Student Question

Who is your real-life hero and why?

Quick answer:

Choosing a real-life hero is a personal decision and varies for each individual. Heroes can be parents or mentors who have significantly impacted one's life, historical figures who have made notable contributions, or public figures like athletes and artists whom one aspires to emulate. Reflecting on who has influenced you, helped shape your identity, or embodies qualities you admire can guide you in identifying your hero.

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This is a question that we cannot answer for you.  For example, what if I said my father was my hero?  It would make no sense for my father to be your hero. What I will do in this answer is to list types of people who are sometimes seen as heroes.  I will try to tell you how you might choose a hero of your own to write about.

Many people say that their parents are their heroes (or one parent is their hero).  This is based on the idea that our hero should be someone who has been important in our life.  Our hero should be someone who has helped us in life and made us who we are.  Do you have a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or other figure who has worked hard and who has helped you become who you are?  If so, would you call...

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that person your hero?

Some people identify important historical figures as their heroes.   Someone might say, for example, that Ronald Reagan was their hero for moving the United States in a more conservative direction or that Franklin D. Roosevelt was their hero for leading the US through the Great Depression and creating  things like Social Security that have made the United States’ society more equal  and just.   Is there a historical figure who has done something that you think is particularly important for your country or for the world?  If so, would you consider that person to be your hero?

Some people name a hero because they aspire to be like that person or wish they could be like that person.  Such heroes are often sports stars, movie actors, or others in the public eye.  Someone might say that Taylor Swift is their hero because they wish they could sing like her or that Leonel Messi is their hero because they wish they could play soccer like he does.  Do you have someone who is great at something that you love to do?  Do you aspire to be like them? If so, would you consider that person to be your hero?

In my experience, these are the main reasons for people to say someone is their hero.  I hope these suggestions will help you think about what makes a hero and to identify your own hero.

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