This paper examines the life and accomplishments of Oprah Winfrey, one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the United States. Beginning with her difficult childhood in Mississippi and Wisconsin, the paper traces how her father's strict emphasis on formal education shaped her trajectory. It covers her academic studies in Speech Communications and Performing Arts at Tennessee State University, her rise from radio host to television personality, and her wide-ranging philanthropic work — including Oprah's Angel Network and her pivotal role in passing the National Child Protection Act of 1993.
Oprah Winfrey — American television personality, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur — is one of the richest and most influential women in the United States ("Winfrey, Oprah," 2004). Her story is one of triumph despite personal hardship. Winfrey's education, coupled with her tenacity, has allowed her to achieve far more than most. This paper explores her educational background as well as her life works.
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, in 1954 ("Winfrey, Oprah," 2005). She lived with her grandmother on a farm until the age of six. From age six to thirteen, Oprah lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her mother. However, due to abuse and molestation, Oprah ran away from home and was sent to juvenile detention ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003).
Upon reaching the detention center, young Oprah was turned away because all of the beds were filled. "As a last resort, she was sent to Nashville to live under her father's strict discipline" ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003). Vernon Winfrey was exactly what this wayward young girl needed.
Mr. Winfrey was not only a strict disciplinarian — ensuring that his teenage daughter followed a midnight curfew, among other rules — he also understood the value of education. Vernon Winfrey wanted to make certain that his daughter was receiving a good education and went beyond her regular coursework. He required Oprah to read a book each week and write a book report, which he would review as a means of expanding her education ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003).
He was concerned with Oprah "making the best of [her] life, and would not accept anything less than what he thought was [her] best" (as cited in "Oprah Winfrey," 2003). Oprah did not disappoint him. At age 17, she was hired by WVOL radio in Nashville and began her broadcasting career.
Her father had instilled in her the importance of a formal education. As such, she enrolled at Tennessee State University, where she majored in Speech Communications and Performing Arts ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003). It would be this combination of formal and informal education that served as the platform for her remarkable life achievements.
Oprah Winfrey's life has been full of purpose since her late teens. Moving from radio host to news anchor to talk show host and movie actress, Winfrey earned a dedicated nationwide fan base. Her achievements, however, extend well beyond her many entertainment accolades.
"Angel Network, child abuse advocacy, Oprah Bill"
In the United States, Oprah has also focused on the issue of childhood sexual abuse. In 1991, she revealed on air that she had been sexually abused as a child. This announcement generated a massive public response, and Oprah initiated a campaign to establish a national database of convicted child abusers ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003).
Oprah testified before a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of the National Child Protection Act as part of this effort. The so-called "Oprah Bill" was signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, with Oprah at his side ("Oprah Winfrey," 2003).
Although her entertainment achievements are considerable, Oprah Winfrey has contributed far more to society than simply being a media personality. Her father's focus on education laid the foundation for her later success. With that foundation, Oprah has changed the lives of others for the better — and will continue to do so.
Oprah Winfrey. (3 Mar. 2003). Retrieved January 14, 2005, from http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1.
Winfrey, Oprah. (2004). Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved January 14, 2005, from Encyclopaedia Britannica Online database.
Winfrey, Oprah. (2005). Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 14, 2005, from Grolier database.
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