The Underdog Can Win!

Exador

October 3, 2007

The Underdog Can Win!

He was rewarded by three Presidents of the United States, won the Congressional Medal of Honor, and built a multi-million dollar company! Who is this mystery man? My hero is depicted in the fictional character of Forrest Gump. He overcame the trauma of war, family deaths, and physical and mental deficits. Forrest is a mentally challenged character that had an impact on American History in the movie. Forrest is my hero because he represents what is pure and innocent in a world that is dangerous and unforgiving. Forrest overcomes all the limitations that society has viewed him to have and succeeded despite his shortcomings. This is an example of what makes America a great place to live; even the underdog has a chance to find happiness and success.

Forrest Gump is my hero because he has helped show me that I can overcome just about anything. Forrest had many challenges. He was born with a twisted backbone and was unable to walk without braces on his legs. He worked hard and finally walked and ran normally. He showed that he was not a quitter. Forrest always valued his friends and family. He let his friends vent their frustrations without judging them. He always wrote letters to Jenny even though she never wrote back. He always listened to his mother. He never put limitations on himself. He thought anything was possible. These are traits that I feel make a hero.

On Forrest’s first day of school he met his first friend, Jenny. She was Forrest’s lifelong friend. After high school Forrest went to Alabama State University on a football scholarship. He became an All-American Football player and was rewarded with a trip to Washington D.C. to meet President John F. Kennedy. After five years Forrest finally graduated from college. This showed that Forrest could accomplish goals by finishing school and getting an education. I think these are very heroic characteristics.

Forrest graduated from college and joined the United States Army. After boot camp Forrest was sent to Vietnam to fight in the War. This showed that Forrest could accomplish goals by finishing school and getting an education. This also showed that he was brave and willing to fight for his country. When Forrest joined the army he found another “best good friend”, Bubba, Benjamin Buford Blue. When Forrest and Bubba first met we could see that they had a special bond. Even though they were from different “worlds” Forrest didn’t care. Forrest never dwelled on differences. In fact I don’t think Forrest even noticed the differences. Their friendship grew throughout their time at boot camp. When they were sent to Vietnam, Bubba and Forrest started to depend on each other. They showed great respect and support for each other especially in times of darkness and fear. The loyalty that Forrest and Bubba had for each other is a characteristic of a true hero. I think this makes Forrest a real hero even before he saves most of the guys in his platoon. He was wounded while saving Lt. Dan but goes back into danger to get Bubba. Hero’s never quit. Forrest was sent back to the United States because of his wounds. He was awarded the highest medal in America, the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Johnson at the White House.

Forrest joined the U.S. Army Ping Pong team and represented the U. S. in China. Forrest became a famous ping pong player representing the U.S. in worldwide competitions as a goodwill ambassador. He got to meet President Richard Nixon for his hard work. Forrest would set his mind on something and never lose his focus. I think if I could do this more I could be more successful.

Forrest was released from the Army so he went home. When he got home his mother told him that a ping pong paddle company sent him $25,000 to endorse their paddle. His mother told him that a little “white lie” wouldn’t hurt anything so he endorsed the paddle. Forrest had made a promise to Bubba that he would buy a shrimp boat and become a “shrimpin’ boat” captain. He took the $25,000 and bought a shrimp boat in Bubba’s hometown even though Bubba had died in the Vietnam War. This is another example of a heroic trait that Forrest reveals to me. He keeps his promises no matter what!

Forrest’s shrimp business got off to a slow start. After Lt. Dan became his chief mate the business still didn’t take off. Forrest and Lt. Dan starting going to church so Forrest could pray for shrimp. Forrest didn’t give up even though Lt. Dan had doubts. After Hurricane Carmen hit the Gulf coast Forrest felt that God showed up! Catching shrimp became easy since all the rest of the shrimp boats were wrecked except “Jenny”. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company started doing so well that they bought twelve “Jennys”. I think Forrest’s faith in God is another heroic trait. I think that if I have the same blind faith in God as Forrest did my life troubles would be