Alandra Hess
Pittsford Area Schools
Pittsford

Once asked about my Michigan Hero, I immediately drew a blank, or rather acted like a deer caught in the headlights. I was puzzled due to having so many good role models in my life, so many different people who have aided me. I have finally, after much consideration, found my Michigan Hero. I believe my hero is myself-due to my past, present, and dreams to come.

"She needed a hero, so that's what she became." - Unknown

This is a quote I would like to use to help comfort my situation. No, I am not claiming to have supernatural abilities, nor do I wear a colorful cape. I am simply explaining that I knew I needed a change, so I did what needed to be done. Today, I stand a better person because of it.

Like most teenagers my age, I used to battle with very harsh depression. I got to a very bad point in my life, and every day I hoped to find a magical savior to rescue me from my untimely doom. That didn’t happen. I needed a hero so that is what I became. It started with baby steps, but after a while I felt the melancholy slowly disperse.

I will not claim to have done it all by myself. Around two weeks after taking my first few shaky steps, I realized I had the support of my family to guide me when I needed it. As well as a few words of wisdom from my father. I learned that I was in control of my life; my happiness. From that point on, I started acting like the hero I had to be.

I then started dreaming of a joyful future again, and of my not-soon-enough escape to college. I started learning and laughing more than ever before. But most importantly, I tried my best to start helping others. Since I knew what it was like to struggle, I could tell when someone needed a hero. So I started to show others their inner hero. I tried to help them find happiness, even if it was just a laugh here and there.

So, no, I am not a fictional character who wears tights, nor am I a saint who saves children's lives and devotes everything towards others. I am just a teenager who found a personal hero in herself. Someone who has learned to be proud of the past, be true to the present, and be excited for the future. I am my own Michigan Hero, just as everyone should say for themselves.