Essay+ACS


 * //Hero- A person who makes a positive influence in someone's life. They make a difference so great, that leave a legacy, so people can follow in their footsteps. A hero is someone who stands up for what they believe in.//**

When most people hear the word "hero," a built man with a flowing red cape in spandex is the picture created in their mind. The truth of the matter is A hero is a person, anyone who can make a positive influence in on someone's life. They make a big difference in the world, and they fight for what they believe in. Pauline Agassiz Shaw is known as the pioneer for education, and a wonderful hero of the 19th century.

Pauline was born in 1841, and died in 1917 after 76 years. She was originally born in Neuchatel, Switzerland to Louis Agassiz, a famous scientist and Cecile Braun Agassiz. She was the third child of a wealthy family. However, after her mother's death in 1846, Pauline's father remarried to Elizabeth Cabot Cary. She and her family immigrated to America in 1847 where they resided in present day New England in Boston. While she was in America, she enrolled in school, and began to take an interesting in education. Pauline was an excellent student and excelled in all areas. Later, she married Quincy Adams Shaw who was the son of a wealthy merchant. They had five children and began a life together as a family in Boston.

The 1880's was the milestone of Pauline Agassiz Shaw's career and basically--- life. In her years, she helped many people. She helped the young children of Boston by developing kindergartens in over 14 public schools around the Boston area. Pauline also helped under privilaged women by donating money to the woman suffrage movement which involved fighting for women's rights. This movement fought for their right to be equal to men by having the right to vote. Shaw wanted to help people because she was a kind and caring philanthropist. A philanthropist is one who gives money or goods to charitible causes.

Pauline's main contribution was the establishment of kindergartens to public schools. She developed strong, stable kindergartens through the district of Boston. She used her funds and energy to keep these new classes running successfully. This was very important. Kindergarten prepares children for grade school and future education. You learn the basic foundations of life. They begin to read and practice letters. Children begin counting, and they are drawing and coloring pictures of squirrels and windows. A famous author once said, "Children learn by doing and play is their work."

Pauline Agassiz Shaw is a hero in my eyes because she influenced the lives of children in a positive manner. Also, She made difference in the lives of women by supporting their right to vote. By doing this, she was also fighting for what she believed in. Pauline Agassiz left a legacy behind: her determination and joy of education. Shaw also left behind the blossoming kindergartens she created that are still here today such as Pauline Agassiz School. If Pauline was alive and well today, I think she would say to take an interest in education, never give up and to fight for what you believe in.