Sample+Def+Essay

=Hero for Today: Sample Definition Essay= Suzanne Robinson adapted from: //[|www.memorial.ecasd.k12.wi.us/Departments/LangArts/rneville/Sample%20Definition%20Essay%20Rev.%205.07.pdf]//

Heroes of the past were larger than life. Ancient heroes were typically gods with superhuman powers. Heroic political figures, like Franklin Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr., operated on the world stage, hoping to improve life for all. The achievements of military heroes, like George Patton, famous researchers, or even fictional characters are important historical references. Today, some sports figures, such as Michael Jordan, are bigger than life, but they don't seem as //noble// as heroes of the past. Today's heroes are likely to be more local and their achievements may not be widely known. Despite the evolution of the hero, there is one key feature that defines a hero: selfless devotion to a cause, even if history is not "made."

Dictionary.com states that a Hero is being “of distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds and noble qualities.” Though qualities such as courage and bravery are highlighted, this definition neglects to address the idea that a hero acts to… In Shakespeare’s //Romeo and Juliet//, several characters commit seemingly heroic deeds, which in the end did not achieve the initial intentions. (Continue Paragraph supporting this point)

A few years ago, my community lost some of its heroes: Six firefighters were killed while trying to put out a fire in an abandoned warehouse that threatened to collapse on surrounding buildings. Despite the great risk, the firefighters battled the flames to save others. They didn't own the building or know anyone in the surrounding building, but their interest was in serving the greater good. They were selflessly devoted to the community. They were today's heroes.

A hero doesn't need to be in a dangerous profession, however. At my company last year, one of the supervisors realized that many women were missing work because they had no dependable childcare. She could have just fired those of us who had too many absences, or she could have tolerated the absences as long as we weren't getting paid for the time we missed. Instead, Myra took action: She talked to us, did some research, and presented management with a proposal to have an on-site day-care center. When her proposal stalled, she nagged the managers until they considered it. Now that we have a place where our children are cared for during the day, absenteeism is down and morale is up. Myra devoted herself to our well-being, and her achievement is, to us, monumental. She is our hero.

Today's heroes may not gain world recognition for their actions. They may change a small part of the world just a little at a time. But today's heroes are no less devoted to work that makes the world a better place. We can find our heroes close to home today.