I’m lucky enough to be a "child of the 80s." To coin an expression, I liked a lot of things before they were “cool.” Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Marvel and DC superheroes, the Visionaries. The list goes on and on. It’s interesting to look back now on my childhood heroes and reflect on what their primary traits actually were. Nostalgia is a powerful thing on its own, but it’s also meaningful to re-connect with the things that helped shape who we are today. So, I made a list. I tried to think back on my biggest childhood heroes and the one word I would use to describe their contribution to who I still strive to be to this day. One day, my hope is to be the sum of all my heroes.

Conrad “Duke” Hauser: Leadership

Optimus Prime: Protection

Luke Skywalker: Forgiveness

Matt Trakker: Ingenuity

Green Lantern: Willpower

Peter Venkman: Curiosity

Captain America: Patriotism

Leoric: Bravery

Mantor: Wisdom

Ellen Ripley: Courage

The 5th Doctor: Determination

John Rambo: Conviction

Strongheart: Purpose

Jack Burton: Reflexes

Flash Gordon: Peacemaking

William Riker: Strength

He-Man: Balance

Major "Dutch" Schaefer: Survival

Of course there’s not enough room on this page for every 80s fandom and franchise I remember and still reflect on to this day. But these are some of the big ones that came to my mind this week. And again, very grateful that a lot of these are more mainstream today than they were back then!