| 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: 9 comments or Leave a comment   |
| | Current Music: | You and Me (Katrina Version) - Lifehouse | | 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 | | Time: | 03:10 pm | | Current Mood: | ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/opiummmm/foxies/happy.gif) 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 | | Subject: | A Much Needed Update | | Time: | 11:03 pm | | Current Mood: | ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/opiummmm/foxies/thoughtful.gif) 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 |
| | Subject: | :'[ | | Time: | 03:42 pm | | Current Mood: | ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/opiummmm/foxies/sad.gif) 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 |
| | 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 |
| | 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
=======
*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 | | 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 |
| I had the most fun weekend! :D I went to youth group on Saturday, and I had a blast! The guys were running around and scaring each other, and I was having fun watching them and laughing. Then one of them ran into a large room, and the others didn't follow him because it was too dark. 30 seconds later he ran up behind me and scared me! :o That was so unexpected! I screamed..loud! :roll: Then I ran after him! It was funny! My friends always scare me because I am so easy to scare. :"> Today I had another AP Bio study group! It was so fun! My friends came grocery shopping with me afterwards to get green onions & mushrooms. They said I should sit in the shopping cart, but I refused :roll: We spent about 15 minutes in the lip gloss section, and the guy in our group was such a good sport! :p I got banana berry lip gloss! :o Teh w00t! We also had fun in the clothing section. We tried on bunches of hats, and the guy in my group put this ugly knit hat on me! >.< I tried to put one on him, but he's 6 feet tall, so I couldn't reach his head! :roll: We saw a shirt with a picture of William Hung on it! :o Anyway...I have more Orli wpness! :">
( thudoramarificness )
And..I'm trying to do the moonwalk, but I'm not too successful! :roll: I'll update you on my progress. :p
That's it for now! Have a great week, and thanks so much to everyone who comments! <3
-Erica | | comments: 14 comments or Leave a comment |
| I think that the only graphics that I make now are of Orlando or Clay! :">
This update is going to be full of graphics..like a picture book! :D
( Once upon a time... )
I went to the bookstore to get a Clay calendar, but they didn't carry any..:(...however I got a Spongebob calender! EEPS! :roll:
And I made my most meaningful and touching blend yesterday.
I've always maintained the belief that elections are very important events in today's society. We need a leader who will listen to our suggestions and take them to heart. We need someone to stand up for the people and work for a better world. We need someone who cares, someone who is willing to make tough decisions and stand by them.
( Someone like... )
:o I saw Shrek 2 for the first time yesterday! I LOVEEEEED it! And we got POTC the Special Edition yesterday...:THUD: Orliiiii <3
Well, that's my random update! Thanks everyone who reads & comments! *hugs*
-Erica | | comments: 15 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Time: | 08:32 pm | | Current Mood: | chipper |
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| Today was supar fun! I had an AP Bio study group meeting, and afterwards my group members came grocery shopping with me! :roll: They really didn't have to, but they came anyway! We were looking at lip gloss and nail polish, and telling a guy in our study group which colors would look the best on him. :roll: He was a good sport though! :D
I made an Ericatoon (cartoon of Erica) today!
My mittens! <333
Hmm, I tried an almond joy today and.. >.< yuckers! I took a bite and threw the rest of it away. It's ironic because I love coconut. I ate a coconut yogurt instead :D. I don't really care for candy that much anyway..I like icecream better! :D
:o Mommyness cooked colliflower and beef tonight..yummerness!!!!!! :D!!
Anyway..gotta go study AP Econ..ttyl!! :D
-Erica | | comments: 13 comments or Leave a comment |
| Yayness for the weekend, although I have oodles of homework! I have homework in every single class except for yearbook :D I had my AP Bio test today, and I still have bio running though my brain *phosphorylation cascades, G protein-linked receptors, tyrosine-kinase receptors, ligands, phosphatases* :o I gave a bunch of my friends candy today. :D I don't celebrate Halloween, but I love giving my friends candy! Hehe! When I told this guy that after I gave him a bag of candy, he said, "You crack me up, Erica." :roll: I guess I'm a little dorky, but that's ok! :D
WARNING: Extreme Thudness:
( proceed with caution )
I talked to Raina today, and she's so funny + nice + an amazing piano player! <3 *hugs* Love for the bagel buddayness!
I watched America's Most Talented Kids (hosted by "Joey" from Full House..he is so funny! ) while I was working out today. There was a 15 year old boy who sang a song for his Uncle who was killed on September 11th. It was so sweet, and he cried when he had to talk about it. <3 He didn't win AMTK, but to me he is a winner.
