Who says that heroes are only those people who have done great things for their country or has made a great impact on the world?

A hero is anyone who possesses exceptional qualities and is regarded by whomever, as an ideal or role model. In that case heroes are all around us.

It is very important for us to start acknowledging our everyday heroes; our teachers; mothers; fathers; who ever it is. There must be at least one person you have met and have admired some outstanding qualities in that person. Or there must be someone who has passed through your life and left an indelible mark. These persons are considered to be our personal heroes.

I challenge you my fellow TEENagers, while we all are grateful to our seven national heroes, let us show these other amazing individuals that we recognise and appreciate their contribution.

My personal hero is my father. A man of great humility, strength and wisdom, he inspired me to be the best there is to be. Although he was admired by many, I was his number one fan. It is a wonderful thing to have a role model but it is even more satisfying when that individual is someone you know personally.

What made my father the perfect role model? It was his ability to be a teacher, a father and a friend at the same time. There was no lesson that I had learnt at school that he could not further expound on.

There was never a time that I was prevented from enjoying my childhood in a safe and comfortable environment. And there was never a dull moment around him. Most important, were the cherished teachings of black consciousness and black pride.

A hero is suppose to make you want to be like them some day or adopt at least one quality they possess. I was proud to tell anyone that he was my father. He passed away recently, leaving me ‘heroless’. Nevertheless, I was able to have a personal hero. I gave recognition and praises to the everyday extraordinary things he did. And for that I am content.

I proudly see myself as my father’s masterpiece, a job I consider to be very well done. And my head will always be held high because of the respect I have for him and his works. I salute him, just as our national heroes are honoured.

Thank you daddy.

— Yunique Francis