‘Untitled’ by Jocelyn Urias
This piece was part of the Ánimo Voices Competition, which invited students to write about innovators, upstanders, visionaries, or rebels that have made a difference in their local or broader communities. The competition was an opportunity to motivate, recognize, and celebrate our strong student voices through writing and art.
Untitled
by Jocelyn Urias, 7th grade, Ánimo Florence Firestone Charter Middle School
A hero is a person who helps others, who is kind, and a person who you look up to. I have met my hero, and he has been with me from the start. My hero is my dad, Jose Urias. My dad is a hero because he is determined, humble, and wise.
One reason my dad is a hero is because he is determined. My dad today still struggles economically, but he gets what we need. He is determined to get food in the house and a roof over our heads. My dad comes late from work almost every single day. Sometimes, I only see him in the morning. One morning, I asked him what time he got home. He responded “At 3:00 am;” he smiled and then went to work. My dad is still getting out late from work and still determined to get food on the table and provide everything that we need.
Another reason why my dad is a hero is because he is humble. When he had the opportunity to come to the United States, he took that chance. When he arrived, he felt that it was the greatest achievement that he has ever done. He told his parents that he had made it but didn’t brag about it to his siblings. He thanked them for the support that they gave him. Every time he has achieved something, he does not brag about it because he knows that bringing people down will make them feel bad and it will make him feel bad too; instead, he thanks the people that got him to that position. To conclude, my dad is being humble by not bragging about his achievements but showing the person that supported him through the choices that he makes loyalty and kindness.
My final reason why my dad is hero is because he is wise. My dad had been through a lot of harsh and cruel things. For example, poverty and working to the bone. He doesn't want me to go through the same path. For instance, he gives me advice when he sees me struggle in school and wanting to give up. “You might want to give up but you need to keep going. Continue your education and go to college, so you could have a good career. A career that you enjoy and pays you well. Don’t be like me. Me? I work hard day and night but get paid very little.” He is the one that pushed me forward. The one that gave me hope to continue on my education. He made me think about the consequences that will happen if I give up. My dad takes his experiences and makes sure I do not go through the same path.
In conclusion, I am grateful to have a such an amazing dad who is always there for me even in the hardest times, who is always there to make me laugh, who makes me feel like I belong. Many people might not realize that they have hero in their lives, but a hero doesn’t necessarily have to have superpowers or save people’s lives. A hero is a person who can make you feel determined, strong, and resilient like my dad. Who is your hero?