An Honorable Woman

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The meaning of the word honor depends on what dictionary you decide to use, as it can have many different perceptions. According to Merriam-Webster, the word honor means “a good name or public esteem; a showing of mutually merited respect", but Oxford Dictionaries says it means "a great privilege". Honor to me means having the highest level of respect for someone that has achieved what others may have thought impossible. It takes an extraordinary human to put themselves last and strive to make this world a better place. Since the beginning of time, several women have been recognized as honorable for their achievements and good deeds. Some honorable women in history are Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and even Oprah Winfrey. Nevertheless, the most honorable woman to me is Maya Angelou for being such an inspirational and positive influence in my life when I most needed guidance.
Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. The remarkable Dr. Angelou has found her way through many obstacles in her lifetime, yet accomplishing so much. While living in San Francisco with her brother and mother, she attended Mission High School where she was merited a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco's Labor School. However, Maya dropped out of high school to become the first African American female cable car conductor in San Francisco. She returned to high school, but became pregnant her senior year and gave birth shortly after her graduation. Leaving home at 16, Maya took on the life of a single, working mother while still trying to pursue her talents in music, dance, poetry, and performing arts. Her career as a performer set off in 1954 and lasted through the 1960's. Maya was al...

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...many obstacles it brings. Maya Angelou’s voice saved my life; her words consoled my soul, and helped me overcome my struggles as a teenager. The same way she has had such a strong impact on my life, I would like to one day be a positive influence to someone else.

Works Cited

"Maya Angelou.” Biography. 2014.
< http://mayaangelou.com/bio/> (15 Apr. 2014)

"William and Mary.” News and Events. 2014.
< http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2014/maya-angelou-to-speak-at-william--mary123.php> (16 Apr. 2014)

“Academy of Achievements.” Maya Angelou Biography. 2012.
< http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/ang0bio-1>(16 Apr. 2014)

“Merriem-Webster.” Honor Definition. 2014.
< http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor>(18 Apr. 2014)

“Oxford Dictionaries.” Honor Definition. 2014.
< http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/honor>(18 Apr. 2014)

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