What Is A Hero? (A Look at 8th Grade English)

What is a hero? Is a hero someone who has a special power, something that makes them stronger then everyone else? Or is a hero an ordinary person doing something extraordinary?

Over the past few weeks, these questions were asked repeatedly to me and the rest of Mrs.Parkin’s fifth period English class at Sandy Run Middle School. In addition to being asked the questions, we watched a number of YouTube videos, (like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o), read many news articles on heroism, and each student was required to read a book with the hero as the main character. Every time we finished one of these activities, the question “What is a hero?” popped up again. Now, towards the end of the unit, I notice that my answer to the question has changed.

The word “hero” used to remind me of only classic superheroes like Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. The traits brave, strong, and courageous seemed to describe all of the heroes that I thought of. But, about two weeks ago, I realized that being a hero isn’t just about being brave. Showing inspiration and giving back to others is what being a hero is about. Examples of this are the people who work at BAYADA Home Health Care. The employees who work there give their time and do a service by taking care of others. These people are easily classified as heroes, but they don’t have amazing superpowers and they aren’t extraordinarily brave. Still, they are heroes nonetheless.

In my opinion, these ordinary heroes should serve as an inspiration to everyone. They set examples that it’s possible for anyone to be a hero. It doesn’t matter what you look like, where you’re from, or what language you speak. You don’t have to be brave or possess superpowers. This means that anyone can be a hero. Please e-mail me or comment your thoughts on heroism after reading this.