Earvin "Magic" Johnson

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them” (Magic Johnson). Magic Johnson portrays himself as an advocate for help with education and housing in low-class communities across the nation. Earvin “Magic” Johnson was born in 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. He first played organized basketball at Everett High School. In 1977 Magic Johnson and the Everett team won the state of Michigan’s high school basketball championship. Magic took his game to the next level at Michigan State University and as a sophomore, averaged about 17 points per game and was named an All-American. His skills extremely improved the team and they would not be as good without him. Magic Johnson's striving to compete and succeed are clearly expressed through his work ethic. Even after he was diagnosed positive, he continued to help others in need and be the best person that he can be.

Magic Johnson is a hero because of his hard work and determination. He never gave up on his goals that he had set so high. Magic Johnson’s career started at a young age, he was often seen on the courts by his neighbors before 7:30 AM. This shows his determination to be the best that he can be. He was always working towards his goal to be better than everyone else. And with those efforts, he succeeded. Young Magic passed the time by singing on street corners and of course, playing basketball (NBA.com). This shows his efforts to stay away from trouble and in his mind he knew that he had a future. He had the drive to keep working and improving his skills in order to get to the level he reached. And the level he reached was the highest that you could go.

Being responsible is key to being a role model; Magic Johnson showed these traits when he admitted to the world that he had contracted an STD. After a physical before the 1991-1992 season, Magic discovered the he’d tested positive for HIV. He announced in a press conference in November of 1991, and stated that he would retire immediately. He also said that his wife Cookie and their unborn child did not have HIV, and that he would dedicate his life to “battle this deadly disease.” At first, Magic said that he didn’t know how he contracted the disease, but later acknowledged that it was through having multiple sexual partners during his playing career (NBA.com). This shows that he took complete blame for his misfortune. Later, he stated that he wasn’t aware of the STD and thought it was limited to homosexual men. He apologized on his behalf for being unaware of the dangers of sexual activity.

Magic Johnson’s strive to compete and succeed were clearly shown through his work ethic. His effort to help others is demonstrated through his charities and other help with urban communities. Magic Johnson is one of the NBA’s greatest players, on and off the court. He was an MVP multiple times and is an advocate for support. Once Magic was tested positive, it shocked the nation and opened their eyes to the dangers and risks that come with sexual activity. Magic Johnsons fight against HIV/AIDS inspires me. It takes courage to tell the whole world that you are HIV positive and then go on with your life, still somewhat in the spotlight. He also inspires me by how good a basketball player that he was and how tough it was for him to leave the game so suddenly. All in all, Earvin “Magic” Johnson wasn’t born into success, but worked up to it, which makes him a hero in my eyes.