Many people have the wrong idea about the hero. They think a hero is someone in tights and a cape who uses their superpowers to save people. A hero isn't just that, and it's not just a man or woman who goes out and saves people. Yes, it can be a hero, but heroes can be normal people who do an exceptional thing in the community. Jimmy Carter didn't save individual lives, but he changed the way we deal with hostage situations, resulting in the saving of many lives over the years. President Carter not only changed hostage situations, he also created two cabinet departments, the Department of Energy and the Department of Education, both of which are very successful and much needed. James Earl Carter Jr. was born 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 received his high school education in the Georgia public school system. 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 lieutenant submariner in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. He exceeded all expectations and was chosen for a nuclear submarine program where he learned to operate the first two atomic-powered submarines. Carter was promoted to senior officer and placed in command of the second nuclear submarine, the Sea Wolf. Once his naval career ended...... middle of paper ......rter Center which is a non-profit center that addresses national and international public policy issues. In October 1986, permanent facilities were built and dedicated in Mr. Carter's honor. On December 10, 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize. In addition to all his political and academic ties, he and his wife Rosalynn volunteer 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 because of the way he created the two departments and created the new format for handling hostage situations, and because of 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's the definition of a true American hero..