Applicant #30: Alexander Hassel

Alexander Hassel is a 22-year-old from Jerseyville.

Alexander's video application:

Alexander's current situation:

I graduated from college this past May and I have been working very hard trying to score that first job! Otherwise, I'm really enjoying my post-college life and am getting married in September!!

Alexander's blog post:

When I was a little kid, I was captivated by superheroes. Most of them had extraordinary abilities. Many could fly, some were super-strong, and some could even read minds. They were magnificent and I wanted to be one.

As I’ve grown older, my feelings toward superheroes haven’t changed too much. Over the years though, I’ve realized that there is a whole lot more to these characters than I had realized before. Not only are these amazing men and women brave and possess marvelous abilities, but what have each of them done when they have discovered these abilities? They help people. Yes it’s fun to see them beat the bad guys and save the day, but what makes these characters heroic is that they decide to use these abilities to help others. This blows my mind. Think of the advantages one could have with such abilities! These powers could be used to gain fame and fortune, seek revenge, or for any other selfish endeavor. However, these characters simply help people. They use their powers to protect and serve.

So it’s too bad there are no superheroes in the real world right? Well that may not be entirely true. Again, what distinguishes superheroes is that they use their gifts for the benefit of others. You see, everyone in the entire world has some sort of special gift or a talent; some area in which they really excel. What would be so different if these people decided to use their gifts to help others also? Of course, these gifts are often needed for personal gain in order to make one’s living, but think of the possibilities if everyone also made a strong effort to put these gifts to use for the benefit of others! Everyone can be a superhero. We don’t need capes or catchphrases. We don’t even need enormous muscles or a trusted butler. If each of us could go out today and simply make ourselves available to serve others, we could all be superheroes.

My name is Alexander Hassel and I’m trying my best to be a superhero.

Alexander