Natalia Naman Temesgen: Hillary Clinton again provides role model

"I want my own mark. I want to look down and see myself mirrored back to me." -- Tarell McCraney, "The Brother/Sister Plays"

After the recent Democratic debate and 11-hour Benghazi hearings, Hillary Clinton's image is resonating with an even greater frequency. Those who found her smug before likely find her even more so now. But those who saw her more positively, perhaps as a reflection of themselves, are increasingly inspired by her growing symbol as a strong, sharp-minded and competent presidential candidate.

Why is this good news for both camps? Because by being a strong contender in this race, by showing that a woman -- a grandma! -- can take aggressive questioning head on and respond articulately, directly, and with stamina, Clinton is telling young women that they can be huge political forces in this country.

It's not quite like your grandma saying, "Girl, you can be president one day." It shows there is an actual path to walk, as narrow as it may be today, and entreats other women to widen it.

This formula of leading by example works in all career paths. When professionals serve and mentor those in marginalized or impoverished communities, young people see a potential path for themselves that had previously been hidden. As if a window had been opened, a new light shines and says: "You. Follow me. Here's step one."

Locally, we see this play out in "Law Day 4 Girls" and "Law Day 4 Boys," programs for children from Girls Inc. and the Girls and Boys Club at Girls Inc. These important programs, sponsored in part by the Fountain City Bar Association and the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, expose kids to mock trials, courthouse tours and mentorship from area attorneys -- particularly minority attorneys who look like the young people in attendance.

An opposite example: As a child, I was cast as a member of the Cratchit family in a Springer production of "A Christmas Carol." It was colorblind casting, meaning members of different races made up the family. I was glad to get the part but was also very aware that the role was written and intended for a white girl. Until seeing another Springer production called "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" by August Wilson, I had never encountered a role written for a black girl. It was a very important moment for me as a young person and made it possible to envision a future for myself in theater.

There is power in seeing oneself in a place of prominence and influence. Some of us see reflections of ourselves in those places regularly. Others of us, women for example, may long for more of that. I am glad to see Hillary Clinton stand as a strong symbol for women in politics and I celebrate the impact she is undoubtedly having on the bright young women who aspire to follow that path.

-- Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent contractor. Contact her at nntemesgen@gmail.com.

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 11:13 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman Temesgen: Hillary Clinton again provides role model ."