Oprah Winfrey once said, "The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future simply by changing his attitude" (Flanagan 118). This quote is a testimony to his personal life. Born in 1954 when African Americans were still fighting for equality, Winfrey had to endure racism. Furthermore, his family faced many economic difficulties. Throughout her childhood, Winfrey suffered physical and sexual abuse. Somehow, he persevered against all odds to become one of America's most prominent philanthropists. Oprah Winfrey is an inspiration to all thanks to her ability to overcome adversity to achieve any goal. Winfrey's mother, Vernita Lee, was only 18 when she gave birth. Winfrey's father, Vernon Winfrey, was unaware that he had a daughter until months after her birth. He was initially cut out of Winfrey's life because he was a soldier in Mississippi. This meant that Oprah would receive care from her mother and grandmother in the deepest poverty (Weston 13). Winfrey said, "I'm grateful to live in poverty because it makes success so much more rewarding" ("Dave and Oprah Recap"). After a few years, Winfrey's mother went to Milwaukee for a job opportunity as a housekeeper. He left Winfrey under the sole supervision of her grandmother, Hattie May Lee. Winfrey later said, “I am who I am today because of my grandmother; my strength, my sense of reason, everything” (Weston 14). Hattie May had become too ill to care for Winfrey, so she was sent to live with Lee in Milwaukee. His new home was a room in a boarding house. Winfrey said: “I felt like I was an outcast. I don't know why my mother decided she wanted me. She wasn't equipped to take care of me. I was just an extra burden… middle of paper… ty. She transformed herself from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, all thanks to faith and perseverance. She believed she had a higher purpose in life and that God was leading her on the path to changing the world. In fact, his last words on the set of The Oprah Winfrey Show, “To God be the glory” (Flanagan 106). Although she stumbled down this path due to resentment and anger, she returned to her good ways with her father's tough love and a second chance at life. Winfrey was able to accomplish great things by believing in herself and others. It has contributed millions of dollars to help women, families and children be supported in their education and life. What makes Winfrey such an extraordinary being is that she was able to overcome her adversity to achieve any goal. His selfless acts are appreciated by the millions of people he influences.