An Unlikely Hero

The story of a young woman who may become your new hero

Pre-Reading Prompt- Think of a person in your life whom you consider a hero.  What qualities do they possess?  Have you told them about your admiration?  

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I am indecisive about many topics—I tend to overthink nearly everything and look at every imaginable perspective. However, I do not waver when I am asked about the strongest person I have ever met in my lifetime. Her name is Shahreen, and she is one of my heroes. 

Shahreen was born in Dhaka, Bangledesh and quickly gained attention for her intellect and curiosity. She moved to America when she was a child and flourished in school. 

Shahreen entered her public magnet high school in a suburb of Baltimore, MD with ambitions to become a neurosurgeon. Immediately, she earned a positive reputation at the school known for rigorous academics and a diverse student body. Jokingly called a mini-United Nations due to so many student backgrounds, the school was a perfect fit for Shahreen because she was challenged while her inquisitive nature expanded. The veteran teaching staff recognized Shahreen’s talents, and she was excited at her many opportunities. All was going well for Shahreen until her 10th grade year when she attended the homecoming dance. 

Shahreen got out of her comfort zone and attended the school dance where she had a memorable time dancing and laughing with friends. But, she felt relieved from the tiresome night when her brother arrived to drive home Shahreen and one of her friends. It was a cool, rainy night and approximately a ¼ mile from the school Shahreen’s brother’s car was hit by a drowsy driver and pushed into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision. Shahreen, sitting in the back seat, was crushed.  

Shahreen fought for her life and endured countless surgeries and procedures.  When Shahreen gained consciousness, she learned that she was paralyzed.   

She missed a year of school and returned with new challenges as a quadriplegic.  Her daily routine was difficult as she had to wake up at 5:30am and get help with daily activities such as brushing, dressing, eating, etc. She had adapted to life in her wheelchair, but she never got used to feeling like she had to depend on others.  Fiercely independent prior to the accident, Shahreen needed aid with physical tasks.  However, that didn’t stop Shahreen’s pursuit of excellence.   

I had the honor of teaching Shahreen when she was a senior in my Advanced Placement Psychology class.  Shahreen couldn’t write or raise her hand, but she could think, speak, and lead.  In some classes there will be a student whom the teacher can rely on if nobody wants to answer a question, and Shahreen was that for me.  On a dreary Monday afternoon in February when students were exhausted, Shahreen—wrapped in a blanket because of the insufficient heat in my classroom—would be ready to answer a question at any moment.  She excelled in the college-level class, one of many in which she was enrolled, and made it look easy. However, her peers didn’t know how hard she had to work just to make it to school every day.  Throughout my year as her instructor Shahreen pushed me to be a better teacher and person. 

I have attended countless graduations. Each ceremony has a special vibe, but Shahreen’s will forever be etched in my memory. The valedictorian recognized Shahreen in her speech, and when it was Shahreen’s moment to receive her diploma her brother escorted Shahreen, in her wheelchair, across the stage. Although most people did not know her full story, Shahreen’s fellow graduates and the attendees honored her with a rousing standing ovation.  I could not compose myself, and openly wept even though I tend to avoid crying in public.  I cried because I was so proud of her, I cried because I did not think I would have possessed the same perseverance, and I cried because she reminded me how much we take for granted in our lifetimes.  

Shahreen displays levels of grace, maturity, resilience, and strength that seem superhuman. We spend so much time fawning over celebrities and athletes, yet people like Shahreen are the ones who most deserve our admiration. Never, not even once, did she complain about the cards she was dealt. Neither she nor her brother did anything wrong the night of the accident, and Shahreen had every reason to be frustrated to have her life altered. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, she outworked those around her and did not give up on her ambitions.  

Shahreen applied to multiple colleges including Johns Hopkins, her dream school. She was not accepted to Hopkins and I could tell how much it stung. There was no doubt in my mind that Shahreen could excel at Hopkins or at any university. She is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, and she is more determined than anyone I know. I told her it was JHU’s loss, and I meant it. She attended another local university and thrived academically but struggled at times due to the lack of support in place. We claim to live in a society where those with various disabilities will have equal opportunities, but the university falsely claimed that it would accommodate her unique needs. In many ways Shahreen felt misled, but she still perseveres.

The last time we spoke (April 28th) she told me that she is worn down. This world has worn her down. I wish I could take away some of her pain, but I can’t. All I can do is honor and support her the best I can. Part of that includes reminding her how amazing she is.

Shahreen is set to graduate in a few weeks with a double major in biological sciences and psychology and just learned that she will be the valedictorian in her graduating class of more than 2,000 students. She will pursue a career in the genetic counseling field. I am certain she will thrive and help so many people.

She has already made a difference in my life. I will never forget the lessons she has taught me. When Shahreen left high school, she gave me a tie as a thank you gift. Whenever I get in a rut, or have a stretch of challenging days, I wear the tie as a reminder that I have the power to change my mindset.  

We are blessed, in so many ways. Yet we choose to complain, blame others, dwell on the past, waste time, or obsess about what is wrong in our lives. We can all try to be a little bit more like Shahreen. We can choose to persevere, no matter what obstacles stand in our way. We can choose to wake up every morning and try our best, no matter what challenges were faced the previous day. We can choose to soar above what anyone thinks we can do and set our own expectations for our lives. We can choose to be kind, respectful, and loving—entities displayed by Shahreen on a regular basis. We can try to be heroic, just like Shahreen.  

Shahreen lives her best life every day. What will you do? 

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Homework Assignment: Take 5 minutes to contact someone from your life whom you admire to let them know the effect they have had on you.  If it feels strange to contact them randomly send them this essay and tell them that you thought of them as you read it. Or, post in the comments section to tell us about one of your heroes or leave a note for Shahreen. 

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