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: Bryant L.

Born and raised in Cabrini Green, Chicago's most notorious housing project, Bryant beat the odds and became a person that everyone can look up to. Raised in an extremely impoverished community where he shared a one-bedroom apartment with four others and where friends and family were continually being lost to the streets, Bryant resisted the negative influences around him and excelled in school. He graduated from high school in 1992 with a 3.8 GPA. Right after high school he served for 4 years in the military. Somehow, he loved his great country so much that he decided to serve it even when it had challenged him so much. He came back a stronger leader and did not waste any time before continuing his education. That same year his hard work paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious University of Chicago. He graduated with an impressive 3.1 GPA and is currently employed by one of the regions top research centers. While paying off his substantial student loans, he managed to move his mother and grandmother out of the housing projects. In short, Bryant is an amazing, determined, and inspirational person who never let the hand life dealt him stop him from becoming who he is…A hero.

Story was submitted anonymously