Reader's Digest June Edition (2008)
Topic: What makes a hero?
(pg9-11)

REFLECTION:
What makes an ordinary person do something extraordinarily brave? Is it because of the nature or noble qualities the person herself/himself possess? Or perhaps it's due to another person's influence/nurturing which makes one realize the importance of "leaving" space in one's mind to show compassion, love to people in the society?

HEROES, as defined, are people who are admired or recognized for their noble qualities through their contribution and significant changes they have done to the society or community. Stated in the text, I,myself also feel that "People over the world are becoming Martin Luther Kings and Mahatma Gandhis in their own communities", which simply means there are many heroes around you who have made contributions through their own means. Maybe the impact by one might not be distinct, but i personally feel that even the smallest things done with effort and love can make one a hero because this might eventually have an impact on maybe, a small group of people.

During these days, certain unforeseen disasters have struck the world. People might think mother nature is cruel, but of course, we can't possibly change the fate of the world but we can contribute through our actions to help those in suffering. Agree? Let's take an example: A 8.0magnitude earthquake in Sichuan, China left millions of people dead and the alive ones, in suffering and poverty. However, from this tragedy, I saw compassion and love from people all around the world who felt an urge to lend a helping to those quake victims through any means such as monetary donations and even blood donation. Well, Premier WEN JIA BAO was probably the one whom i considered a hero. As the prime minister, he went to the quake-hit area to direct the troops. In his speech, he said: "no matter what cost it will take, we must save the trapped ones in the debris and provide for the suffering". One thing many of us wouldn't have even thought of was that he actually went to help to save those in the debris, with encouraging words and ended up getting his hand with cuts when he tried to get a victim out. However, he didn't want help and claimed that "time is life" and told the life-savers to carry on with their own work. I was really touched at his actions and his words, and admired his thoughts for his people even though he might risk his life at the aftershock-prone area. What a HERO!

Actually, I personally feel that one's nature and the way he/she is being nurtured is important in bringing up a hero. The most important factor is one's mindset, the mindset to help people in need or the mindset to show care and concern for other people. No doubt, forcing one to possess these qualities while bringing up their child wouldn't work for sure. Mahatma Gandhi quoted "I claim no perfection for myself". He strives to do anything which will do good for his people, showing that he is willing and noble. Thus, he managed to claim an "image" of a HERO in the eyes of many.

Hence, I sincerely wish that the world would be filled with heroes every now and then, so that those who are suffering from poverty could leave a better life, those in need could receive care and help and finally those without love could feel concern and love from the heroes around them who are determined and willing to lend a helping hand to them!! May the world be a better place!

Done by: Dathne Tan(1)