William Jackson

My hero and I sharing a memorable moment. (Taken on a cellphone at a family Christmas party. (Picture taken by other greatest hero. Thanks mom!))

"With great chocolate comes great responsibility." This is a phrase that I learned in association with the heroic actions of Larry Boy as a child watching Veggie Tales. Various actions performed by this mysterious masked figure exemplified my premature definition of heroism. This is likely why, as I view modern superhero movies, I find myself discontented with the portrayal of heroic dispositions. Unlike the vegetables who always had the drive of their moral compass and enacted selflessness, those in major motion pictures are usually focused on revenge for an action long ago. My main qualm about those modern superheroes, however, is that they are flawless in every way. Childhood struggles aside, their adult beings always manage to expel any traces of lingering imperfection. Real life heroes cannot just throw away all the struggles or hardships of their lives. Real live people have to prevail through these obstacles; truly defining a hero. The hero in my life that best depicts my explicit categorizing is my father. His life has tested him in every single way and still he prevails. Admirable traits of his are many, but three specific examples that I find to be the most heroic are the qualities of being industrious, constantly striving for excellence, and endless courage.

Work is something that many people avoid. If avoidance cannot be maintained, they dread the time of the task, and thoroughly exhaust every possible complaint through the course of the stint in addition to the aftermath. Work ethic is a sublime way to ascertain certain characteristics of a person. How hard a person works can tell you, for example, how dedicated they are or whether they will strive to complete any task or goal. From an early age, all the cards of success were stacked against young Bill. He grew up in an impoverished neighborhood with a single mother who worked interminably. This meant that, from kindergarten, he would walk to and from school in Chicago with a key to let himself back into an empty house. By the age of eight he was working at the corner diner for tips. This hard work at a young age would prove to be an extremely beneficial trait when it would come to his college career. Not yet there, it was his goal from a young age to play basketball at the college level. This objective spurned his improved academic achievement, and led to countless hours spent practicing outside; up and down Lake Michigan at times. Work ethic, as it turned out, would be an invaluable part of his adult life.

Success resulting from hard work is nothing without the desire to achieve it. True heroes are those who combine suitable morals while performing the task at hand to the very best of their abilities. Realistic ones accomplish this while facing many hardships that they must overcome to see through and surpass their goals. Such trials were numerous in the case of my father's young life. Being of mixed ethnic groups: African American and Caucasian, made growing up difficult as he had problems identifying with either one. No paternal force was apparent in his life, which meant that he had to teach himself what it meant to be an exemplary man. The striving for excellence comes mainly on account of the basketball dreams. Having upheld his grades in high school while enjoying a prolific basketball career, many colleges sent him recruitment letters. The nameless accepted college was not well suited to his athletic needs, and the struggles of college proved to be overwhelming, leading to failing out of the school. Dejectedly returning home, he obtained a security job and played basketball as a hobby at the YMCA. Easy Street seemed to be an impossibly far goal, and this was worsened by a five car accident in a terrible snowstorm that was his fault. As insurance was not required and likely too costly for him at the time, all the debt fell on him alone. The subsequent filing for bankruptcy was one of the lowest moments of his life.

This period of sadness, rejection, and loss has finally come to a climax. Having endured enough suffering, the heroic part may now commence. Pulling himself up by the bootstraps at the age of 22, he decided to make something of himself and his life. A coach of a friend in a far off state had been requesting a basketball player. Weighing his options, Bill decided that it would be in his best interest to pack up and leave. The state in question is North Dakota, while Trinity Bible College was the school. Based off his previous attempt at college, he knew his efforts would have to be doubled in order to find success in both academics and sports. Taking this very seriously, he would awaken at five every morning to review his notes and prepare for the day ahead. While his teammates were jostling on the 13 passenger team van, he would always be studying or doing homework in the less than optimal conditions. His efforts in college certainly paid off. On the academic side, he double majored in elementary education and biblical studies. His athletic success was something never previously experienced by that little private school. His record for most points stood for almost twenty years, while no one will ever come close to the rebounding or blocked shot records. This successful college experience has led to his continued attitude of never giving up. Having obtained a masters degree and an administrative position, he is continuing to push himself by setting significant and demanding goals.

Nevertheless, as the paternal influence in my immediate family, he has taught me many things about how to be the best man I can be. Following in his footsteps of the heroic qualities he possesses, I have experienced admirable instruction on how to be the greatest person I can be academically and athletically. His stress on athletics has encouraged me to stray from inactivity and laziness. Sports have also taught me many things about teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. These have translated to my academics, leading to me being a well rounded student athlete. Sports have also taught me to set goals and constantly expect more from myself. This is why I am never content with my level of success; constantly push myself to achieve a new level of success. His guiding force was especially beneficial in his year as my 8th grade basketball coach. His coaching abilities led my team to an undefeated conference record. This unforgettable season is solidified with a banner in our gym commemorating the success shared by my team with his undeniable aid. Another major player in my sports success is the fact that, over the years, I have logged hours in his gym honing my skills and striving to get better upon his nagging. Though many times I was reluctant to get up and be active, it has truly impacted me for the better. Exceeding the unwritten guidelines of parenthood, he has truly gone above and beyond shaping me into the paramount version of myself.

All in all, this emotional roller coaster of the life story of a figure so near in my life has been emotionally and physically exhausting. Looking over my words, however, it becomes apparent why such a figure retains such significant importance in my life. Furthermore, his heroism comes from an ability to overcome any obstacle thrown at him. When he could have given up, he prevailed and continued on towards the path of success. Satisfaction, I believe, will not come to him until the pinnacle of his career is reached. At this time, he will achieve total fulfillment. The other two heroic aspects besides this striving for excellency are courage and hard work. Without these three things, his life may have taken a drastic turn for the worse. Beyond these heroics that pushed him through the quicksand of his life, he continues to be a hero every day he positively influences my life. Many such occasions are there, where I am constantly reminded of his love and support. Such actions as these are what keep me going strong through my own times of hurt and hardship. I hope to learn from his experience: minimizing as many mistakes as possible and reaching the summit of success. It is clear that, when I reach this point, my father will be there for me congratulating me for my rewards yet pushing me to go further still. All these things that he has done for me in order to help me along the path of life deserve momentous gratitude. I will attempt to cover much of it through my daily actions and words. Considering these things brings me back to the intro of a certain veggie-filled cartoon. "For God made you special, and he loves you very much. Goodbye!"