It’s hard to imagine the bubbly entertainer battling dark thoughts, but early in her career, the comedian whose famous tagline is “be kind to one another” didn’t always receive that same kindness. After her character on her 1997 sitcom “Ellen” came out, DeGeneres received backlash in the public eye that left her mired in depression, W magazine reported. Despite her challenges, she told the magazine that ultimately she was grateful for the experiences that led her to where she is now: I thought if I could find a way to be famous, people would love me. And then you get all that stuff and I worked really hard to earn all that and it sounds crazy, but I got the biggest, [most] wonderful blessing I could get, which was I lost my show, and I lost my entire career, and I lost everything for three years ... But I got to learn how to sit back and watch other people and learn what judgment was and have compassion. And learn that not only was I strong enough to make it in the first place, but I was strong enough to come back and make it again. …show more content…
I spend time investing in communities around the globe. I sit with the broken. All day, every day… I walk people out of the dark. Some of the time is spent in mentorship programs for young single mothers. Some of it is spent at the women’s prison, or juvenile detention centers. I’ve also worked with bereavement groups. I’ve held dead babies in my arms while mothers wept from their unspeakable loss. Often times it’s in a church. I work with men, women, and youth around the world, counseling them through abuse, addiction, marriage, suicide, grief, loss, LGBTQ issues, and a host of other heartbreaking circumstances. I love my life and I don’t make a dime, although I have been able to help raise money for others in need. In fact, sharing a bit of my story helped to earn the American Red Cross 1.2 million
I enjoyed your profile, particularly where you wrote that you are a protector of the weak, vulnerable and exploited. I have spent my life doing the same. My background is in psychology, and most of my career has been in working with the homeless (mainly women) teaching life skills and career development. I worked for 10 years at the Athens Area Homeless Shelter helping the residents there to realize their value and potential through self-esteem building and changing the old belief systems that were keeping them stuck. I never left the shelter after one of my classes not feeling extremely uplifted
She made an impact in the world through many of her opportunities that she accomplished. First off, Rivers changed the role of women in the comedian and show business world. She made the topics discussed more equal and portrayed women as having just as successful careers as men. Next, her books inspired people to look from within and change the world for the better. The books allowed for the readers to explore through Joan’s struggles in life and to see how she overcame those struggles. Joan Rivers created a jewelry brand that would give women the feeling of inner self confidence. Rivers portrayed older women in a better light. Just because a person is old, doesn’t mean their career is over. In a way, she motivates older women to keep striving for their goals, despite the criticism. Joan was successful in winning Celebrity Apprentice, giving her face time on NBC and allowing her career to pick up again. Throughout life, Joan always looked for the next open door, yet as she aged, and opportunities came and went, she was able to live in the moment and appreciate the opportunity at hand. She never knew when the last opportunity would come, therefore she endured life with inner satisfaction. At times, River’s would show frustration, but she never gave up. Rivers would give back to the community. For instance, around Thanksgiving time, she would pass out meals to those who were unable to prepare food for
I am dedicated to helping out our community and school, because it warms my heart and soul. Seneca said in about 40 to 60 A.D. that you should “be silent as to services you have rendered, but speak of favors you have received.” In other words you should not boast about the numerous projects you have accomplished and how much physical work you executed, but rather pride yourself on how you helped people in community and school, and how you have affected their lives with positive means. I feel life is joyous and it should be the feeling everyone illustrates, and this is exactly what keeps me functioning in the stressful world today. I find comfort in helping others to make their lives a little more like heaven and this comfort motivates me to perform copious service projects to the best of my capability whenever I find the time. Time is fair to the rich, the poor, and to every race, because time is equal and gives everyone 24 hours daily to accomplish their required tasks. Because time is so valuable and I am occupied by difficult advanced placement and honor classes and juggle school, clubs, sports, and friends, I joined Key Club, a high school division of the adult service club, Kiwanis. Key Club opened new doors to make every extra minute count towards helping others.
There are countless people who aspire to help people in their lives. However, if you think about it, nearly every career helps others in some way, shape, or form. Teachers, scientists, policemen and various other careers aid people in different ways. I, like many others, have always known that I’ve wanted to help people. Yet, I also want to do more than that. I want to help others, but also save others- emotionally or physically, mentor others, inspire others, and be there for others during their most vulnerable times. This is who I am- and I have always been this person. In first grade, I ran a lemonade stand at my school for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; I got my third grade class to raise money for starving children; and I put up with bullying throughout middle school because I befriended a girl who had trouble making friends on her own. The quality of pure selflessness and care for others that I have always possessed would allow me to do something great with my life- it just took me some time to figure out what.
I have participated in several volunteer opportunities as a Girl Scout, singing Christmas carols at a local hospital, picking up trash along the beach, working at a homeless shelter, leading events for younger Girl Scouts and much more. These opportunities have influenced me to become aware of the struggles within my
“I’ve pretty much come to terms with it. I wouldn’t change it. I really would not change it,” she said. “All the years of suffering—it has made me a stronger person. It has made me who I am and I can’t regret that.”
