As small children we identify with or wish we could be like our favorite hero, whether he be from a book, a movie, a play, or television series. There are a plethora of choices when one is choosing your hero: John Carter of Mars, Tarzan, Basil from Watership Down, Odysseys, Hercules, Obi- Wan Kenobi, Indiana Jones, ad. infinitum. My favorite fictional character in my yearly childhood years was Optimus Prime from the antediluvian "Transformers" television program. It was my favorite cartoon to watch in those lazy afternoons you enjoy when you are between the ages 5-11. My greatest joy was watching Optimus develop his awe inspiring military strategy as well as seeing his diplomatic skills in action when he was in contact with humans as to convince them that the Autobots meant no harm. It was not only these attributes that caused me to admire this not-so-living legend, he was also an excellent leader who was able to rally his followers even in the most desperate of situations. He also fought with honor and never wished to kill any other Transformers, in fact, he was always searching for a way to solve problems peacefully, without violence.

His traits and actions still inspire me to this day. I became a leader looking for a way to solve problems peacefully, without violence. The reason I want to become a leader is so I can lead my fellow classmates to happiness and understanding. Much like Optimus always wished he could do between the rival factions of the Transformers. I see Optimus’ plight as an allegory to any person who is a foreigner in a world that is strange to them and that they seem strange to others. He never wished to be mortal but he wanted to live in peace with the humans and to be able to share with them the knowledge of the Transformers and at the same time learn from the mammals. This is simply a message to the viewer to accept the people who are around you, no matter how different you think you are and make an effort to get know them.

Every day I make an effort to get closer to that high plateau of leadership skill which Optimus Prime posses. I too want to help to create a world of understanding and peace, the only difference is that the world I want to better is real while that of Optimus Prime was fictional.




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