“Job is not finished.” - Kobe Bryant. When thinking of an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in me, the first name to come to my mind is Kobe Bryant. Most people would not consider Kobe to be ordinary, but I genuinely see him as a hero. Kobe showed great courage in fighting through each injury and obstacle in his playing career while inspiring many. On November 30, 2014, I witnessed my first basketball game at just six years old. It was between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors, and although Kobe was coming toward the end of his career, he still managed to score 31 points and get the win in overtime. Watching him play inspired me to get into basketball, just like the millions of other players he has inspired. As I got older I continued to be interested in Kobe and his steadfast dedication to basketball. I also learned how much he gave back to the community in donations, or even training other players after he retired in April of 2016. Whether it is his inspiring way of play, his pure determination for basketball, or even his way of giving back to people around the world, Kobe Bryant is truly a hero who can bring optimism out of me every single day. …show more content…
From his incredibly uplifting speeches to his resilience to never give up no matter the circumstance, Kobe Bryant can inspire anyone, even if not a basketball player. On April 12, 2013, Kobe tore his Achilles while playing against a young Golden State Warriors team. Despite the devastating injury Kobe got up and shot, made two free throws, and walked back to the locker room on his own. Although this may seem like something only basketball players can relate to, it is not. It is something that anyone who has just felt like giving up because they were hurt, to be inspired to keep pushing through, no matter the pain. Kobe inspires me every day with his refusal to give up on something, no matter how little importance something