MY SUPERHERO by Charlie, age 11, Eldersburg, MD
I do not think a superhero means someone wearing a cape and being able to fly; I think it means someone making a significant difference in the world. My superhero is Annie Glenn. Most people know her husband, John Glenn, because he was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth and he was also a senator. Annie Glenn did not like the spotlight due to her communication disorder. Annie struggled with a severe stutter until she was 53 years old, but she was still able to make a huge impact on many people’s lives. Through her courage, perseverance, and compassion, Annie Glenn has the qualities I would like to have if I was a superhero.
I think courage is the power to do something hard. Annie Glenn had the courage to speak even when it was difficult for her. People with a communication disorder face big challenges every day with tasks that seem easy to others. Annie had trouble shopping, taking a taxi, and even calling 911 in an emergency. Many people laughed at Annie or walked away when she got stuck on her words. I know that she had to be brave to try to say
what she wanted to say and to ignore the teasing because I stutter in many situations just like Annie. As a person who stutters, having courage is an important quality I need to be happy and successful.
Perseverance is the power to keep on trying. Annie has persevered trying to [overcome her communication disorder throughout her life by working hard and trying different strategies. Annie worked through her stutters every day and never gave up hope. Finally, she went to Hollins Communications Research Institute to try a new strategy when she was 53 years old and it worked! I have been going to speech therapy for six years to learn different strategies and I also went to Hollins like Annie did to participate in a pilot study using Dr. Webster’s research with children. I get frustrated sometimes when I have trouble talking but if I persevere like Annie, maybe one day I will overcome my stutter too.
Annie Glenn also has the power of compassion and likes helping others in need. After Annie went to Hollins University to help with her communication disorder, she could speak a lot more fluently. She used her new voice to help others with communication disorders to handle the difficult situations they face. Annie also gave speeches to share her experiences as a person who stutters and to help teach people about the disorder. Only 1% of the population stutters so most people do not understand what it is. When I am older, I also want to help people with their stuttering, so they know they are not alone.
Annie Glenn has all the important qualities of a superhero. I want to work hard to have Annie’s courage, perseverance, and compassion. With these superpowers, I can achieve all my goals.
Charlie's essay was written for the Carson Scholar Fund Scholarship application. Charlie was named a 2020 Carson Scholar and received a $1,000 scholarship for college. Dr. Ben Carson is the US Secretary of HUD.
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