To overcome the ordeal, Oprah explained that she had t believe in a power greater than herself. “She also said in the discussion with Letterman that she spent much of her life attempting to rebuild her self-esteem. In the end though, Oprah overcame poverty, parental neglect, sexual abuse, and racism to become one of the richest and most powerful women in the entertainment industry.
If someone was to ask me two years ago what I wanted to be I would have greeted them with silence. Before I was a very anti-social person and I didn’t really like speaking much in front of a public, audience, or even my small group of friends. I was the type of girl who preferred staying home in the weekends and watch Netflix instead of going out. But everything changed when I went on a missionary trip with my church to Mexicali. The church I attend has a group of volunteers who go every 2-3 months on the weekends to Mexicali. In these trips we distribute clothes, food, essentials, toys, and candies for all the kids and people in Mexico that live in poverty. Many people who live there live in harsh conditions and are struggling to provide a home for their families. My first trip was a life changing experience because it changed the person who I was. I became an active and outgoing person. I became to appreciate and value the possessions I have at home. Every time I see the kids at Mexicali content when they receive a pair of shoes or a piece sandwich it makes me pleased of myself because I’m able to help them with what I can. Throughout these series of trips I discover my passion and how I have a soft spot for kids. Since Mexicali and where I live have a very large driving distance and I can’t go every day I also volunteer to help kids and adults around my community also. I have help
As is evident in everyone, the early years and pre fame experiences of Ellen DeGeneres have shaped her values, opinions, and personality apparent in her today. As home life is the base and foundation of all children, DeGeneres’s home life can be strongly connected to her career and character now. An excellent example of this would be when DeGeneres was a young teen, her parents went through a divorce and moved far away from each other. As a result of the stress and hardships that are connected to divorces, Ellen DeGeneres’s mother, Betty Pfeffer, fell victim to depression. Ellen, being one of those people that have a very hard time seeing people in sadness or turmoil, would try to cheer ...
Oprah’s rejection has brought about a new type of media communication, which has made her one of the foremost female talk show hosts. Her show focuses on real life confessions, human stories, and self-improvement that create awareness and changes in the life of other people. She is often praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to people around the world.
One day I woke up to hear the insidious words “grandma’s cancer has come back” out of my mom’s mouth. No matter what my grandma is going though she always stays strong. You can see her stumbling to walk, but she will continue. Whatever situation I am in my grandma gives me the best advice and can always put a smile on my face. Someone that is influential is someone that can impact another. Another influential person is Ellen Degeneres. From doing stand-up comedy in 1981, and starting her own talk show in 2003, she has a propensity to help in many different ways. Ellen’s use of her celebrity status in a positive and helpful fashion has made her an influential person.
Oprah was pregnant and give birth to a son who died as an infant. During this time, her mother became frustrated and sent her way to live with her father, Vernon Winfrey, in Nashville, Tennessee. Oprah’s father was had strict rules and high standards, and even her on a set curfew every day. Oprah had a midnight curfew and she was required to read a book and write a book report every week. Though her father strictness, he always wanted the best for Oprah. He taught her the values and morals of life. With her father’s help, Oprah managed to repair her disordered and wild life. Eventually, Oprah made it to the honor roll list in school, she was nominated “Most Popular Girl” she was a part of the East Nashville High School speech team, and was second in place worldwide for dramatic interpretation. To top it off, during Oprah’s last year of high school, she entered and won a speaking competition, giving her full scholarship to the State University of Tennessee, which is historically known as the largest and only state-funded, black institution in Tennessee. This is where Oprah studied and majored Speech Communication and Performing Arts (Wikipedia, 2017). While at the State University of Tennessee, it was one of Oprah’s professors who pushed her into accepting the job offer as a Co-Anchor for CBS television station. This job was what started Oprah’s career and her many successes in
Princess Diana was known throughout the world as being a well rounded, gorgeous woman, but through all of that she was also a hero in many people’s eyes. Diana was often called Princess Diana by the media and the public, but she did not enjoy such a title and did not personally think of herself as a princess. This is a point Diana herself made to people who referred to her as such. She always had a strong head on her shoulders, no matter what might have been going on at the time. Diana tried to not let various things get her down, even though some could have destroyed her. Diana also spoke with surprising truthfulness about her own personal struggles with bulimia and suicide, giving individuals struggling with these issues a role model of openness and honesty. Princess Diana used her media popularity to bring attention to the needs of the forgotten and needy of the world. She was out to seek a symbol in everyone’s life, life itself.
...nd her previous employment in journalism made that more of a possibility. One day she decided that she had nothing left to lose and gave it a shot. Her story has touched so many lives and gives people a different perspective on how to cope with things.
...ty. She has transformed from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, all by having faith and perseverance. She believed that she had a higher purpose in life, and that God was leading her on the path to change the world. In fact, her final words on the set of The Oprah Winfrey Show, “To God be the glory” (Flanagan 106). Though she stumbled on this path due to resentment and anger, she returned to her good ways with the stern love from her father and a second chance at life. Winfrey was able to achieve great things by believing in herself and in others. She has contributed millions of dollars to help women, families, and children to be supported in education and in life. What makes Winfrey such a remarkable being is that she was able to overcome her adversities to achieve any goal. Her selfless acts are appreciated by the millions of people that she influences.