Samuel Rocker
by Eric from Columbus
My definition of a hero isn't someone who is just bigger, smarter, and stronger than everybody else.
My definition of a hero is someone who goes through adversity and is told that they will never be anything and beats the expectations of their success.
My definition of hero is basically someone who lives by the quote " You can do whatever you set your mind to" and does it, and sets an example for those who want to be something and leads by example and says if I can do it you can do it.
My hero is my granddad Samuel William Rocker Jr. He was the son of a preacher and was raised by Samuel and Reba Rocker. Being a preacher's kid, he had to grow and mature faster than other kids his age, and if you think being a preacher's kid is tough, he was also the oldest of 12 siblings. Knowing he was the oldest, he had to help raise his siblings and also had to be a role model for his siblings.
He became a role model for his brothers and sisters as the first man in his family to not just go to college but graduate with honors. He went to Morehouse College where he was in classes at the time with a guy we now know as Martin Luther King Jr.
My granddad is an inspiration for all people who want to be something in their life and an inspiration to people who say that it doesn't matter where you come from, its where you're going.
My granddad also played baseball and football. He was so tough that the people who played with him gave him the nickname "bulldog". He is an inspiration to my family, his friends and me. My granddad was a true hero to all those that loved him and knew him.
Who was your hero growing up as kid?
My hero growing up as kid was the late great Negro League baseball player, Buck Leonard. He was my hero because he played my position in baseball... 3rd base.
Did you read the Odyssey?
Yes
When did you read the Odyssey?
In college.
Page created on 4/30/2012 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 7/26/2026 4:24:19 AM
The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.
