Dear Sean, I'm the professional writer who'll be responding to students' work for WEIR. It was interesting to read your personal essay, "A Hero Is". This is actually something I think about a fair bit, because, as your essay points out, trying to understand what heroism is entails trying to understand what courage is. I think people often confuse courage with fearlessness, and I'm not sure they're the same thing. When people who are fearful are able to overcome their fears, and take risks, I think they also are being courageous. There's also a sense in life that heroism involves physical danger. Of course that is true, but I don't think that's the only way people can be heroic. There are few moments, if any, in our lives, when we're saving lives. But there are many in which we can act either as cowards or courageously. Acting bravely might mean verbally defending a friend, or even a stranger. It might mean having the honesty to tell a friend or family member something painful that needs to be said. It might mean not turning away from someone else's emotional pain. I think your essay points out that your hero's actions are those of caring and compassion, and that it part of how you define heroism. I have to admit I don't know who Marcus Camby is, outside of the charitable organization that you describe, and would suggest you identify him further for us. Is he a sports figure? (Forgive my ignorance here....) Also, I think in your opening sentences you need to make the distinction that you're drawing between physical courage and compassion a bit more clear; maybe take a bit more time with that opening statement. Please do get back to me on this, and thanks for letting me read it. Rhea T. Dear Sean, I have also admired Marcus Camby, not as a "hero" but definitely as a gifted athlete.  Your essay shares a part of Marcus Camby that most know little about: his charitable work.  However, for many, Camby's heroism lies in his ability to play basketball, partially pushing the New York Knicks into the Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2000. Yet, I think your goal was clearly to show Camby's "leadership and dedication towards kids." Audrey Yhap Rhea Tregebov writes: Also, I think in your opening sentences you need to make the distinction that you're drawing between physical courage and compassion a bit more clear; maybe take a bit more time with that opening statement.