role models are more than just faces on a screen or voices in a song; they are the embodiment of aspirations and values. Take, for instance, Taylor Swift, whose resilience and creativity inspire tweens to embrace their unique voices, mindfully and powerfully shattering any glass ceilings along the way. Then there’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whose strength is matched only by his kindness and commitment to family values. They, among countless others, demonstrate that success isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about true character.
In this column, we not only spotlight celebrities like Emma Watson, known and well respected for many achievements, including her role as Hermione in Harry Potter, her UN Women Goodwill Ambassadorship, her dedication to Fair Trade, and her advocacy for education and women’s rights, or LA Lakers’ LeBron James, who exemplifies excellence, commitment and philanthropy, and has received countless awards with deep gratitude and grace, but we also turn the microphone to the tweens themselves, their insights on what it means to be ‘successful’, and the positive characteristics they share with their close friends, offer a fresh perspective on the influence of celebrity role models.
From Shawn Mendes’ commendable courage, vulnerability, authenticity and advocacy for mental health to Malala Yousafzai’s relentless, ambitious and profound pursuit of education for all, each celebrity, each role model, each outstanding leader on their unique platform brings a significant and special story.
Actress, model, singer Zendaya’s grace and advocacy for inclusion, BTS’s promotion of self-love, diversity and emotional well-being, and talk show host, record and production company founder, lifestyle brand launcher, human and animal rights advocate, multi-passionate, multi-talented Ellen DeGeneres’ enduring message of kindness and respect…..
All contribute collectively to a brilliant mosaic of inspiration, a spectacular supernova to witness and wish upon.
“Tween Talk” isn’t just a column; it’s a celebration of positive influence and a reflection of the vibrant, dynamic world of tweens. It’s about understanding that in the galaxy of fame, the stars that matter most are those that guide us to be our best selves. Check out our Debut Interview:
“LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO”, Spotlight on Charlotte Skoff (A Total Rockstar!)
1. How old are you?
I’m nine.
2. What grade are you in?
4th.
3. Do you like school? What is your favorite subject?
Yes, Math!
4. Do you do any volunteer work?
Yeah, I do it with my church.
5. What are your favorite athletic activities?
Gymnastics first, then soccer, then karate.
6. What are your favorite creative activities?
Painting and also writing stories.
7. How would you best describe yourself?
Amazing and ambitious!
8. Can you tell us a little about your dog Bisou?
He’s fat, he’s fluffy, and he also has a little bit of sass!
9. What is your favorite color and why?
Blue and Pink, but I don’t have a reason why.
10. What are your top 5 favorite foods?
Bacon, then sushi, then blueberry pie, then apple pie, and last steak.
11. What’s it like to be a Tween these days?
I don’t really feel different, I feel normal. There’s some good things and some bad things, but I think it was harder for my mom because they didn’t have cell phones or computers and you couldn’t watch You Tube! But there’s a lot of pressure on kids now and we do so many activities, which is fun, but also kind of exhausting!
12. What are your top 5 favorite books ever? Top 5 favorite TV shows? Top 5 Movies?
Books: 1. Twins 2. Puppy Place: Angel 3. The book with no Pictures 4. Puppy Place: Goldie 5.There’s a Monster at the End of This Book
TV: I don’t really watch TV, but I like to watch YouTube. I like watching 1. Mr. Beast, 2. ZHC 3.The Cookie God 4. Bass Fishing Productions 5. Mark Rober
Movies: 1. Mean Girls 2. The Grinch 3. Enola Holmes 4.Christmas Chronicles 5. Barbie Movie
13. What are your top 5 favorite songs? What are the best lyrics ever- lyrics that you just can’t stop singing- and why? Have you ever written any songs of your own? Care to share?
Songs: 1. Cruel Summer (Taylor Swift) 2. Cover me in Sunshine (Pink) 3. Three Little Birds (Bob Marley) 4. The Mr. Beast Theme Song 5. Space Unicorn (Parry Gripp)
Best lyrics: “All I want for Christmas”, I just can’t stop singing it!! And also, Counting Stars!
Yes, I have written my own lyrics. I don’t want to share the lyrics, but I like to make songs about people that make me really mad because it makes me feel better. I also make songs about cuteness, I made one about my dog falling in love.
14. Can you tell us a little about this year’s Halloween costume and why you decided on it?
Taylor Swift, we had a Halloween piano concert and you dress up for it. I did “Look What You Made Me Do” because I wanted to be Taylor Swift for Halloween. She’s such a good singer, I sing her songs with my friends all the time!
15. Have you seen the Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie?
No, but I really, really want to!
16. Have you seen the Barbie movie? What are your thoughts?
Yes and I liked it! I really liked the “I’m Just Ken” song, it’s so funny!
17. Who are your top 5 favorite celebrities and can you give us some reasons why for each? Why are these celebrities good role models for tweens?
1. Mr. Beast- because he helps a lot of people.
2. Taylor Swift- she’s really good at singing and her songs relate to the real world, but sometimes she curses.
3. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson- he’s awesome and makes a funny face where his one eyebrow goes up, everyone just loves that!
4. Jessica Watson- she followed her dreams and sailed around the world when she was only 16.
5. Mark Rober- he shows kids they can do anything with science.
18. Think of your most favorite friends; What do you like most about them? What positive characteristics do you see in them that you also share?
I have 6 best friends and they all have a positive attitude. We like to support each other and make each other laugh.
19. What does it mean to you to be confident?
To be confident means… I’m not sure, but I think it means never going to give up.
20. What does it mean to you to be courageous?
No fear!
21. What does it mean to you to be nice?
It means having a big heart and being awesome!
22. What does it mean to you to be compassionate?
To just care.
23. What does it mean to you to be a leader?
Listening to others.
24. What does it mean to you to be successful?
Working hard.
25. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Honestly, I don’t know, but I want to do something I love. Maybe a job with animals??
26. Here’s a Bonus Question… Is there anything else you want the world to know about Charlotte Skoff?
I like fried chicken!
