Hugo December 6, 2002
Comp 9 Gokturk
Who I Want to Be
Who would you want to be if you were given the opportunity to change yourself into that person? Who would you want to be and why would you want to be that certain person. Most people would choose to be a certain person for many reasons. There are many people in the real and entertainment world that people seem to admire for many reasons. Some would choose someone who has funny, courageous, bold, and intelligent characteristics for example. As for me if I were given the opportunity to be someone else I would chose to be Jackie Robinson for many reasons. Jackie Robinson was a courageous sports figure that not only changed the sports world forever but he also changed America during this time period.
Jackie Robinson faced many struggles while he was growing up. Jackie grew up during a time period where segregation and discrimination was around. Being an African American Jackie Robinson faced many struggles and hardships. African Americans during the 1930's 40's 50's and 60's faced discrimination and segregation from whites all the time. This is what Jackie Robinson had to go threw growing up in the south. They would have to drink from separate water fountains, have separate bathrooms, everything. Jackie was around racism all his life and because of that he also grew up being poor, like most black families at the time. But that didn't stop Jackie from achieving his greatest goals. Jackie thrived in sports, which was the only thing he could really do and enjoy back then. He was track and field star, a football star, and as well a baseball star. Being poor, playing sports was the only thing he could really enjoy. Though Jackie Robinson may have faced several struggles throughout his childhood and teenage years that didn't stop him from shocking America and not letting anyone stop him from reaching his goals because of his special traits.
There are many characteristics, which make Jackie Robinson who he is and because of these traits and characteristics many were able to notice and look up to Jackie. Jackie Robinson was seen to many people during his lifetime and during out lifetime as a bold and courageous character. Jackie Robinson though he raced many struggles during his years growing up, Jackie was able to be strong and stand up to those who wouldn’t give him the chance in a day. Jackie was known as a person who was distinct and clear with his thoughts. From his characteristic of confidence Jackie was able to succeed when no one thought that it was possible. No one every thought that Jackie Robinson was ever going to make the Major Leagues being an African American. Everyone just thought it wasn’t possible and it wasn’t to be. Though people knew what was happening during the 50’s was wrong no one had the courage to do anything about it and Jackie Robinson was the one to decide and do something about it. Jackie soon after working hard was able to reach the Major Leagues and proved everyone wrong. He was able to be a leader soon after and everyone was able to look up to Jackie as an icon not an outsider. He was a leader also because he led the way for other minority sports athletes. Another characteristic of Jackie’s that grew to become noticeable was his intolerance of ignorance. Jackie never ever played attention to those who would often make racial remarks and try to put him down. But Jackie ignored their ignorance and didn’t let it stand in his way. Jackie was able to maintain moral strength to face danger of everyone who opposed him without fear. Jackie’s characteristic of persistent allowed him to continue on with his life goals without letting anyone stop him. Jackie was persistent and made up his mind with the dream that he was going to succeed which he did and because of that many were able to admire Jackie for who he was.
There are many reasons why I would like to be the person that Jackie Robinson was. Jackie Robinson was a trendsetter and changed the lives for millions of people around America. Jackie Robinson was able to give opportunities and open doors for those who were to scared to try and do t themselves. Jackie was able to face his challenges right in the face and not let them stop him but he over came them as well, with success. Jackie Robinson was able to change lives and because of that I admire him and would like to be Jackie, a person who changed America and gave others the chance to achieve their goals. That is what I want to do. I also would like to be famous and known as a baseball all-star which Jackie was. I would like to be known as one the most popular and known sports figures in all of America. Jackie Robinson was able to make and difference and I would want to be him making that difference. Though he faced tremendous challenges of racism and more, the reason why I would chose to go through that is because facing challenges like those isn’t something that any can do. A person who does that is someone special and important in history and that is whom I would want to be known as. Facing harsh and tough challenges like Jackie did would make me proud knowing that I was able to make a tremendous difference to everyone. Not only would I be famous for being one sport’s best athletes but I would also be known as being one of America’s most courageous people. Being a minority who no one would ever think would be able to make a difference and in the end change all of America at once would make me proud and give me great pride in being Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson soon after his accomplishments was seen as a motivator for those who couldn’t stand against their fears. But with Jackie showing them the way, they would then be able to learn and try to achieve their goals, which no one said would be possible. Jackie was seen as an American icon for several people and because of that I would want to become him. I would want to be a figure who changed the lives of people for the better of society then as well as today.
So once again I ask the question, who would you want to be if you were given the opportunity to change yourself into that person? I know who I would be and that person is Jackie Robinson. There were many characteristics that made Jackie Robinson famous for who he was. Jackie was a bold and courageous sports figure that was able to change Americans forever. He gave those who didn’t have the chance the opportunity to thrive and succeed in life. For all those reasons that are why I would chose to be Jackie Robinson. Jackie was someone who made a difference in his and other peoples lives. Jackie Robinson was a courageous sports figure that not only changed the sports world forever but he also changed America during this time period.