The Definition of a HeroWhen I think of a hero, I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, beautiful and bold. On closer inspection, many different qualities appear. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and a willingness to try are just some of the overlooked qualities of a hero. The definition of heroism changes with context and time. Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of the present and vice versa. A person can be a hero for saving the life of one person or millions of people. Heroes are not only real people, but also fantasy characters. Children are extremely interested in legendary and fantastical characters as they undertake tasks such as: difficult journeys, challenges with dragons, discovering lost treasures, and changing the nature of the world through their singular acts of courage and of altruism. They also endure much resistance, hardship and danger. Often the hero learns valuable lessons about survival and self-reliance. Not only do heroes teach valuable lessons, but they also give the child a sense of belonging. For a child, a hero is an invincible person who will change the world. There is another type of hero that almost no one knows about. In the poorest regions of the country, mainly minorities and other ethnic origins live. All their lives they have been expected to work harder and not succeed in life. Some people living in poverty and determined to succeed work hard their entire lives to become what everyone doubted they could. Escaping crime, drugs, and prostitution is enough to escape hell, even if they don't go to college. Despite their financial problems, their environment of drugs and crime, or their linguistic difficulties, their desire for triumph fuels their perseverance. Those who succeed are rare living examples of the purest form of hero one can be. They are not only their own heroes, but also the heroes of poor children who dream of becoming like them one day. You also don't need to kill anyone, conquer foreign lands, or risk your life to become a hero. Anyone who influences someone else by saving or helping to save their life is a hero. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the lives of millions by bringing justice to minorities. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest heroes, led a non-violent revolution to liberate his country.