| AP Lit. Self-Definition Essay:
An Extraordinary Everyday Hero
As I look up the Merriam Webster definition for the word hero, a variety of meanings flash down the screen. The first one, which many people would view by default as the most applicable definition, relates to the heroic characters present in the timeless Greek myths. Unfortunately, I do not have a great admiration of any kind for fictional characters who rely on supernatural powers endowed to them by the legendary god Zeus. The second meaning implies that a hero is an illustrious warrior. As much as I adore Xena and her strength and agility, she does not make my list of heroic figures. The third definition states that a hero is a person admired for great achievements. Although I do admire those who are successful in financial, academic, or social matters, these individuals won’t be found on my list of heroes either. Finally, as my eyes wind down to the fourth definition, I strike the golden words of truth. It states that a heroic figure is one who possesses courage. My ultimate hero is not laden in glistening golden armor, nor does he possess any unnatural talents; however, his courage and perseverance in the most dire of situations establishes him as the most admirable person I know. Allow me to tell you his story.
Imagine being a pregnant mother told that the baby in your womb might be blind, deaf, and mute. Think of the pain and suffering that you would experience as you gave birth to your son four weeks early. Yet, imagine the joy and relief that would overcome you as you hear your baby cry and watch it look into your eyes for the first time. My younger brother Michael was born with a mistake lodged deep into the smallest part of his being, his DNA. Somewhere along the journey from egg to fetus, the code that told his chromosomes to order themselves was faulty. This resulted in a chromosome translocation. The human body is fragile, and many growing fetuses do not live to survive such a mistake because they are naturally aborted. However, Michael persevered and broke the barrier between birth and nonexistence. This triumph in his life would be the first of many victories in his oncoming life.
When my brother was born, I was not old enough to understand that he would grow up to be different than the other kids that I knew. I was a Disney obsessed three-year-old with a fish bowl haircut, and all I understood was that my brother was very tiny and that he belonged to me. As Michael grew older, he approached the major milestones every growing child experiences but at a much slower pace than other developing children. Learning new things comes quickly to infants and toddlers, but my brother had to work twice as hard to improve his motor skills and advance his intellect. I recall seeing a picture of my brother procuring his own strength to sit up by himself for the first time. This is an action that many people take for granted, but just as any other skill, it takes pre-meditated effort. It is hard to realize how many signals are sent from your brain to your muscles in order to prepare them all to gather the strength to hold your body up. In the photograph, Michael is behind a small table custom built for him. Various toys are scattered on its surface, and it is apparent from the expression on his face that he is overjoyed at the diverse selection. His bushy locks of hair are spread out in a wild frenzy of static electricity leading one to believe that he had gone through multiple tries and encounters with the carpet to get himself into his present position. Perhaps the most moving part of the picture is the look on my mother’s face as she sees him pass a milestone in his young life. The utter amazement, pride, and joy in her eyes reveal the story of Michael’s many attempts to sit on his own. Watching my younger brother persevere through challenges during his fourteen years has inspired me to be the best I can be and nothing less.
Perseverance and courage are attributes that go hand in hand to create the ultimate, admirable hero. I find it amazing that these qualities can be packaged into such a small body. Michael displays his courage through everyday occurrences and procedures. Since I was a young girl, I have been petrified of shots and needles. Perhaps this is why this event stays so clearly in my mind. Michael had a doctor’s appointment which required him to have his blood drawn. I recall sitting a small, plastic child’s chair hiding behind the latest issue of “Highlight’s” magazine. With the tension on my face and rigid manner of my posture, anyone would have thought that I was the child who would face the wrath of the nurse’s needle. As the nurse carefully prepped my brother’s arm for the initial entrance of the needle, I could feel the chill of the cleansing pad that was being removed from the package. When the cold sterile wipe came in contact with Michael’s arm, I saw him flinch a little, and it sent a shiver up my spine. Although I was holding the magazine in front of my face to avoid seeing the needle pierce his skin, curiosity provoked me to lower it below my line of vision. At that moment, Michael’s eyes came into contact with mine, and he realized that I was scared. He spoke through actions rather than words, and when the needle punctured his skin, he looked into my eyes throughout the whole ordeal. His intent gaze told me that I didn’t need to worry because everything was going to be alright.
