By Barbora Madarsová
Ms. Madarsová won third place in the A category in the LEAF Academy Essay Competition. She chose the topic "What defines a hero?". She studies at the Gymnázium Park Mládeže 5 grammar school in Košice-Sever, eastern Slovakia.
Hero. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability, or a person admired for their achievements and noble qualities. Yet, does this really define a hero? Is a hero really someone idolized by society for their supernatural abilities, or is there more to it? What is the essence of heroism, and where does it lie?
Usually, when we imagine a hero, the first thing that pops up in our mind is a superhero from a comic book or an action film. We imagine someone, usually a strong, tall, attractive man in a flashy spandex costume, who has amazing superpowers such as flying or invisibility, that help him defeat his foes. He is fearless, strong, and ready to take on any challenge he is faced with to help someone in need. Figures such as Superman have been idolized by many, although they are fictional. While these characters are probably as close to the definition as one can get, not being the new Captain America does not mean you are not a hero.
To many, a hero can be an ordinary person, as long as they act a certain way. The aforementioned Superman is still a hero when he takes off his cape and costume, even though he is now just a regular man. He may be Clark Kent, yet his character shines through regardless of if people recognize him or not. This means that heroism is not just something on the outside but inside, in the heart and soul. But what are the character qualities of a hero?
The usual traits assigned to heroes vary from person to person, but fearlessness is surely one of them. To me, heroes do not have the bravado or the inability to feel weak. When faced with a dangerous and scary situation, however, they step up and face the problems head-on. This strength to persevere, withstand danger when faced with fear and not run away is truly heroic. Courage is widely considered to be one of the main traits of a hero, proven amongst other examples by the Award for Heroism of the military in the United States in recognition of acts of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous circumstances.
Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her advocacy concerning human rights in her homeland, Pakistan. She was shot three times by the Taliban on her way to school for simply speaking out and sticking by what she thinks is right. Standing up for what she considered to be just, Malala became a hero, and her activism helped change the lives of millions.
Yet, a hero does not necessarily have to do something outstanding. Someone can be a hero for simply connecting with people, giving them hope, and inspiring them to accomplish something. Princess Diana is considered to be a hero of the people, motivating others when she became part of the royal family because she was living proof that common folk like us could live out the fairytale that they had always dreamed of. When she opened up about her mental health issues, she raised awareness and helped other people speak about their problems as well. She may not have saved the world herself, but she was a role model to many and inspired thousands to help better our society. A hero attains our admiration through their behavior and encourages us to do what is good.
Furthermore, a hero often sacrifices himself for the sake of others. Firefighters put their lives on the line to extinguish houses they do not live in, doctors do anything possible to save a dying stranger, and soldiers march into battle to defend their country in a war they did not choose to start. Not expecting a medal, badge, or any sort of recognition, they do these chivalrous acts to help people they have often never seen, and will probably never even see again. These truly noble acts of selflessness are, in all aspects, honorable and heroic.
We could name many heroes, from Greek mythology, medieval knights, all the way to modern-day celebrities. However, one does not need to be recognized to be considered a hero. The woman working in a store I pass by every day is just a regular person to me, nevertheless, she is a hero in the eyes of her little daughter. I do not give much thought to the school janitor, however, he fixed the heating in our school, and thanks to his work we students do not have to freeze inside. In the fifties, a sample of cells from a woman with cancer was sent to a laboratory. These cells were crucial for studying the effects of toxins, and radiation, understanding the human genome, and they played a huge part in the development of polio and COVID-19 vaccines. This woman, named Henrietta Lacks, was unknown for decades, yet she saved millions of lives. A hero does not need to be recognized by the majority, as long as their actions and words positively impact life, no matter how big the outcome may be.
In short, anyone can become a hero, as long as they do their best to help the world. Taking one step outside, you will surely see them anywhere. Maybe they are parents, an electrician, or the old woman sitting by the pond feeding crumbs to birds. Whilst not being of divine descent, having superpowers or great strength, or in any way adhering to the definition in the dictionary, heroes are all around us, and with just a little kindness, we can be heroes too.
The English Essay Competition is organised by LEAF Academy, an international boarding high school in Bratislava. The competition is open to all Slovak students from primary and secondary schools who are passionate about writing in the English language.