The definition of optimism is, “A disposition to expect the best possible outcome or to emphasize the most positive aspects of a situation.” Many people in history have shown optimism in the face of a challenge. One very important person for instance is Harriet Tubman. Tubman was a Civil Rights Activist who helped hundreds of slaves escape slavery even though she could have been killed for it.
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery so she had no way to escape it. In 1849 Harriet gained freedom and decided to help people in the same position she was in. Although she had already gained freedom she returned many times to help free her family and other slaves. Harriet became known as the “conductor” of the Underground Railroad which was a secret network of safe houses designed for helping people escape slavery. She also worked as a spy for the Union during the Civil War. After the end of the Civil War, Tubman continued to help slaves and other people who needed it. She later created a home for former slaves and the elderly called “Home for the Aged”. The first slaves Harriet helped free were her niece and her niece’s children. Her niece was married to a free man who had the winning bid on the family. Harriet then helped their family escape to Philadelphia. Harriet later became known as Moses for her leadership. She led the rest of her
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Harriet Tubman once said, “I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” This quote to me means that the land of the free was foreign to her and it was not something she was used to. However, she was optimistic about it and made the best of what she had. Instead of living her life thinking about a place where she didn’t fit in she granted others the gift of freedom. I think that we need others like Harriet Tubman. Showing optimism in a bad moment is a characteristic of a great