Topic-Someone who has made an impact on my life I believe influence is the union of power and purpose. As a TV star, magazine founder, executive and celebrity, Oprah Winfrey certainly has power. Nevertheless, most important, she has purpose—an abiding commitment to the principles of goodness and generosity that transcend any one individual. Oprah's story is America's story: a young girl from Mississippi, who grew up without electricity or running water but realized her promise through education and achieved her dreams in liberty. Oprah reminds us that we who flourish in freedom have a moral responsibility to help others who have the desire to succeed but just need an opportunity. Oprah is helping create those opportunities. Out of her own pocket, she built new homes—and gave new hope—to 65 families who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. In South Africa, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will educate a new generation of women leaders. Moreover, just last year, Oprah launched a successful campaign to help victims of abuse find the justice they deserve, so they can move on with confidence. For most people, Oprah's influence is less direct but no less meaningful. Those millions of ordinary men and women long to improve themselves — to become better parents, kinder friends and stronger individuals. For those people, Oprah is an inspiration. She has struggled with many of the challenges that we all face and she has transformed her life. .:read more:.

Oprah used education to get ahead, that is my plan for life and I am so blessed to have her as an older generation to look up to. I am always moved by her deep love for others. Oprah Winfrey has made an impact on my life without me even knowing her personally. Her message is empowering: I did it, and so can you. So who, then, is Oprah Winfrey? She is a woman of moral character and a source of strength for millions of her admirers. Her life and her work are testaments to the immensity of her bountiful heart. She is influential to be sure. Oprah Winfrey took her love for broadcasting & acting mixed it with love and faith and became the first African American woman to become a multibillionaire. Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has an unparalleled connection with people around the world. Her accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today, she has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades after starting her career at the tender age of 17. Oprah Winfrey’s impact on my life has inspired me to make major moves even now as a young adult. November of 2006, I started a charity Production group entitled Billion Dollar Beauty Club. We produce events and projects in an effort to raise funds to a charity organization, local or national. As I grow into a more mature woman and businessperson, I will continue to let people, such as Oprah Winfrey, impact my life in a positive way as I hope to impact and influence others.

The big secret in life is that is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work. - Oprah Winfrey


Jessica Yvette Alford
Undergraduate Admission Essay

Topic-An issue of importance to me

November 2008 will be an important day in Americans. It is in that month there will be a day to skip class to drive to your hometown and vote. Do not let this politically lackadaisical culture fool you: voting is important. Recently I turned 18 years old, the legal age for voting and was allowed to vote for state governor. At the voting poll, I begin talking to one of the volunteers about people coming out to vote. He expressed to me that there was about 600 people in my area, Bossier Parish, signed up to vote and only 200 had voted and it was already down to the last hour of voting. Not even half of the voters signed up came out to vote. Why not vote? Why not be heard? So many people have so much to say and complain about so much, but in the same breathe, so little people come out and speak out. For the past 200 or more years, thousands of Americans have died fighting for that privilege. Do people not appreciate that? The fight for voting rights has overcome discrimination based on race, gender, age, geography and economic class. In all corners of the country, constitutional voting guarantees have had to be enforced, at times, by laws, court decisions or, in some cases, military force. Do people not appreciate that? What needs to happen to motivate people? What happen to unmotivated people? Voting is a privilege that is granted to every American because our government was created by the people and for the people. It's too easy to be cynical about voting. Saying that your vote does not count is just a nice excuse to be lazy and not make the 15-minute trip to the polls. Your vote does count. Elections have been won and lost due to a single vote.
Why vote? Because it is a right granted to us by the United States. There are lots of ways to get involved in government and to have a say in what goes on. Voting is the easiest and most obvious way to get your voice heard. As free men and women, this privilege of voting should be taken seriously. In New Jersey and several other states, people who are serving jail time or are on parole or probation are prohibited from voting as part of their punishment. As an 18 years old African American woman, it is my unspoken duty to vote whenever given the chance. It took 81 years for African Americans to gain a constitutional right to vote, 132 years for women and 183 years for those 18 to 20 years old. The issue with voting rights being taken for granted is not only significant to me as a young African American woman but as a college student as well. Voting is important for college students. A main political issue is always educational funding. The amount of people that do not vote in America is disgraceful. How could anyone take this amazing ability granted by the government with so little regard? The American government has extended an invitation to its people to take control of who is going to make decisions. In many countries, people only dream of having the freedoms and privileges that Americans take for granted.



Jya

center stage magazine

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