minarai
I wanted to recognize someone who deserves credit for the amazing thing they did. This person (we'll call him Joe) performed an incredible task without even considering the consequences. Unfortunately, not many people realize the extent of Joe's actions. They carry on with their daily lives and never think twice about what Joe did. But for me, Joe is a hero.
My friend, Joe, was preparing for a test. He studied hard. He got to class on time. But moments before taking the test, something went wrong. A girl in Joe's class started having a seizure. Panic spread through out the room. Students stared. Teachers stood stunned. People whispered "Good way to get out of the test!" or "Man, I should have thought of that!" Joe didn't stare. Joe was not stunned. Joe did not whisper. Joe got up from his seat and went to the girl's aid. In the middle of all the panic and the horrendous sight of a seizure, Joe didn't even think twice. He searched through her purse, hoping to find what he needed. Was she diabetic? Did she have glucagon? Yes and yes. Joe drew up the glucagon. He gave the shot. The girl found a new hero. I found a new hero.
His simple story, his simple act leaves me in awe. It raises questions like could that be me? Or what if Joe hadn't been there? Paramedics take awhile, especially on college campuses. Where would that girl be if Joe hadn't saved her life? And if it's me, should I always have my glucagon? I don't carry it with me, rationalizing that I've never had a seizure during the day so it only seems important at night. "What if" races through my mind.
It also makes me think of how rare Joe is. How many people would (especially college students!) do that? How many people have the guts to rummage through a girl's purse? Or not think twice about giving the glucagon (I think we all know where it's going...not something I want the world to see)? How many people have the substance to be a hero?
I'd guess that it's not many considering Joe was the only hero in this story. If only we could all be like Joe, wouldn't the world be a better place?
