by Sheila Koester

Created on: April 29, 2008

If you really want to be a hero, then look for ways to help others. In my opinion, a true hero is someone who makes a difference in the life of another person. For example, a teacher who spends extra time with a failing child and helps that child to do better in school. Perhaps the child that was getting Ds and Fs before, now gets As and Bs. That teacher took time out from his or her busy schedule to tutor that child and help the child overcome his or her learning difficulty. This teacher has become a heroin that child's life.

Children can also be heroes. For example, a Girl Scout troop, that visits a nursing home to sing or keep those confined there company, are also heroes. They have made a difference in the life of an older person by showing that they care. People who care about others in very simple, unassuming ways are heroes.

To be a hero, make a list on paper the many ways that you can help others. Is it running errands for a homebound person? Is it raising funds to save help save another person's life? Is it rescuing someone from danger? Even those who take in homeless animals are heroes because they show their love and concern for the animals that are in desperate need of someone to love them and take care of them in a loving home.

You do not need a fancy costume or an act to be a hero. Heroes are found in all sizes, shapes, sexes, and ages. All you need to do is have a caring, compassionate heart, and concern for meeting the needs of others around you.

There are military heroes, too. All the service men and women serving today in Iraq and other troubled nations are heroes because they are protecting the freedoms of all Americans around the world. They are fighting for American values and beliefs, as well as making the world a better and safer place.

You do not need to accomplish an earth-shattering act to be a hero. Heroes are all around us every day. Many do not star in movies, are not featured in the news reports on television or in newspapers. Many of us are not even aware that they are a hero because we do not hear of their accomplishments and the assistance they have given to others.

All it takes is a simple act of kindness, a smile, a hug, a promise and a loving heart. These qualities make a hero great. Heroes are all around us. You just have to look every day to spot them. Many of these acts of heroism go unnoticed. You too can be a hero. Be prepared to step in and act when the opportunity presents itself to you.

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