Personal Narrative: Epic Heroism

One can only wish that the world was ending. In this sense, our true selves arise from the pile of debris that was once life’s structure. It happens in every novel from Middle School book club; we’re all protagonists. If only one could prove themselves in an epic feat, not through an SAT score. We have the courage to stick it to an imaginary dystopia, but once senior year rolls around we aren’t too sure about courage. Bubble sheets and alarms set for five forty-five on weekdays are the structures that hold us back from “epic heroism.” True courage is attending school everyday and excelling. Seeking help from teachers. Reading the assigned books. These are the opportunities given to us, and while not glorious, are more challenging than anything Katniss Everdeen has ever done. We have to be heros of circumstance; this is not a ‘choose your own adventure.’ Challenge things that are easy because we must have trust in ourselves.

Willy Loman didn’t understand that. Many don’t. My Arabic program was getting cut. I was busy. We all had something going on; every person in the world can say, “Well, I’ve got a lot on my plate.” That was the sentiment surrounding budget cuts in my high school. The Arabic program, conceivably, could be saved. There were meetings being held to make this decision, but the language was not worth anyone’s time. People were too busy to argue for a high school class at a meeting late in the night. I went for it. I challenged the situation. I put together a petition. I wrote a letter. I made photocopies. I reached out to members of the school board. I succeeded and now, as a twelfth grader, I can enjoy a third year of Arabic classes. I made myself a hero of my Arabic education. It sounds less glorious than Wonder Woman’s title, but saving the world comes one step at a time and I’m no