Do they wear capes and save kittens in trees?
Are they the loudest voice in the room?
Do they make everyone else feel inferior?
Are they perfect?
I guess my definition of a social justice superhero is someone who wants to make the world a better place. This can mean someone who dedicates their entire life to creating worldwide change, but it can also be someone who lives their life meaningfully. Someone who recognizes that they have a voice and a choice when it comes to doing the right thing.
I have been extremely lucky to grow up around a huge cast of social justice superheros, starting with my parents. My mom and dad taught me from a very young age to treat people kindly and try to understand other peoples' ideas, beliefs and circumstances. They also helped me realize how truly lucky I was to have my family, friends, health and so much more. Being aware of my own good fortune, helped me develop sympathy for those less fortunate. I'm thankful for my parents, and their parents before them, for being such good models of character for me.
Another social justice superhero who continues to shape me is my good friend Elissa Froman. Elissa worked in Washington, D.C. for many years fighting for rights of women all over the world. She helped pass laws that have truly made this country better. But Elissa was more than the bills she worked on, or politicians she met. She cared deeply about people - from the homeless individuals she passed on the street to the children in seemingly far away, war-torn lands. Unfortunately, Elissa's life was cut painfully short. Although she is no longer with us, I know her ideas, principles, and genuine kind-hearted nature will live on with the many people she touched throughout her life.
Teaching middle school for the last few years has been rewarding, fun, and extremely exhausting all at the same time. What I like most about teaching kids at this age is seeing them grow and realize that they have a place in this world. My hope this year is for my students to learn about the many social justice superheroes that have shaped our world so far, and help them realize that they too can become a social justice superhero!
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