Elizabeth Johnson

Age: 14
Occupation: Actress, Singer, Model, Dancer

In one paragraph summarise you – who you are, what you do, what motivates you, what you are passionate about:
Hey! I'm Elizabeth Johnson and I'm 14-years-old. I live in Los Angeles, California and I'm a up-and-coming Actress, Singer, Model and Dancer. What motivates me and keeps me going is definitely my great family, friends, and fans. I want to be a positive role model to youth in my generation. There are so many pressures out there for young people these days and I want to be someone to help them overcome those pressures. I'm passionate about helping people and making a difference. I wanted to be a part of the Role Model Wall of Women because I want to help people realize that they are beautifully and wonderfully made and to help them learn how to love themselves.

Who is your role model/s ?
Definitely my mom! She is not only my mom but she is my best friend. I encourage everyone that is reading this to talk to your mom, she is there for you and loves you very much and only wants the best for you. Sometimes you may feel like her advice to you about friends, boys or peer pressure isn't true or right but it is. Remember she was a teenage girl at one time too! She totally understands you more than you think she does. Listen to her, and if you don't have a mother around, try to create a closer relationship to other females in your life, like your aunt, grandmother, cousin, sister, etc.

How does your role model/s help you?
My mom helps me with everything. She is very supportive and encouraging. I will always look up to her. She has always taught me that beauty is not only what is on the outside it's what's on the inside too. I live by that.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Role Models have such a powerful influence people. Young people need good influences to help them make it through.As a role model they have to keep themselves right, stay out of trouble, make good decisions because their decision will not only affect them but they will affect the people looking up to them.

What are some of the issues you face as a teen?
 I have faced issues like peer pressure, dating, fitting in -but I have realized that you can't make everyone happy and the person that is the most important to make happy, is yourself. Don't worry about dating right now, you have a whole life to think about that, focus on school, staying away from trouble situations, and think about the amazingly bright future you have ahead of you! :)

How did you overcome your issues?
Just by getting involved in my community in a positive way and keeping people away from me that cause me to feel like I'm not good enough. I keep friends by me that have the same outlook as I do, to be positive and not worry about what other people think. As long as you know what you are doing is good and right, don't care what others think about it.

What do you think most about being a teen?:
You should never give up on your dreams. Love life and always make room to grow. You and I still are growing up and have a lot of great things to learn! :)

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Never giving up! If you have a dream go for it! Never let other people's negative opinions affect you. Believe in yourself and your dreams because anything is possible if you put your mind to it.In life there are always going to be mountains, you may not be able to climb it at first but try getting over those hills and eventually those mountains will be so easy for you to climb and overcome.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of? 
I am proud of who I turned out to be. I'm proud that I choose to not give in to peer pressure and that I am mature enough to know I'm not perfect and I make mistakes, and that when I make a mistake I will admit I'm wrong. Of course, like anyone else I don't always admit I'm wrong at first but when I do I try my best to make a change. It's all a part of growing up. I am proud to see other young people doing what's right, it encourages me to keep going. I love it.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I love to undertake activities to help others! I love to help raise money for charities and just give back to people. Back in October 2010, I had made a team for the Aids Walks Los Angeles. A couple local Walmarts joined my team for the walk and together we raised almost $1,500 and finished the whole 6.2 mile walk together. I am always looking forward to take part in more charities, walks, etc. It's definitely something I love to do!

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential…:
You have so much going for you, Take the opportunities to make your dreams reality. When you know something is right, speak your mind! You are the next generation of lawyers, doctors, actors, teachers, engineers, tv hosts, architects, business owners, CEOs, anything you want to be.... but most importantly .... the next generation of role models. I always say there is the '3 L's' to live by; Live life like it's your last day to live. Love every moment of happiness.Laugh at all the small things. :)

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Some important values and factors to me are family, being honest, having integrity, education, being trustworthy, taking accountability and responsibility, team work, creativity, empowerment, wisdom, good will towards others, gratitude, and respect.