It is ironic how superfluous words can be. Knowing Michael has taught me that deep, true emotions can be conveyed through the simplest gestures and actions. His quiet courage and determined perseverance have taught me that it is possible to speak volumes without uttering a single word. Michael has not only been my younger brother, he has been an inspiration, role model, and everything a true hero should be.
-Erica | comments: 8 comments or Leave a comment   |
| | Current Music: | You and Me (Katrina Version) - Lifehouse | | Security: | | | Time: | 03:36 pm |
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| Life: Wow I sure haven't upadated in a lil' while! Perhaps I should put the major events of my life and summer into this entry.
Accomplished:
+ Got a new baby. By baby, I mean camera. And by camera I mean Canon Digital Rebel XT.
+ Entered photos into State Fair, and won first place for one of them.
+ Met new friends and reestablished old friendships. <3
+ Developed a love for CSI and SNL.
+ Sprained my ankle.
+ Started school. My schedule is as follows:
----1. AP Chem
----2.First Aid
----3.Yearbook
----4.Teacher Aide (for my favorite teacher)
----5.AP Calc
---6. AP Lit
It should be a fun year. Homework packed, no doubt, but I'm excited. :)
Things to Do:
+ Try my best in school for Senior year
+ Do early admission to my choice college (I'm pretty sure I've decided which one.)
+ Take SATs and SAT II's
+ Get license
+ Graduate
+ Go off to college
So there's my list!
Anywhoo, take care kiddos! Much love <3
-Erica | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| You know when you get that heavy feeling in your heart. The one that makes you sigh when you take a deep breath and try to hold back the tears? I've been there many times, and I know the pain that comes with this emotion. There is nothing that I guarantee, but one thing that I can say is that time will heal. As harsh as the world can seem, there is good and life is worth living. Though the future may seem blocked and shaded by the shadows of doubt and hate, one day the sun will shine. Until that day, I hope that your life is filled with encouragement and discoveries.
This blog is for a friend. I know you don't know me especially well, but I do care about you. And I am always here to talk, alright? Take care. There are lot of people out there who love you, and I'm one of them.
-Erica | | comments: 10 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Swing Life Away ~ Rise Against | | Security: | | | Time: | 03:10 pm | | Current Mood: |  crazy |
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| Ahh, since I had David fill this out for me, I ought to post it as well!
01. Comment with your name and I will write something about you.
02. I will then tell what song/movie/celebrity makes me think of you.
03. I will try to name a single word that best describes you.
04. I'll tell you the most memorable moment I've had with you.
05. I will tell you what animal you remind me of.
06. I'll then tell you something that I've always wondered about you.
07. I'll write something you've taught me.
08. Put this in your journal.
It's really up to you whether you want to do number 8 or not; I won't hold you to it! :D
-Erica | | comments: 24 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Lifehouse and the rain outside my window | | Security: | | | Subject: | A Much Needed Update | | Time: | 11:03 pm | | Current Mood: |  pensive |
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| Wow, it's been an extremely long time since my last update.
I have to say that since my last entry, I've changed a whole lot. This year has definitely been the most momentous year of my life. I've had disappointments abound, yet even greater achievements. I don't know how to explain everything that has happened to me in words. The only thing that I know is that now I understand that everything happens for a reason.
I've developed an extreme interest in photography. It's a whole new form of art. I adore nature and photographing friends. In fact, one of my best friends, is also into photography! He and I love to frolick among the flowers taking pictures..hehe! I'll post some of my photography later :D
This summer has been the best summer that I've ever had :D I've strenghthened so many friendships and made so many new friends! I've also developed a reputation as the short girl who never stops talking or smiling! :D
This summer has taught me that life is much too short to frown...so smile as much as you can!
Much love!
-Erica | | comments: 17 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Security: | | | Subject: | :'[ | | Time: | 03:42 pm | | Current Mood: |  sad |
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| I feel so hurt right now...I haven't cried like this in a while.
