Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Evonne W.

My mom is my hero. She was 14 years of age when she gave birth to me. Instead of deciding to quit high school, my mom completed high school as the valedictorian of her class and went on to earn two bachelors degrees and one masters degree. This may not seem very heroic, except that she was from a low income, Black neighborhood where there wasn't much expected from the people who lived there. My mom leads by example. She is a great mother, wife, daughter and friend. No matter when I've needed my mom, she has always been there. I see my mom and I find someone whom I want to be like, even though I am now 29 years of age. My mother had to overcome the obstacles of poverty and child abuse. Instead of becoming a statistic, my mother persevered and used these instances to become a great person and to help others. My mom is a nurse who has spearheaded special programs for the city of Chicago that reach out to women, minority at-risk moms and their babies. She is also the co-pastor of our church. She uses endurance, love and dedication to not just brighten the lives of others, but to change them as well. I want to thank my mom for being a beacon of light in my life.

Story was submitted anonymously