Everyday heroes sustain hope

By Sachin Seth

Terry Fox, George Beurling and Dr. Frederick Banting are a few names that come to mind when naming young Canadian heroes. But ask any Canadian who their heroes are today and they may have a very different answer.

As 17-year-old Joel McLaren indicates, siblings can often be wonderful role models.

"My older sister is my true hero. She works four days a week, is in her third year of university and still finds time to come watch all my hockey games," said McLaren. "She's never missed one game and has vowed she will always be there for me. She has never disappointed me and I know she never will."

Children who bravely battle sicknesses as optimistic young patients are also excellent role models, especially for older Canadians. These children teach others to believe in their own ability to overcome obstacles and to never give up, no matter how difficult the situation.

Karen Hollis, a volunteer at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital believes that her patients and co-volunteers are heroes as well.

"Some of the illnesses these children must endure are simply unfair," said Hollis. "As courageous as they can be, from time to time they feel isolated and that's where my co-workers and I step in. We are here to try and make them feel as healthy and as loved as possible."

The definition of a hero depends on the individual's mindset; for example, a hero to a five year-old could be Superman while a thirty year-old doctor's hero could be Tommy Douglas.

A hero, no matter what, is defined as intelligent, brave, benevolent, passionate, an advocate for his or her cause and an excellent role model. One who possesses these traits is destined to become a hero and a great Canadian to boot.

Being a young hero means making a difference, every global citizen has at least one hero, one person that they can say has influenced something positive achieved in their life.

Having heroes, especially in our world's current state is a bare necessity, they sustain hope within even the most pessimistic of people, and they help to give even the most ill-fated people a chance for good fortune.

Sachin Seth is a grade 12 student in Oakville who is very passionate about the issues and events that affect individuals or society as a whole, and especially those that affect youth.

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.