Clara Barton

Clara Barton

Clara Barton

"To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success." (Henry Ford). A hero can be described as one who goes above and beyond an expectation that is set for average society. A hero is someone who isn’t forced to be a hero, but lives to be one, like Clara Barton. Clara Barton’s heroic traits most often shine through her successions and achievements. She was born in 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She was raised as the youngest in her family. She, also, began getting involved in teaching around the age of 17. She attempted to start a new school for children, but it did not succeed due to amounts of money needed. Around 1861 she lent a helping hand and took care of the Union soldiers from the Union vs. Confederate war. After commanders promoted her to working in the field, she attempted to commence a Locating Missing Soldiers program, which, unfortunately, did not pass. In the late 1800’s, Clara became the president of the American Red Cross Association. Besides the few times where Clara Barton has tried and not succeeded, her determination shows that even in low times, she gets back up again. Clara Barton is truly a hero because of her unselfishness and the way she dedicated herself to helping others in everything she accomplished.

Clara Barton was commonly known for her unselfish personality. When she was 17 she became interested in teaching. After being educated for a couple years, she was compelled to begin a school that was founded by herself: “Clara even offered to give up her own salary for three months, just to afford the funds needed to start the new school.” (American Civil War Reference Library). Clara gave up her own money she personally worked for to give other kids a place to learn. She was willing to sacrifice an importance in her life for the means of other individuals. In addition, she cares for the people who have been affected by unfortunate events: “Barton Visited Galveston, Texas to supervise assistance after a tidal wave.” (Encyclopedia of World Biography). She shows her commitment with lending a hand towards the deprived. Clara cares for others who are in need of help and she’s unselfish enough to help the less fortunate. Clara Barton wasn’t forced to help and provide for people, she had a desire to.

Many people chose to live a life of caring and helping others, like Clara Barton. She spent much of her lifetime nursing and aiding soldiers: “I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.” (Clara Barton). No matter what she went through when she was on the battlefield, her priority was the soldiers. She exhibits dedication by devoting herself to attend to other people, rather than herself. Furthermore, Clara undoubtedly shows an idea about the time and effort put into her work. “Her own enterprise involved appeals for provisions to be carried into the war zones…” (Encyclopedia of World Biography). The risks she took being out in combat zone were critical to her, but she did it anyways. Clara was able to overcome the fear of life-threatening situations to nurse soldiers. Those who can withstand being patronized through war willingly, have qualities that sustain the true definition of a hero.

Because Clara Barton is unselfish and dedicated herself to helping others through everything she achieved she is a hero. “You must never so much as think if you like it or not, if it is bearable or not. You must never think of anything except the need --- and how to meet it." (Clara Barton). Everything that she put effort into was done with every care in the world. She has inspired many individuals; whether it was through showing them how to be a better person, or simply by inspiring them to willingly create a standard for themselves. Clara makes people think twice about helping yourself, before you help others.

Works Consulted
"Barton, Clara." UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Laura B. Tyle. Vol. 1. Detroit: UXL, 2003. 175- 177. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 May 2010
"Clara Barton." American Civil War Reference Library. Kevin Hillstrom and Laurie Collier Hillstrom. Ed. Lawrence W. Baker. Vol. 1: Biographies. Detroit: UXL, 2000. 1-10. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 May 2010.
"Clara Barton." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 37-39. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 May 2010.
Women in History. Clara Barton biography. Last Updated: 4/13/2010. Lakewood Public Library. Date accessed 5/9/2010.