Oprah Winfrey Essay

Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her parents are Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey who were 18 and 20 at the time of Oprah’s birth. Her Grandmother who took care of her early in life was Hattie Mae Lee. Oprah's mother moved north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to find work. She planned to move Oprah there once she had secured a job. Oprah stayed with her grandmother on her farm in Mississippi. (www.about.com, 2000).

Hattie Mae Lee encouraged Oprah's love of books by teaching how to read at the age of 3. Oprah started by reading the Bible and at a young age and eventually began speaking at her church. Oprah moved on to performing memorized verses to her grandmother's friends. Oprah started kindergarten at 5 already knowing how to read and write. She was quickly moved into first grade. (www.about.com, 2000).

At 6, Oprah's grandmother became ill and she was sent to live with her mother in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There she lived with her mother and half-sister, Patricia, in a boardinghouse. Oprah's mother worked as a maid cleaning houses, but at times had to rely of welfare to support the family. She had little time at home with her children, but when she was able to be there, spent most of her time with Patricia. (www.about.com, 2000).

After living with her mother for just over a year, Oprah was sent to live with her father and step-mother, Zelma, in Nashville. Vernon and Zelma were not able to have children and were happy for Oprah to live with them. At 7, Oprah experienced having her own bedroom and bed for the first time. Oprah began Wharton Elementary School and was skipped a grade for the second time and was place in the third grade class. She was thrilled that her parents took her to the library ...

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...or right and wrong. She has an appreciation for the underlying purposes served by laws. Oprah believes that “Right” is determined universal ethical principles that all regions or moral authorities might view as compelling or fair.

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Oprah is very wealthy, so her basic psychological and safety needs have all been taken care of because of her wealth. Her belonging and love needs where taken care of by her grandmother and Steadman the most reliable man in her life. .

Thru her success as a talk show host her esteem need have been met by gaining the approval of her audience being competent and exceeding all expectations. Oprah has reached self-actualization because she has reached a sense of fulfillment. She has no obligation to do anything anymore she does creative and wonderful things because she wants to, and she realizes her potential.