Rosa Parks and Ernest Shackleton are both famous and highly regarded historical figures, and had immense bravery and courage. They are great role models for the school as they showed all the key values Waitakians strive to achieve.
Firstly, Parks and Shackleton were both incredibly resilient, because, despite what happened, they powered on and succeeded. Rosa Parks received day to day put-downs, hate messages and death threats, but this didn't stop her succeeding in her goal.
Similarly, under no circumstances was Shackleton prepared to let his men die in the Antarctic, despite how many times this would have crossed his mind.
With that and serious persisting heart problems, he just kept going. These examples show a resilience, without which they may not be as well regarded as they are today.
Secondly, without motivation Parks and Shackleton wouldn't have got anywhere near the start of their goals. Rosa Parks wasn't striving for fame, she was just fed up with the discrimination she was forced to put up with day to day, motivating her to fight back.
Although almost dying and developing a serious heart condition, Ernest Shackleton kept going back to the Antarctic until he eventually died of a heart attack. He sent a message to his wife saying ''Would you rather an alive donkey or a dead lion?'' showing how motivated he was to complete his goals.
Furthermore, integrity played a big role in success for Parks and Shackleton because if they didn't stick to their goal and stay strong they would have fallen off the rails straight away.
Rosa Parks considered giving up and going back to a life of discrimination. Her marriage was falling apart but she powered on to success.
Taking off snow-filled boots and drenched trousers at the end of each day must have been horrible for Shackleton. As the days went on and spirits got lower and lower Shackleton kept his head as high as he possibly could, encouraging the men to do the same.
Finally, in order to earn others' respect, both figures had to show their respect.
Shackleton showed a lot of respect towards his men. He listened to what they had to say, evened out the workload and made sure all of his decisions were fair.
When dealing with criticism, Rosa didn't react viciously. She kept her cool and made the right decisions, earning help and respect from friends, family and others willing to lend her a hand.
In conclusion, Rosa Parks and Ernest Shackleton were both incredible people - they showed resilience, motivation, integrity and respect.
Without these, our views of them today would be completely different, as they may not have even touched the surface of what they wanted to achieve.
Together they are two perfect role models who should be recognised more in school and in the world.
-By Matt Slemint