:'[
-Erica | | comments: 11 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Security: | | | Subject: | Happy Vday | | Time: | 04:17 pm | | Current Mood: | loved |
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| Wow..I have not updated in quite a while. Life has just been happening so quickly and in the past couple weeks I've had some extremely amazing experiences, some very humbling experiences, a few tough experiences, and some lessons I'll never forget. I've learned that I should really appreciate everything that I have because one unexpected occurance can change everything. I should also be responsible for my actions and never take anything for granted. I'm really sorry to all of you who I've lost touch with. I truly do appreciate all your friendships, and I treasure each one of you. I am so lucky to know all of you, and I wish that I had the ability to show it. :] I love each and every one of you, and no matter what happens, I'll always have a spot in my heart and mind for the memories that we've had.
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I just felt that I needed to say that to y'all before I start my semi-lengthy update. :]
Whew! Life has been happening recently. I'm quite excited about Valentine's Day since I went out and bought all my Vday gifts today! Wal-mart was all out of the 'cool' valentines, so I had to buy Spiderman cards...haha! I'll just tell all my friends to think of Tobey Maguire instead of the holographic spiderman. =P My boyfriend gave me my Vday gift on Fri...so sweet! <3 It was a super big box of chocolates..and it's all gone now! :"> I LOVE chocolate! I have stuffed my face this weekend, and had an awesome time! Hehe!
We had "school spirit" week @ our school this past week and it was super fun! It was Boys VS Girls week, so they had some pretty interesting themes. One day was "Barbie & Ken" day. Hehe..I dressed up as "Asian Barbie" :]! I wore a traditional Chinese dress & it was so fun! We also had an elementary school themed day & I wore almost every mismatched clothing item I had in my closet! People kept saying that I looked "cute"..but I think I looked like a SUPER DORK! =P
Our Vday dance was on Fri, and it was a Sadie Hawkins dance. Hehe...I'm so shy..I was almost too shy to ask my own BF to the dance. :"> I had a blast @ the dance though..although I am not a very good dancer! They played "Thriller" & "Toxic" and I almost fell over laughing. Anyway..they also played "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" & I love that song. Aww! <3
Well..I got through some pretty tough times [I haven't cried that much in quite a while]...and I'm doing awesome! I hope you all are doing great & have a great Vday [and every day]! Buh-bye! *hugs*
-Erica | | comments: 10 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Security: | | | Time: | 07:49 pm | | Current Mood: | cheerful |
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| I really must update! If I get the chance after finals, I'll try my best to write a detailed update!
In the meanwhile, I got this from my budday Hannah's LJ! =D
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*Who are you?::
*How did we meet?::
*What do you think of me?::
*What was your first impression of me?::
*3 Words to describe me...::
*What is your best memory of us?::
*Tell me how much you love me!::
*Is there anything you don't like about me?::
*Need to YELL at me about something?::
*Tell me AS MUCH as you think you know about me.::
*Are you putting this friend quiz in your live journal also?::
*Last words to Me::
-Erica | | comments: 5 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Fall Down ~ Trevor Morgan | | Security: | | | Subject: | Happy New Year | | Time: | 09:46 pm | | Current Mood: | Absolutely Blessed |
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Happy New Year's everyone! I hope you have a safe new year filled with happiness and blessings.
Life has been so amazing lately. I've made a bunch of new friends and had so many changes in the past couple months. I've realized once again that I am truly lucky for everything that I have been blessed with. As 2004 ends and 2005 begins, there are a few things I'd like to say to my friends.
1] Thank you so much for making a difference in my life
2] No matter what happens, I will always remember you and smile when I think of what you've done in my life
I haven't been online as much because so many things have happened to me in the past couple months. As I said, I've met many new people through church and youth group. I've also been blessed to have gotten the most awesome boyfriend I could wish for. <3 I thank God for everything he's done in my life. I also thank God for the opportunities that I have been given to meet all of you. No matter what happens, you all have affected my life and I will always appreciate the ways you've made me view friendship. Sometimes I have to sit back and look at all that I have been given. I have everything I could ever want: a safe home, a loving family, sweet boyfriend, amazing friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. I treasure all of you.
Thank you all for making my 2004 an amazing year and all the best for the future.
<3 Erica | | comments: 8 comments or Leave a comment |
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