Guide For Oprah Winfrey Scholarship
Media personality and business tycoon Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her television talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, has caused her to gain significant influence and recognition in the whole USA. Known to her fans as a loving and compassionate woman, Oprah continues to expand her reach as a celebrity, businesswoman, philanthropist and author.
Early life
Oprah was born to unmarried parents Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey, during their teenage years. She spent the first six years of her life in poverty, often being ridiculed by other children in their neighborhood for wearing dresses made from potato sacks.
When she moved with her mother to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she suffered sexual abuse from her cousin and her uncle, as well as from a family friend. At fourteen, her mother sent her to live with her father Vernon, who, according to Oprah herself, was very supportive and encouraging of her. Through him, Oprah was able to garner awards in school, which led her to earn scholarships as well.
Education
Oprah was considered to be a smart girl growing up. She was able to memorize and recite Bible verses easily when she was a child. She even skipped two elementary levels before landing a scholarship to Nicolet High School in Milwaukee, where she was able to graduate with honors. She was constantly winning contests and honors in school, and was able to earn her college scholarship to Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication.
Career
Oprah started her career as a broadcaster in her senior year in high school, when she worked part time as a newscaster at WVOL, Nashville’s local black radio station. She then became the youngest and only black female newscaster at WLAC-TV, also in Nashville. She had other several radio stints before landing a career in television.
In 1984, Oprah hosted AM Chicago, a half-hour talk show which soon gained popularity and even took over Donahue as the highest rated show in Chicago. This success caused the show to be renamed as the Oprah Winfrey Show, a full-hour show that was broadcast nationally. Since then, Oprah continued to rise not only as a broadcaster and host, but also as a person and celebrity.
Success
The success of her TV show has caused Oprah to venture into new projects, such as establishing her own radio channel “Oprah and Friends”, a women’s cable network named Oxygen, a production company named Harpo Productions and two publications O (The Oprah Magazine) and O at Home, among many others.
Oprah is also reported to be the wealthiest African American of her time, earning millions of dollars every year and an accumulated worth of more than $2.7 billion. She is also considered as the most influential woman in the world, with her networks of supporters and followers.
Influence
Oprah has established authority and credibility, not only as a broadcaster but also as a person. Her honesty and rapport with her viewers and guests have captured the hearts of people, and have continued to esteem her as an inspiration and an icon.
Her TV show continues to stay at the top in terms of viewership and ratings. Also, her magazines O at Home and O, The Oprah Magazine are reported to be the most successful startup in the industry.
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