HispanicEssayICS18MART

In this harsh world, there are people who work hard for their family. Those people are Hispanics. Hispanics now, and also throughout history, have overcome obstacles. And they will continue doing so. I have chosen three outstanding Hispanic heroes that have worked very hard all their lives, but have also succeeded in improving others'. These three heroes are: Carlos Juan Finlay, Joan Baez, and Franklin Chang Diaz. They have overcome obstacles, reached their goals, and helped develop a better future.

Carlos Juan Finlay was born on December 3, 1833 in Cuba. He became interested in science. When he grew up, Finlay became an epidemiologist. He studied medicine, it's source, and cause. His biggest research and discovery was yellow fever. Yellow fever has been a deadly crisis for over a century. But, had found the cure: mosquitoes. Mosquitoes flew around and spread disease without anyone knowing. Although he published developmental evidence of this discovery in 1886, his ideas were ignored for 20 years. People pointed and laughed, mocked him, and scoffed at his attempts to cure the fatal illness. Finally, along with a small group of similar-minded scientists, they developed a vaccine and conquered yellow fever. Finlay died on August 20, 1915. People told of his discovery and how he improved thousands of lives. And he did. Carlos Juan Finlay kept the people who scoffed at him from blocking his achievement, and made the world a better place. (Hispanic) (Carlos)

People who can speak their opinion in front of an audience are considered brave. But the people who can sing while doing it are plain awesome! One person who did this was Joan Baez. Joan was born on January 1, 1941 in Staten Island, New York. She is not only a singer, but she is a singer who promotes things like social justice, civil rights and pacifism. Joan is a folk singer and social activist. She often sang songs to promote both her political and social views. "I've never had a humble opinion in my life. If you're going to have one, why bother to be humble about it?" said Joan. She also spoke for antiwar and refused to pay her taxes in protest against military spending for an entire decade. Joan Baez overcame those who stood against her and her acts to express her opinions. Another time she did this, was when she was arrested twice in Oakland, California for blocking an armed forces induction center. Almost all her life, she has set an example for all. Joan married David Harris and had a son named Gabriel. Today, at 75-years-old, she's still kicking and continues to speak out for causes important to her. (Biography)

Last, but not least, Franklin Chang Diaz. Franklin was born on April 5, 1950. His mother was Costa Rican and his father was Chinese. Franklin attended the University of Connecticut. There he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He joined NASA, became a mechanical engineer and physicist. He was the third Latin American to go into space. He made the record in 2014 for most spaceflights in a space shuttle (7), which he shares with Jerry L. Ross. He is a member of the NASA Hall of Fame (inducted on May 5, 2012). Franklin worked hard to discover and invent things to help aid in space travel. (Franklin Chang Diaz) One example is when NASA was trying to cut down time in space travel and reduce supplies. ( His theory was that he could cut down a year trip to 39 days using advanced high-power electric propulsion and nuclear electric power systems. (Halverson) He imagined a life beyond Earth's atmosphere. "My vision is a future for humanity where we will be completely free to pursue activities outside of our planet." - Franklin Chang Diaz. (Franklin Chang Diaz AZ Quote) Today, at 66 years old, he is retired. Franklin's research and theories continue to aid NASA's in expeditions to space.

All three of these amazing Hispanics actually have 2 things in common. They have overcome obstacles, and they have improved or saved others' lives even after their work was done. These three people are: Carlos Juan Finlay, Joan Baez, and Franklin Chang Diaz. Carlos developed a vaccine for the deadly disease, yellow fever. And in the process, he ignored the snickers of others from their lack of faith in him and his abilities. Joan Baez sung songs and acted in ways to spread fairness throughout the US. Despite those who stand against her causes, Joan still speaks her opinions today. Lastly, Franklin worked hard as a NASA astronaut and mechanical enigineer. He graduated college with a Bachelor and helped space expeditions. These and many other Hispanics have faced problems in their life head on, and have done amazing things to make the world a better place.

Works Cited:

Biography.com Editors. "Joan Baez." //The Biography.com Website//. A Television Networks, n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2016. .
 * I chose this website because it displays many achievements and events of Joan Baez's life. I know that the site peaks the truth of her because they have many edits to make sure they have honest work.

Carlos Juan Finlay." //Encyclopedia Britiannica//. Encyclopædia Britannic, 2014. Web. .
 * When I searched up Carlos Juan Finlay, this appeared with a sample of information. When I clicked on the site, it held valid and adequate info about him. I know that those things about Finlay were true because I searched it up on other sites, but did not use information from them.

"Franklin Chang Diaz." AZQuotes.com. Wind and Fly LTD, 2016. 29 April 2016. http://www.azquotes.com/author/36138-Franklin_Chang_Diaz
 * I got a quote from here and I used this site because it displays various quotes that I know are true. I know they are true because they are professionally chosen and if they are invalid, then they can be reported, and sorted out until all is right.

"Franklin Chang Díaz." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. .
 * Although the Wikipedia gets their information from people who only have to edit the page, I know that it their info is valid because they would not allow inappropriate statements on their site. I chose this because people around the world use this site.

 Halverson, Todd. "Landing People on Mars: 5 Obstacles. //USATODAY.COM//. Gannet Company, 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. /Mars-obstacles-for-humans/57516356/1>.
 * I chose this site because Franklin Chang was an astronaut in NASA. USA Today has valid info, and I know this because many people read this to keep updated about our country.

"Hispanic Heritage Discovery History Makers Born Before 1900." //Hispanic Heritage Discovery History Makers Born Before 1900//. Scholastic Inc, 2016. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.  /hispanic/history1.htm>.
 * This source was recommended by my teachers. I know that this information is true because both adults, kids, and schools use this info from this website.