A person can be called a hero in many different ways: caring, generous, helpful, courageous, and these are just a few examples. But my definition of a hero is someone who makes a difference in history, standing up for their rights and equality, putting people first, not themselves. This is why Jackie Robinson is the right candidate for my hero essay, because he is someone who is opportunistic and sacrifices himself to protect the people he loves and his will to defend their rights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Jackie Robinson had the drive to stand up to persistent racism. When one of his friends was arrested by the police, Jackie protested against his friend being detained, and was arrested and given a two-year suspended prison sentence. He defended his rights and those of his friends. After his friend's arrest, his brother Mack Robinson was killed in a motorcycle accident. After her brother's death, Jackie decided to stay closer to her family. Jackie Robinson dropped out of college to help her family with their financial problems. Jackie went against his mother and girlfriends' wishes not to drop out of school. Jackie then signed for a National Youth Association athletic director. Then, when the National Youth Association ended, he went to Hawaii and played football for the Hawaii Bears semi-pro team. So Jackie sacrificed her education to help solve her family's financial problems by going to Hawaii and playing on the semi-professional football team. He joined the military due to the attack on Pearl Harbor, but was unable to go overseas. Jackie Robinson was an opportunist. He was offered a tryout for the Boston Red Sox on April 28, 1945, but was not signed for his run. Jackie then received an offer from an old friend, Rev. Karl Downs, to become athletic director at Sam Houston College in Austin, Texas. He also became a basketball coach. Then, in 1945, the Monarchs sent him a contract offer of $400 a month and he accepted the offer. He seized every opportunity given to him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Jackie Robinson was a person who had an impact on history. The reason he made an impact on history is because he ended segregation in baseball and changed the way sports are played today. One way for people to live up to their title is to seize any opportunity that comes your way, whether bad or good..