-Erica
| | comments: 11 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | You Raise Me Up ~ Josh Groban | | Time: | 07:44 pm | | Current Mood: | touched |
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| Today I saw Tom Hanks & Josh Groban on Oprah! I always watch Oprah when I'm working out because it gives me something to pay attention to. :roll:
Tom Hanks is so funny and nice! He's one of my favorite actors. I loved Forrest Gump, it's so sweet. Castaway was so funny..WILSONNNNN! :o! I also ABSOLUTELY love Josh Groban. He has one of the most beautiful voices ever. He sang a song from Tom Hanks's new movie, and it was so beautiful. I just about teared up. <3 It was somewhat sad today because they brought a little boy onto the show who is going to go blind at sometime in his life. His vision will continually deteriorate until he cannot see anymore. I was studying for my Genetics exam, and read a section about a genetic disease which had the same symptoms. I hope that in the future we can genetically research diseases like this and hopefully help many people. I'm really proud of that little boy for being strong and having courage. His role model was an athlete who had the same disease, and set a record in track. They brought him onto the show, and their meeting was so sweet. They little boy thanked the runner for teaching him to believe in himself, and the runner thanked the little boy in return for the same thing. <3 This is another time that I have been taught the importance of appreciating everything you have and being kind to others. It's also really important to believe in yourself. :D
Well that's just my random blurb of the day! I hope y'all are having great days! Thanks for everything! <3
-Erica | | comments: 6 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Open Arms ~ Clay Aiken | | Subject: | THUD | | Time: | 06:19 pm | | Current Mood: | THUD |
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| :o I have been looking for a 2005 calender, and today while I was at the mall, I passed by the calendar store and saw the perfect calender! An ORLANDO BLOOM calender! :o <33 My daddy bought it for me! <3 :D I can't wait until January! It was supar funny, today in yearbook I left my binder on the table (the one w/ Orlando blends on it) and this girl picked it up and said, "Uh-oh, we've got an Orlando obsessor here!" :roll:
And..gorgeousness:
-Erica | | comments: 9 comments or Leave a comment |
| Today was a supar special day for teh pie. <3
This has been one of the most memorable birthdays ever. It started out with birthday wishes from my Mom and Dad before I went to school. <3 They've done so much for me, and I can't thank them enough.
When I arrived at school, everything was pretty much normal, and I went to AP English as usual. As I was sitting with my friends in the classroom, my teacher handed me this full page printout of Orlando Bloom. I thought that he had just printed me out a random picture because I have an Orlando blend on my binder. :"> I was so excited because Orlando is my favorite actor of all time! <3
Then I went to AP Economics, and my teacher handed me another Orlando picture...then I started to get the idea. This picture was one of the BEST pictures I had ever seen of Orlando, he looked so cute! While we were taking our test, my Econ teacher told the class it was my b-day. :">
I later got a picture from my AP Bio teacher as well. My binder is now covered with HUGE, high quality, THUDworthy pics of Orlando! :D <3
When I finally got the chance to go to my locker, my friends had covered it with wrapping paper, and written a note w/ another Orlando pic on it! :"> They are so sweet! For lunch, they surprised me with chocolate cupcakes. They were so yummay. :') <3
I also got balloons and a teddy bear to carry around from another friend. The bear is so huggable! <3
In yearbook, I was working on my page, and wanted to go get my binder, but one of my classmates wouldn't let me walk to the other side of the room. I was a bit confused by the whole thing, and whenever I tried to go ask the teacher a question, she would give me hugs and turn me right back around. Later when the class was over she handed me a card with little notes from all my classmates. :') Awww. So sweet!
And when I got home, I logged onto IDF, and found supar sweet messages from so many of my close friends! And I even got a supar dupar sweet beautiful blend from Rach! :') <3 I don't know what I've done to deserve to know such nice people. <3 And I made it to Round 3 in Raina Idol! :O I feel like the luckiest person in the world! <3
Thank you so much everyone, you've all made my life and birthday something to remember forever <3.
And BTW...b-day cake is still to come..=O :d!
-Erica | | comments: 20 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Time: | 06:50 pm | | Current Mood: | excited |
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| Yayness! Teh pie burfclay is tomorrow! :D
I share a b-day w/ Viggo Mortensen! <3 *feels supar special*
EEPness! :D
*runs back to studying AP Econ* :tehee:
:d!
-Erica | | comments: 8 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Look What Love Has Done ~ Clay Aiken | | Time: | 11:48 pm | | Current Mood: | ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/opiummmm/foxies/nerdy.gif) Geeky!! |
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| :D Today was a homework-filled day! I had a 2 hour AP Bio Study Group. :D I talked for about 30 minutes straight about photosynthesis! I drank a whole bottle of water after that. I got Celine Dion's new CD. It's a collaboration with Anne Gedde, and it has a song called "Beautiful Boy" on it. It was in Mr. Holland's Opus. That was such a sweet movie! And Cole was <33. :D By the way, I chose my future wedding dress. ^__^ :roll:
:d!
Well that's it for now! *skips off humming Canon in D*
-Erica | | comments: 6 comments or Leave a comment |
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ericasunshine's journal
