Being a hero is not a simple concept. It is not as easy as performing one selfless act and being labeled a hero for the rest of one’s life. The story of Temar Boggs, a 15-year-old student from Lancaster, Pa, illustrates the complexity of heroism.
Temar was a typical teenager, who loved playing sports, hanging out with friends, and skateboarding and biking. However, on July 11, 2013, Temar’s life took a drastic turn when he and his friend Chris Garcia heard that a five-year-old girl had been abducted from their neighborhood. Without hesitation, Temar and Chris set out to find her. After searching for about 45 minutes and not finding her, they came back to the block where they found a suspicious car. They chased the car for about ten to fifteen minutes, the abductor let the girl out, and Temar and Chris returned her safely to her parents.
Temar’s actions were heroic and he was hailed as a hero in his community. He was honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and a college fund was set up in his name. He was celebrated for his bravery and for putting the safety of a little girl above his own. However, in December of the same year, Temar was arrested and charged with robbing a city grocery store at gunpoint. He pleaded guilty in June and was sentenced to 40 months to 10 years in state prison. Temar’s actions in December were not heroic, they were criminal.
This story highlights the complexity of heroism. Being a hero is not a title that can be earned once and forever retained. It is something that must be continually earned through selfless actions and a commitment to doing the right thing. One’s actions, whether they are heroic or not, must be consistent with one’s values and beliefs. In Temar’s case, his actions in July were heroic, but his actions in December were not. He made a poor decision and paid the consequences.
It is important to note that this story is not meant to diminish the heroism of Temar’s actions in July. He put himself in harm’s way to save a little girl and for that, he will always be remembered as a hero. However, it does serve as a reminder that heroism is a complex concept and that one’s actions must be consistent with one’s values and beliefs in order to truly earn the title of hero.
It is also important to remember that people are not perfect and they make mistakes. Temar’s mistake should not define him or erase the heroic act he did in July. It is a reminder that being a hero is a continuous effort and that everyone has the potential to be one, but also to make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and continue to strive towards being the best version of ourselves.
