Oprah Gail Winfrey

A portrait of Oprah as a child (allvoices.com)

Robert Hughes once said that, “A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.” Life provided Oprah Winfrey with a rusty monkey wrench. She entered the world in an impoverished family with a mother who was far from interested in parenting. Winfrey spent her early years hiding from the world, and escaping into books. Nobody would have guessed this introverted little girl would take her rusty monkey wrench and go on to become of the world’s most prominent figures. Now a talk show host, actress, production company owner, and the founder of her own network, Winfrey has definitely done more with her life than most other people could ever dream of accomplishing. It’s not only her amazing determination and accomplishments that make her outstanding though; it’s what she has done with her success that sets her apart. One of the world’s highest contributing philanthropists, Oprah Winfrey’s extreme generosity and love coupled with her unwavering persistence, make her an inspiration to all.

Teenage Oprah (newsone.com)

Winfrey was not born into a life of style and wealth; only through astounding endurance and determination through all circumstances that she rapidly transformed into one of today’s most iconic figures. Her early years were anything but a fairy tale, as her fleeting teenage mother left her to her grandparents and, according to American Decades, her father wasn’t informed of her birth until he “’received a printed baby announcement in the mail with a scribbled note: ‘Send clothes!’” And Winfrey’s life wouldn’t improve for years to come. When she lived with her mother for the first time at age six (having previously been living with her grandparents), she endured sexual abuse from multiple family members and her mother’s friends. But, when she moved in with her father after years of abuse and neglectful behavior from her mother, she began to thrive under his demanding rule. Oprah later admitted that, “As strict as he was, he had some concerns about me making the best of my life, and would not accept anything less than what he thought was my best,” (Academy of Achievement). With her father nudging her along and ensuring that her grades were impeccable, Winfrey soon learned to fly on her own, winning awards for both oratory and dramatic recitation. Winfrey defied the odds and begin the transition into her knew, successful, life. Her inspiring turn-around altered both her life and her attitude permanently and demonstrates for all the power of perseverance. It seemed that with her wit, acting/speaking ability, and her outgoing personality Oprah Winfrey was destined for the media, and it wasn’t long until it found her. Her first job in the public arena was when she was seventeen and on air at a local radio station, but soon she received more tempting offers on television. By 1985 Oprah Winfrey had her own self-titled show and was well along her way on the path to stardom. Winfrey’s rapid advancement in life was definitely partially due to her commitment to hard work and realization that a cheery outlook in the face of turmoil is the key to perseverance. This overall determination is an outstanding part of Oprah’s character and one of the traits the makes her so very admirable.

Oprah Winfrey as a young adult (photobucket.com)

More than her determination though, the single most wonderful part of Oprah Winfrey may be her overwhelming Generosity. Oprah endlessly contributes to a world that blessed her with her success, brains and beauty, and encourages others around her to do the same. The Oprah Winfrey Foundation was the number one charitable organization in the U.S. during 2010, and her Angel Network awards $100,000 to people who have used their lives to benefit others, just as she herself has. How suiting it is that America’s guardian angel ensures that others like her are acknowledged for their contributions while continuing to contribute herself. Her donations aren’t her only blessings though; in 1993 Oprah used her political influence to ensure the safety of children through a new bill. “The legislation, which is informally known as "the Oprah Bill," establishes a national database of all indictments and convictions on child abuse and sex offense charges, violent crimes, arson, and felony drug charges. ‘Not unlike the Brady Bill, this law creates a national data base network,’ said Clinton, before signing the bill. ‘This one can be used by any child care provider in America to conduct a background check to determine if a job applicant can be trusted with our children,’"(CBS interactive business network). Winfrey’s reach spreads far and wide; there isn’t a corner of the world her love hasn’t spread to. Whether she is donating millions upon millions to charity, building her empire, or fighting for the protection of children from sexual offenders, her unwavering dedication and drive coupled with her warm generosity make her a truly remarkable human being; the kind were should all aspire to become.

Looking at Oprah Winfrey’s story puts awe into one’s heart. This woman who started with nothing made it all the way to the top through kindness and perseverance, and has gone on to use her success to help others. Winfrey has made herself unique in her ability to love and care for all, looking beyond herself and past the world of wealth she lives in. She looks into the lives of others and uses what she has to brighten the outlook of everyone she passes. As she said herself, “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,” (Thinkexist.com). And touch lives she has. Oprah Winfrey, the little black girl who seemed to be going nowhere, took her monkey wrench and used it to alter the world, and forever impact all who are fortunate enough to come in contact with her.

Present day Winfrey (www.whatisthetrend.com)

Works Consulted