Hey, you can be a superhero! No, we aren’t talking about you running around in a red cape or throwing a lasso around, like an overactive Wonder Woman. You don’t need to get bitten by a radioactive spider – although you have probably spent too long in the science lab with your hands in the spider case hoping to become the next Spiderman/woman. And you don’t need to go on long road trips looking for the lost city of Krypton, in the hope that you may be a distant cousin of Superman/girl. You don’t need to do any of those things because these people don’t really exist – duh! – but you can be a hero just by being you.

You see, ordinary people can be heroes too. While running around in a cape and mask is entirely optional – you may suit the look for all we know – there are ways you can make a difference in the world without beating up baddies and swinging from rooftops.

Here are the ways you can prove your heroic credentials.

Look for opportunities – Batman had the Bat signal, and Spidey had his Spider-Sense, but you don’t need either of those things to alert you to trouble. If you know somebody who needs help, in any way, be that person who responds rather than walking on by. Are there people you know who are struggling with a breakup? Are they having problems fitting into Uni life? Are there people making their life difficult? Be there for them, offer a shoulder of support, and stand up for them if they struggle to stand up for themselves.

Plan a heroic career – Put aside your dreams of being the next Deadpool; you may have snarky wit, but you don’t need to follow in his footsteps when looking at your career. Take on courses at Uni and beyond that will give you opportunities to help others. There are so many things you can do, from studying to be a nurse – you really can have healing powers – to taking a school counseling masters online to help those kids struggling with high school. If you really want to be a hero, these career paths will help you achieve that, so if you’re still looking for your future endeavors, consider the path that will give you the heroic rewards you’re hoping for.

Stand up for truth and justice – Superman did it by flying around the world, battling wrongs and overcoming evil. You can do the same on a global level, even if you don’t have the power to fly! You can be a vocal ambassador for the injustices in the world, fundraising for charities and raising awareness. You can battle the giant companies who are hurting other countries, so, as well as giving up eating Shreddies for good (generic brands are available), you could speak out against Nestle, one such company that is causing suffering in the world. One person can make a difference, and the louder your voice, the sooner others will hear about the world’s wrongs.

Volunteer your time – Our greatest superheroes didn’t get paid for what they did! They did it out of the goodness of their heart. They saw a need and took part in lending a hand. Do the same. Look for volunteer opportunities near you, and offer your support. It may be with the homeless, elderly, or with kids. It may be with a conservation group, or a local charity that supports animals. Actively do something with your time to make a difference to people and causes, and receive the reward that comes from doing something that matters.

You can be a superhero, albeit without the super strength and web-slinging. Don’t just wait for the call; follow your good heart today and make a difference to somebody’s life. To quote the old Wonder Woman TV series…

“Now the world is ready for you
and the wonders you can do

Make a hawk a dove
stop a war with love
Make a liar tell the truth.”

We don’t know how you’re going to make a hawk a dove (it’s probably metaphorical), but you can probably do the rest! The world will thank you for your service, so do something today and be the hero you always wanted to be. Up, up and away!