A hero is someone who perseveres around obstacles in a determined and courageous way to accomplish a goal. They see the good in everyone. If challenges come a hero’s way they will be tough and get through it. If negativity or rejection gets in their way they will put it aside and keep on walking. While the ancient hero Ulysses was rude, selfish, and and bad at keeping promises, Jackie Robinson from the modern world showed perseverance, determination, and courage. Another one of my modern day hero is Rachel Platten is a musician who inspires me because of her determination. While Ulysses represents a hero in the past, fearless and strong, Jackie Robinson changed the world with his bravery. This is what being a hero is all about.

While Ulysses is usually remembered as a hero, he didn’t keep his word to his men. He swore that he would get his men home even if he died, but he failed. On page 78, Elpenor’s ghost said, “My ghost will trouble you until you make my grave.” Ulysses promised he would- but he broke his promise just like he always did. Ulysses swore a promise on something big- his life, and he still didn’t keep it. Ulysses is not a hero in many ways, but on the other hand Jackie Robinson is.

Jackie Robinson is a true hero, a persevering, courageous and determined figure. Robinson could do anything- whether it was listening to his manager telling him to not get frustrated or trying to play baseball while millions of people were looking and cursing at him in disbelief. If challenges came Robinson’s way, he would persevere through it. If negativity or rejection came his way he would put it aside and keep on walking in a courageous way. Those two things are equivalent to being determined. With all this work Robinson did, it paid off. Now there are other African-American Major League Baseball players. Jackie Robinson is a hero because he made a great change to the world. Now any race or “color” can play in the MLB (Major League Baseball). Now it’s difficult to believe sports were so racist.

Rachel Platten used to be my babysitter, but she is also a true hero: kind, determined, dedicated, and courageous. Platten also inspires me because she left her job with my family so she could write music, and she was very determined. After Plattens’ new song got rejected many times she kept on going back and trying to get her song published. After many unsuccessful tries she finally got her song published and now it’s one of the most popular new songs. Rachel Platten is my hero because she didn’t give up.

Sometimes we think a hero is someone everyone knows. That’s not true. “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” -Jackie Robinson. This message is saying that we should respect each other as human beings, not different ”colors,” or race, or genders. A hero is someone who sees good in everyone, who perseveres, and who is determined. They don’t care if they’re different, because everyone is equal. My hero is Jackie Robinson because he was the first African-American in Major League Baseball. The determination and perseverance in both in both Platten and Robinson is the same energy I will need when I grow up because I want to be the first women in the MLB.