Oprah Winfrey

Oprah as a young child (http://dreamthingsunlimited.com/successful-entrepreneurs/oprah-winfrey (oprah))

Oprah Winfrey was born on a cold winter day in Kosciusko, Mississippi on January 29,1954. She is now one of the richest African-American women of the 21st century. Although, now she is a well respected woman with lots of money, she was not born rich; in fact, she was born poor, and lived a horrible life as a young child. The main reason she is my hero because she managed to escape from her dreadful childhood and work her way up to great success.

Up until the age of 6, Oprah lived with her Grandma. Her grandma loved and cared for her, making her practice hard in school. When her grandma passed away Oprah moved back with her mom. Her mother worked hard as a house maid and was hardly ever home, Oprah was left home alone with some of her male relatives and a visitor where she was molested multiple times. She had ran away once but was caught, and to be put in a juvenile hall. Luckily for her they were out of beds and could not afford to keep her. At age 14 she gave birth to a baby boy that died in infancy. Later, she moved to Tennessee with her strict father. Vernon Winfrey wanted the best for his daughter and made sure she was home in time for curfew, required her read a book, and write a book report each week. Thanks to her father Oprah was put in honors classes and focused hard on her education. He was the one who began her journey towards success.

Oprah as Miss Black Tennessee (http://pageantcenter.com/famous_5.html (oprah.com))

At the age of 17 Oprah was doing great. She lived with her supportive dad, was in honors classes, and she had won the Miss Black Tennessee. Eventually, she was offered a full scholarship to Tennessee State University. As she says "Turn your wounds into wisdom." which was one of her keys to success. Not too long after, she was offered a job as a T.V. anchor for W.V.O.L. After that, her life in the T.V. business just sky rocketed! She became famous, earned lots of money, and to this day, she is still a successful woman. She now lives in a $50 million dollar home in Montecito, California, has given away many grand gifts, such as a trip to hawaii for all her employees, Royal Caribbean Cruise on Allure of the Seas With United Airlines Airfare for each person in the audience, an Australian Adventure with 330 of her viewers, a brand new ipad for the audience, and so much more. "I don't think of myself as a poor deprived ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as somebody who from an early age knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good."

Oprah (forbes.com (Jemal Countess/WireImage.com))

Oprah had multiple difficulties in her childhood, she had several obstacles, but nothing could stop her. She tried hardest in school, and did all that she could so she could live a better life, which is incredibly inspirational. When I'm not working hard or slacking off, even when I'm just being lazy and complaining, I will always remember the difficulties Oprah had in her life and compare it to mine, then think about her hardships and say "What am I complaining about?" She also believes in giving when she gives, she receives the happiness of others. But it's never just giving gifts and money it's also the spirit too. "I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't. I think it's an on-going process. And it's not just about being able to write a check. It's being able to touch somebody's life." She is my motivation, my inspiration, she is... my hero.

Oprah gives. Even to animals. (article.wn.com (Forbes))

Oprah's dreadful childhood, in many ways, led her to great success that many people look to. Oprah being able to pull through her family's poverty and being an adult giving back to so many people everywhere is amazing. Over the years she has been touching people's hearts and affecting them all over the world making her the hero of millions.