Oprah Gail Winfrey

Oprah Windfrey, April 2006

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, and the ability to triumph begins with you. Always.”

-Oprah Winfrey, 1989

Yes, that’s what Oprah Winfrey said as she was inducted into the Academy of Achievement in 1989. But, have you ever wondered how Oprah became who she is today? Well, if you haven’t, here is how.

Oprah was born on January 29, 1954 to unwed, teenage parents who were poor African-Americans. Oprah’s dad was 18 and going off to the military. Her mom was also 18 and worked as a housemaid. Until the age of six, Oprah lived with her grandmother on an old Mississippi farm. Her Grandma taught Oprah to read at an early age and kept her talking all the time. By then, Oprah’s mother wanted her back, so Oprah lived with her mother from the ages of six to thirteen.

Oprah

The time Oprah spent with her mother; she had a very difficult time. When she was nine years old her cousin raped her. Later she was also physically abused by other relatives. Oprah, very hurt by this experience told no one and repeatedly got into trouble. Oprah’s mom tried to put Oprah in a detention home, but there was not a bed open for her. Her mother sent Oprah off to her father for a while.

Oprah had a tough time when she went to live with her dad, too. She became pregnant at the age of 14, and delivered a baby boy who passed away shortly after birth. Oprah was devastated by this loss, and vowed to stop all the chaos in her life.

Oprah

Within the next couple of years, Oprah got a job at a local radio station, later being promoted to be co-host at WJZ-TV’s “People are Talking.” At the same time Oprah attended college at Tennesse University, and in 1986 her career was launched. She started her own show and told her life story to thousands of viewers. The “Oprah” show has grown tremendously and now with millions of viewers every day Oprah seems nearly unstoppable. She dominants daytime television, has successfully launched her Oprah magazine and is now in the radio business with her new “Oprah and Friends” on satellite radio…What will she conquer next?

Oprah is one of the wealthiest females in the world. She is one of the most recognizable figures also. Oprah has taken her renowned fame and is helping make the world a better place. She takes an annual trip to Africa where she is building a school for children. Her belief is that if you educate these children then they will change the country.

Oprah is a hero to many of us, but she especially jumps out to me because she has overcome tremendous obstacles and has helped people not only in the United States but all around the world. She is a great role model for any young girl or woman. When I think of Oprah Winfrey I will not only remember a woman of integrity, warmth, and class, but also a woman who made the world a better place. I chose Oprah Winfrey as my hero because she gives everyone, even me in Omaha, Nebraska, hope to change the world.