Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey graduated from Kent State University. (Mississippi State (http://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2015/11/co))

"By failing to have a vision, you are stripping yourself of every possible blessing, relationship and opportunity" (Steve Harvey). This quote represents Steve Harvey's struggle in life. Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1956, in Welch, West Virginia. Before he entered grade school, his family moved to Cleveland Ohio. After, he attended a 2 year college in Kent State University and after several jobs, he realized his potential in becoming a comedian. After that moment, he started a journey to become a comedian in which teachers, friends and family thought was impossible and now you can see that he reached his full potential. Steve Harvey, an African American who faced and overcame poverty, became who he is by setting goals that he was able to achieve because of his dedication and vision he had of living the best life he can, which is what makes him a hero.

Harvey in his early stages of acting. (http://www.thewrap.com/steve-harvey-asian-jokes-ap (The Wrap))

Harvey set goals throughout his life and was dedicated to fulfilling them. When he was young, he suffered through events that he hoped he wouldn't have to see in his life: "I Steve Harvey, was tired. I was tired of the way I was living. I was tired of going nowhere. I was sick and tired of being poor. Poverty had exhausted me. I was exhausted for me to constantly have to think up ways to provide and survive. It was difficult to see things that I wanted but couldn't afford. I was completely worn out by poverty. I was sick of myself for not pursuing my God-given gift. I was tired of myself not going after my dreams" (Harvey 13). This quote shows how Steve Harvey was dedicated to following his dreams. Many things prevented him from doing what he wanted and the main thing was poverty. He was literally shred into pieces because whatever he did wouldn't work out, but if you look at him today, he is a millionaire because he persevered and was dedicated to achieving his dreams. During college, he was teased for being himself: "He hoped to be a comedian himself, but was shy, discouraged by at least one teacher, and struggled with a stutter until he was in sixth grade. In October of 1985, Harvey's life changed forever. Giving stand-up comedy a shot at an amateur night on a dare from friends, he won the competition" ("Steve Harvey." Newsmakers). Earlier in his life,  he was always bullied for not only being poor, but also that he couldn't be able to do what he wanted.  When time passed on, he proved them wrong. He didn't stop believing in his goals just because people said that it is impossible. He was dedicated to attaining his goals and in the end, he achieved more than he thought. In addition of being dedicated to the poor, he also gave a sense of happiness to others that were in poverty at that time.

This is the moment at which Harvey starts crying. (http://www.filipinonewsportal.com/steve-harvey-to- (Filipino News Portal))

Harvey wanted to be a different person and so he used his vision to set goals in which he can achieve to become the person he wanted to be. The moment when Harvey had done the impossible, was when he "was riding on a private jet with Cedric "the Entertainer." We were flown from the set of the Steve Harvey Show to a city where we were going to perform as Kings Of Comedy... When I looked out the window, I could see the lights sparkling in the city below. Next thing I knew, tears were streaming down my face" (Harvey 26). This shows that when he was young, he wanted to become an actor when kids and teachers were bullying him but that was his vision and he wouldn't give up on that. And now he is part of the Kings Of Comedy and he cried because he used to live a really hard life and how, he is set for life. During his childhood, he would be ridiculed by others for wanting to become an actor because he didn't know how to read. "Though Harvey had never acted before in his life, let alone read a script, he signed a deal to move into the lucrative realm of acting in a television situation comedy in 1993. Moving to Beverly Hills, he signed with an agent and a manager and hired a lawyer and an accountant. In 1994, Harvey's first situation comedy debuted on ABC, Me and the Boys" ("Steve Harvey." Newsmakers). From being bullied to being one of the best TV stars in the world is just astonishing.. He had a vision that he could be the best. He barely knew how to read and let alone speak in front of an audience. Harvey's first debut was difficult, but his vision kept him going allowing his to make a great name for himself. In the end, he used his vision to accomplish the impossible and now serves as an example to others who are in the same situation that they are also able to achieve their dreams if they put their mind to it.

This quote is his most famous quote for inspration (http://www.azquotes.com/author/6360-Steve_Harvey (Az Quotes))

As Harvey once said, "By failing to have a vision, you are stripping yourself of every possible blessing, relationship and opportunity" (Steve Harvey). Steve Harvey was a man who faced poverty in his early life. He only became the best he can be through his vision of setting goals and being dedicated to achieve them. As he was trying to fulfill his goals, society was against him and said that it would be impossible for him to accomplish such goals, but with god, he said you can do anything with god's prayers. Steve Harvey is a inspiration to some that are facing poverty, depression, or just think their lives are useless. Harvey said in his book, "Let's take this journey together, because if you are tired of being sick and tired, know this: so was I" (Harvey 14). He wants us to see what he had faced in his harsh life and as you read on, you can see that his life is a little similar to all of us. All the mistakes that he made, he fixed. He wants us to see that if you can look up to him as an inspiration, you can do the same. The way he acts is different than other actors: "Dealing with every kind of audience imaginable, Harvey developed his own brand of humor which was often observational, filled with stories about his life and work, experiences as a parent and in relationships, as well as current events. He also had a high-energy style in his performances. Over the next five years, Harvey devised acts for distinctive audiences. His comedy was more edgy for black audiences than it was for whites" ("Steve Harvey." Newsmakers). As you can see, he was never the same as others, he was different than others and that is what made him such an inspiration. If you can do the same and be different like he was, you can be like him in no time.  With utmost dedication and a clear vision, Harvey helps us understand the potential we have to impact society, and as a result, can help inspire others.