Many people have the wrong idea about the hero. They think a hero is someone in tights and a cape who uses superpowers to save people. A hero isn't just that, and it's not just a man or a woman who goes out to save people. Yes, that could be a hero, however heroes can be ordinary people doing an exceptional thing in the community. Jimmy Carter didn't go out and save individual lives, but he changed the way we deal with hostage situations, which has saved many lives over the years. President Carter not only changed the hostage situation, but also created two cabinet departments, the Department of Energy and the Department of Education, both extremely effective and much needed. James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924 in the small farming town of Plains, Georgia. He grew up near Plains, in the small community of Archer, with his father James Earl Carter Sr. and his mother Lillian Gordy Carter. His father was a well-known businessman in the state of Georgia and his mother was a nurse. Jimmy was one of four children; Billy, Ruth and Gloria. He studied in the Georgia public school system until high school. After high school he attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1946 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he became a submarine lieutenant in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. He exceeded all expectations and was chosen for a nuclear submarine program where he was taught how to operate the first two atomic-powered submarines. Carter was promoted to Senior Officer and given command of the second nuclear submarine, the Sea Wolf. Once his naval career was over and...... middle of paper ......rter Center which is a non-profit center that addresses national and international public policy issues. In October 1986, permanent structures were built and dedicated in Mr. Carter's honor. On December 10, 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize. Aside from all of her political and academic ties to him and his wife, Rosalynn volunteers one week a year for Habitat for Humanity. Being a hero means being selfless and putting others before yourself, doing something to change the world. Jimmy Carter is an American hero for the way he established the two departments and created the new format for handling hostage situations, and for his efforts in trying to bring peace to the Middle East. He did so many things that changed the world and helped other people. He put others before himself and that is the definition of a true American hero.