What does a hero mean to me? Fortunately, I am surrounded by individuals that have given me the opportunity to understand the character and charisma of a hero. The world struggles to conquer the destruction of violence, yearning for peace, serenity. Within this very country, citizens experience murder, death, betrayal. Students are consumed by newfound pressures through social media, and conform to the “status quo.” What is a hero to me? A hero recognizes the plea of individuals who have been tainted. A hero is armored with courage, strengthened by hope to overcome the barriers of conventionality throughout the world, within a school, inside a home. Look in a mirror. Really, truly look into a mirror and see yourself. You are a hero. How? Human beings have the potential of becoming something great. We have the potential of changing the world in the smallest of ways. So, the million dollar question. Do you have the courage? The courage to sacrifice your life for another individual regardless their ethnicity, gender, age, or background. A hero can look at individuals. Truly look at them for who they are as a person, surpassing the social definition of “normal” that society has created. Yes, our world, this very country experiences murder, death, betrayal. So, what defines a hero? A person who is brave enough to heal the community, brave enough to stop waiting and start making an impact right now.