Orianthi

When you hear the word “hero,” what do you think? Well, I think of someone famous. I think of a superstar, or superhero. Occasionally, I might even think of a cartoon character! However, it turns out that heroes don’t have to be famous, nor do they have to wear capes or have some miraculous powers. Yes, a hero could be someone as simple as a family member or a close friend. However, I thought and thought about who should be my hero. I must say it was not an easy choice. In the end, I decided to choose someone who is famous.

Orianthi Panagaris (Google)

My chosen hero is Orianthi Panagaris, known globe-wide as Orianthi. Some people simply call her ‘Ori’ because it is much easier to say than her whole name. So, who is she? What makes her so significant to me? Well, Orianthi, named after her Greek grandmother, was born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, Australia. She is now 25 years old and is living in various places.

Orianthi and Michael Jackson (Google)

Orianthi began playing acoustic guitar at the age of six. With the help, support, and encouragement of her father, she progressed and quickly fell in love with the guitar. Who would have known back then that she would become a world famous guitar-shredder? Over the years, she has done work with many other big names. She has worked with Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, and U2. She received her big break when she was asked by Michael Jackson to be his guitar player for his upcoming ‘This Is It’ tour. However, she was never able to play in the tour due to the death of Michael Jackson. She was still featured in the “Michael Jackson’s This Is It" movie after his death.

Orianthi Panagaris is an awesome person to me. She means a lot to me because of the fact that she is a female guitar player just like me. No, I'm not nearly as good as her, but she serves as a real inspiration to me. Think about her skills for a second. Now, answer this: How many other girls do you know or have heard of that can play like Orianthi? Most likely, you don't know any.

For whatever reason, guitar shredding is one of those things that is said to not be for girls. No one thinks that a normal girl can play guitar as good as a boy. Well, Orianthi Panagaris sure did prove all those people wrong! As it turns out, girls can do just about anything boys can. All it takes is heart, soul, dedication, and not being a quitter.