What criteria make a true hero? I explore these criteria using the example of my mother, who is not only a hero to my family, but my community as well.

There are three essential traits for a true hero. They are integrity, dedication, and perseverance. Although alone, these three qualities are certainly delightful; unless all three are present in a person, how can we call them a hero? If someone were to tell you they were here to save your life, would you trust them when you knew they lied, gave up too easily, and had no goals to actually help anyone? Why would someone like that go out of their way to save you in the first place? They most likely are a Magneto or Lex Luthor in disguise. While not all heroes stand up for truth, justice, and the American way, a Hero is someone who knows that they must fight for what they believe in, sometimes having to forsake their own safety, happiness, and pride to do so.

Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness, probity, rectitude, good character, principle, ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. A Hero must have Integrity. Integrity means being honorable, admitting to fallibility, and being open to criticism. Heroes can be held accountable for their actions, whether they were right or wrong. When a Hero sees injustice in their world, they set matters right. Heroes are responsible, setting an example for those that look to them for leadership and those that challenge their cause. A hero knows that might does not always make right. In having integrity, the hero shows that there is solidarity to their cause and beliefs.

This is the reason one becomes a hero. A hero must be the change they wish to see in the world, and be willing to make personal sacrifices in order to make that change. Heroes are motivated and passionate, often causing others to become passionate and driven as well. A Hero decides on a goal and chases after it with all their might. Heroes know the consequences of their failure, and risk it all for the reward of achieving their dreams. Without dedication, one would not be a hero for very long.

There have been many times when a hero will be beaten down and trampled upon, both by enemies, and by life. Being a hero means falling seven times and getting up eight. Sometimes scars are lessons learned for a hero. Heroes never cease striving for their ultimate goal, no matter how difficult the trials. Heroes turn around situations by looking at the bigger picture, being resourceful, and never giving up. Heroes know that they can't win every battle, so instead they make their wins count. Heroes keep their heads in the game even after the last buzzer rings.

My mother gave birth to me when she was only twenty years old. She comes from a background of abuse, drug use and alcoholism, but never abuses her husband or children. Even though she was battling addiction during pregnancy, she gave it all up so she could be continue to be my mom. She got her associate's degree at Lane Community College when I was three, and from then has dedicated her time to helping families in need. Although she is currently working at Sheltercare, a Family Housing Service non-profit organization, she is going back to school to get her master's degree. My mom is a fantastic example of a hero, because she is not infallible or perfect, but she always works toward being a better parent, a better person, and a better therapist with all her might. She is my protector, my guide, and my best friend. I don't like to brag, but she's pretty tough and strong too.

We know now what makes a super hero. But when in real life, how do those qualities apply to heroes? What makes my mom a hero? How is she different from all the other moms in the world? Does my mother fight supervillains? No, she does not. Then how is my mother like Storm, Jean Grey, Wolverine and all the heroes you read about in comic books? How could I possibly compare her to mythical and fictional men and women that always save the day?

My mom is no Superman. She is not perfect, and she is not a saint. However, my mother has outstanding integrity. She admits when she's made a mistake and then learns from it. She has a strong moral code, and firm beliefs in honesty, open mindedness and willingness. She never takes the easy way out when she is tested. She embraces new obstacles with spirituality and objectivity. She is reliable and trustworthy, never turning her back on her children or her friends. People look to her for guidance because she evaluates their situations from a place of love and not hate. We don't always agree or get along, but because of my mother's accountability, I know we will eventually come to a solution in the end.

Even when we faced homelessness, and were living near poverty my mother has never relapsed. When my mother's back was injured in a car accident, she went through so much physical therapy and the stress one goes through when being the victim in a legal case. Although she still struggles with back issues and Irritable bowel syndrome on a daily basis, my mom works full time and is going back to school for her master's degree. The reason my mother is able to persevere with such grace is due to her strong will, and her resourcefulness. When my mother needs help, she goes out and gets it. If there is a conflict, she jumps into action.

My mother is always striving to not only be a better person, but a better parent. She is committed to aiding homeless families and ending domestic violence. She is enthusiastic about her work and her schooling. She is a diligent student, counselor, and parent. She makes clear goals, and then achieves them by working harder than almost anyone I know. Her children, her friends, and her clients know that they can count on her to be there for them in times of need. She is devoted, zealous, and tenacious in all her endeavors. She does not make decisions lightly, therefore she meets challenges with greater success in the long run.

My mother doesn't wear a fancy costume, or have a super alter-ego. She can't fly or shoot lasers out of her eyes. She is a great softball player, but she can't run like the flash. She never received a green lantern's ring. She wasn't bitten by a radioactive spider, she'd never go anywhere near anything that contained them. She wasn't born rich, she's not from any other planet than this one. So, what makes my mother a true hero? Well, if you take away all the mutant abilities, the alien subtypes, and the money, there are still a few things that every hero has. When my mother hears a cry for help, or a call to action, she answers it. She embodies the same protector role and carries the same wisdom and leadership that one looks for in a hero. Is her hero's journey completed? Not even close. There is no one arch nemesis that my mother fights, rather she fights many obstacles and barriers not only in her everyday life, but in her work and school as well.