8/7/2019 Role of Heros w/JFK

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Shahid Mahdi Health Period 1 Ms. Marchese

Hero Essay³ Hero´. A simple term that has enshrined itself within the echelons of history as

a person whom imposes positive effects upon others. When the moniker comes tomind, the immediate allusion to Superman, Spiderman, or any supernatural figurewhom dons brazenly lit colors immediately enters our mind, particularly in youths.Yet, decades of conflict and turmoil have conveyed that those who deservedly havethe title ³ hero´ bestowed upon them are not those who constantly fight crime andthrow on masks, but those who assist and influence the community around them in a

beneficial manner. Look closer and you shall discover that the aforementioned dutyisn¶t rare-it¶s in thousands of people. Whether they acknowledge it or not, adolescentsand adults alike are committingheroic deeds. These can range from a fireman sprinting hurriedly into a building thatis set alight by embers to rescue a toddler (somewhat of a cliché, mind you) to anordinary student sending his/her study guide for the entire class¶s usage. Thus,ironically, it is not the extravagant superheroes in the spotlight that deserve the

plaudits, but the simple volunteer worker who gives up his Saturday afternoon toassist the community center.

Due to constant ongoing efforts and continual deeds, from friends, theworkforce, and family (the latter of which would undoubtedly run away with thisaward) I am bestowing the title of ³ hero´ on a figure who is deceased. This manexemplified the qualities of service, honesty, responsibility, and loyalty, to name afew.

On January 20 th, 1961, a fairly young senator from Massachusetts had just been elected President of the U.S., and was orating his Inaugural Address to thenation. Of course, as well all know today, the early 60s were turbulent times for theU.S. in particular, with the Cuban-communism issue, an ambitious space program,and coping with the Vietnam War. The American publicknew they would need a mighty leader to represent them on a global front. This man¶sname was John F. Kennedy.

Throughout his illustrious presidency, Kennedy was lionized as a man whomwas both popular yet sophisticated. Despite the glory of past presidents, no man couldmatch up to Kennedy¶s social strata and appeal to the people, with possibly theexception of Abraham Lincoln. However, it wasn¶t just Kennedy¶s talent for publicspeaking and boyish swagger that earned him this hearth of respect; it was what theman actually achieved. Kennedy was renowned for his ability to make swift yeteffective decisions on all fronts, whether they pertained to foreign policy or domesticwoes (such as the previously mentioned space program). He could build friendships

flawlessly, and in doing so, built trust. Kennedy could successfully blend sharpintellect with social amiability, which is truly a rarity. Despite this, JFK¶s mostcoveted asset was his capability to rouse and motivate people. In my view, he was thefirst president to truly look his people in the eyes and ask them for assistance inmaintaining the wellbeing of the U.S. His quote, uttered on that wintry Januarymorning, has immortal significance:

³ Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.´

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- J ohn F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address

Quite simply, JFK had a productive tenure in his tragically brief time as president-funding man¶s efforts to touch the moon, and easing tension between Communiststates and the U.S., alongside others, but truth be told, Kennedy¶s preeminent

accomplishment was earning the support of the public and securing a friendship withthe American people forever.

I aspire to be seen as a figure who can bring about change in the world in afriendly, productive manner that rewards all those whom are involved. I consider myself a fine public speaker (on ASL¶s debate team) and I believe that the power of orating well is understated in today¶s highly digitalized age. I wish to illuminate thecommunity around me with a sense of joy, and want to plant the idea that a brightfuture awaits anyone who is preparing to work hard for it. In accordance with therenowned quote above, I wish for people to express themselves individually, and touse this to enhance their community-or better yet- the world.