It does not matter what race you are, what creed you hold or what values you share. We all have something dear to our hearts that drives us to do more and aspire further. Everyone has something.

My “somethings” are three specific people that influenced my life. These are my heroes.

The first person is my father. Because of him, I have become a stronger person. I was raised to not be afraid to take risks and have integrity. He showed me to stay strong in adversity.

He also showed me that the things you want most in life are not easy to obtain. His experiences growing up shaped him to want change and be something more for my sister and I. I am blessed to have a wonderful mother and father, not many people can say that.

My second hero is my grandfather. He died of Alzheimer’s in 2002 before I really got to know him. Just recently, after my grandmother passed last year, I read his writings from his time in Europe during World War II. I read about his experiences in war, and living a peaceful life after. My grandfather gave me the inspiration to write and push myself.

If someone like him can go to war, liberate a concentration camp and come home to his family in his early 20s, then there is nothing I can’t do to be a better person and strive for more in life.

Finally, my third hero is my squad leader from my army unit, Sgt. Umfleet. First off, nothing has changed my life more than enlisting in the army. I have met great leaders and bad ones. None, however, like Sgt. Umfleet. This man is the epitome of what a leader should be through and through.

I have several memories of him that will be in my heart for a very long time. He taught me one of the most important lessons I can learn as a future officer; take care of your soldiers and communicate.

This lesson goes beyond the army. He taught me to watch out for others. Period. Talk to your friends, smile to strangers, and be someone that people look up to. If you do that, then the rest will follow. Mutual respect is key, and that is what he taught me.

There is a reason why I stress the things I do. I want to give back what my heroes have given to me. I believe it is important to have heroes in your life, or at least someone to look up to that makes you want to be a better person.

We all have something we want to fight for, and it is important to have someone to push us. So go out and find your something.

Ben Leman can be reached at 581-2812 or at bhleman@eiu.edu.