Neil Armstrong

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself" (Joseph Campbell). Neil Armstrong wasn't just an astronaut, he was a family man, a fighter, and a college graduate. He even served on the United States Navy's aviation team. Neil Armstrong was the first man to step foot on the moon, but his determination, ability to stay humble, and inspiration to others are what makes him a hero.

Neil Armstrong's determination was like no others. At a young age he planned to go to college. But when it was time his family did not have enough money for college, so he found a way around it by earning a "...Navy college scholarship and enrolling at Purdue University in 1947 to study aeronautical engineering..." (Contemporary Heroes and Heroines: Neil Armstrong). Armstrong desired to pursue a career in aviation. He also was determined to help his country when it was in need. "He flew a total of 78 combat missions..." (Contemporary Heroes and Heroines: Neil Armstrong). while in the Navy. Armstrong fighting not only showed determination for his country, but also led him to where he ended up as an astronaut.

Neil Armstrong's ability to stay out of the spotlight is another reason why he is a hero. After he stepped foot on the moon, he was relatively quiet and did not pursue fame. "A quiet and private man, Armstrong and his family have successfully avoided the limelight" (Contemporary Heroes and Heroines: Neil Armstrong). Armstrong did not want the attention that some people receive after doing something amazing. Instead, he kept himself and his family quiet by protecting them from everything that being famous brings, including money. "A quiet man who valued his privacy, Armstrong rejected most opportunities to profit of from his fame" (Notable Scientists from 1900 to Present, 2008: Neil Armstrong) He was not driven by the money that was going to come with his accomplishments. Instead, his motivation was to better science and exploration, which is very honorable.

Neil Armstrong was a hero not just because he was the first person to step foot on the moon, but also for his dedication to science, ability to stay modest, and positive influence on others. Armstrong was a man that was determined to pursue excellence in his life. Even when he was a kid, he wanted to great things. Also, he was able to stay out of the public's focus of attention even after his moon walk. He kept both himself and his family safe from the chaos of fame. He was an inspiration to people because he started with almost nothing, but still accomplished much in life. "This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" (Armstrong).

Works Cited

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"Neil Armstrong." Contemporary Heroes and Heroines. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1990.Biography in  Context. Web. 

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"Neil Armstrong." Notable Scientists from 1900 to the Present. Ed. Brigham Narins. Detroit: Gale    Group, 2008. 

Biography in Context. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.