‘Hero-of-her-household’ shares story

A surprising visit to the principal’s office recently made one Hunts Point second grader an online inspiration.

Selected to star as the youngest youth featured in “GROWING UP,” a documentary about responsible living, 7-year-old Sierra Brown-Roman shared her story of being a hero of her household.

Time Inc. Studios made the film as part of Liberty Mutual’s Responsibility Project, which evolved from the company’s ad campaign that showcases a “pay it forward” spirit among citizens experiencing everyday life.

“GROWING UP” extended this message to real-life scenarios and chronicled four young people in the New York metro area.

“The goal with the film is to highlight personal responsibility and celebrate it,” one of the producers, Scott Hainline, said.

As the youngster who routinely sets aside time to help her mom cook, do laundry, wash dishes and take care of her 7-month old brother London, Hainline explained Sierra perfectly portrayed the film’s message.

He explained that it was shortly after the producers reached out to teachers, parents, friends and family in the New York area that they found the Bronx Arts Charter School student.

“As we were doing this with the various age ranges, Sierra was very relatable among kids of her age,” he explained.

Her mom, Sadina Roman, said that while Sierra enjoys hanging out with her friends, “She’s also very artistic. She loves to draw and paint and make things out of cardboard.”

Though she was thrilled her daughter was chosen to showcase responsibility in her age group, Sadina said she wasn’t surprised.

“She’s just an outgoing kid,” the proud mother stated. “She shines wherever she goes.”

For a day Sierra did shine like the movie star she portrayed as a camera crew followed her throughout her daily routine.

Lights, cameras, exciting as they were, the youngster said, “I got to make eggs and eat them.” Her special highlight.

As the first example of content on the site that features kids demonstrating their own approach to personal responsibility, Liberty Mutual Group senior vice president of communications Steve Sullivan commented on the film saying, “We were excited about the opportunity to work with young children and were inspired by their stories.”

He further stated, “We believe it’s a great addition to the content on the site that examines the decisions that confront people trying to ‘do the right thing.’”

“GROWING UP” and its accompanying discussion guide can be found at www.ResponsibilityProject.com.

“This world is difficult and there are things you have to do and things you want to do,” Sadina said. “Sierra has really embraced those things and been such a role model for the entire family.”

 

Growing Up, Sierra Brown-Roman, Liberty Mutual Responsibility Project