When I was in high school, I thought Diana, Princess of Wales, was just wonderful.

I am trying to find the right phrase for my journaling for that page...

I put:

"I loved to try to emulate Diana, Princess of Wales"

Is emulate used properly here. Dictionary.com definition is To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation: an older pupil whose accomplishments and style I emulated.
To compete with successfully; approach or attain equality with. Compete is not correct which is why this is throwing me off.
Is "imitate" better?

Is "Diana, Princess of Wales, was my role model" descriptive enough?

Am I being too anal? LOL

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