I will never forget the day that I was interviewing for a summer position at a local YMCA.
The two girls who were interviewing me were ‘camp leaders’, maybe a few years older than I was. I don’t know why, but I instantly got a bad vibe from them; they were harshly looking me up and down and judging me from the first moment I walked into the room. ‘Nice highlights’, one of them quipped with a smirk.
I tried to ignore my bad gut feeling and just give the best interview that I could.
One of the many interview questions they asked me was, ‘Who is a role model to you?’
I said, Oprah was one of my biggest role models.
The two girls proceeded to burst out laughing, trying desperately to stifle their laughter like a group of 14 year old girls would do in high school.
‘OPRAH!?’, one of them mocked, rolling her eyes.
Yup, they were ‘mean girls’, just as my gut had told me.
I was not only embarrassed by their unprofessional response, but I was angry. I wanted to stand up and walk out of the interview, not looking back. Instead, I carried on with the interview trying to ignore their cattiness, just waiting for it to be over.
A few days later, I got a call offering me a YMCA position. I quickly turned it down with satisfaction.
While I don’t regret turning down the position (I eventually found another summer job working for great people), I regret not sticking up for myself in the interview. I was quite young- only about 18 at the time- and I felt intimidated by the interview environment and the older girls, not feeling like I had the option of calling them out for their rude behaviour.
Only later did I realize that I always have the option to stand up for what I believe in, I just didn’t know it at the time.
Oprah has remained a role model in my life, regardless of whether that is ‘cool’ or not. Oprah’s last show was everything I could have asked for and more. Did you catch it? I loved that it wasn’t about a huge giveaway or ‘things’, but simply the life lessons that Oprah has learned over the past 25 years. The theme of the show was to remind us all of the power we have to change our own lives. I don’t think she could have gone out with a bigger bang.
On our real ‘job’ in life:
"What I knew for sure from this experience with you is that we are all called. Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. Every time we have seen a person on this stage who is a success in their life, they spoke of the job, and they spoke of the juice that they receive from doing what they knew they were meant to be doing. We saw it in the volunteers who rocked abandoned babies in Atlanta. We saw it with those lovely pie ladies from Cape Cod making those delicious potpies. … We saw it every time Tina Turner, Celine, Bocelli or Lady Gaga lit up the stage with their passion. Because that is what a calling is. It lights you up and it lets you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be, doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. And that is what I want for all of you and hope that you will take from this show. To live from the heart of yourself. You have to make a living; I understand that. But you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world." ~Oprah
A universal desire:
"I’ve talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common: They all wanted validation. If I could reach through this television and sit on your sofa or sit on a stool in your kitchen right now, I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire. They want to know: ‘Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?’ ~Oprah
Powerful stuff! You can read the full transcript and watch a video clip on the Oprah website.
Did you catch the final show? Is this Oprah’s final goodbye to television, or will she be back?
I didnt see it but i am hoping to find some way to watch it online, she is a powerful strong woman and the fact that she has made billions and still wants to inspire others is amazing!
Hi Angela! I love your blog for many reasons. I recently decided to go vegan and cut out refined foods. You’re blog was recommended to me, so I’m been spending some time looking on your website and your progress. I am about 50 lbs overweight and I’m really looking forward to having a better relationship with myself and the way I view food. I feel like you used to… happy on the outside, but struggling on the inside. Thanks for being an inspiration! :)
Thank you Ali! Goodluck with your journey :)
Oprah’s last show was everything I could have hoped for and more. It really touched me. She is a huge role model for me and I believe the greatest living teacher of love! I really enjoyed reading the quotes and what Oprah means to you :)
I’ll admit I’m not an Oprah fan. Those are powerful words and I’m glad I got to read them. Thank you for posting!
It really was a great show – I also really loved the part about being responsible for and conscious of the energy that you put out there.
yes that was a great part!
Oprah is amazing, it sounds like she ended things perfectly with a powerful message. I can’t wait to watch it!
Thanks for sharing. I think all women have been in similar situations and can relate. I am definitely sad that I missed the last episode of Oprah. Would have been nice to watch it live.
I recorded it on my DVR, and I began watching it before I even saw your post :). I’m sad that she’s leaving, but she’ll still be around..heck, she has her own network now!!
I don’t think I have seen even two of Oprah’s shows over the last twenty five years, but I heard a few bites of her final message and by searching found this site. I must say it would be hard not to be impressed with Oprah; her beginnings, her success, and how she seems to give back – an amazing model human being.
I haven’t seen it yet but I am planning on watching it!
And not related to this post, but Angela I made the “back on track” wheatberry salad a couple of weeks ago and just want to say thank you! It is so incredibly delicious, light, and filling at the same time and I’ve already made it twice since then :).
Yesterday was probably the only time I’vew missed having cable – I had to work and don’t have a DVR to record the show!
“…you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.” That gave me chills. I’m thankful every day to have a good job, but even more so for being able to have space left for the hobbies I am passionate about: food and athletics.
I did get to see the last show. I have no doubt she’ll be back in some form! ;-)
I agree–she really has been a role model for me, too–who cares if that’s “cool” or not? I was a little bit disappointed in the show as I wished she would have given more clips and examples of the things that she found touched her along the way (it felt a bit too much like a conference or lecture), but the message was very inspiring and full of great “nuggets”!
her last show was amazing. I felt so moved to change the way I’ve been living my life and to focus on what makes me happy and gives me that drive to get up every morning. I believe it was her final goodbye but it was a great one!
I loved this post. I’m sad I didn’t catch the show. I’ll have to watch the video clip.
P.S. You’d be proud to know that we had an “Oh She Glows” night over at our house last night. It wasn’t planned, it just worked out like that. I saw your recipe for the avocado pasta and had all the ingredients on hand, so that was our dinner, and it was delicious! I’m definitely making it again. It was my first time having a pasta dish since I found out I was gluten intolerant. (I used gluten free rice noodles.)
Then that night my usual sweet tooth kicked in and I made your 80 calorie chocolate smashers. Very yummy!! So thanks for the good food we enjoyed last night!
It’s inspiring to see how important self-growth is to you. I really love your blog for all it has to offer; like these kinds of articles for example, or your delicious recipes. Keep going!
I have never really watched Oprah much! I do really like the message that she shared in her final episode though! :)
I love oprah! At my last interview I was asked who is a majour role model in my life, and I proudly answered: Oprah Winfrey. She is an amazing woman who has been through much and has contributed so much to the world. Her finale was great, so much wisdom shared!
Oprah is my role model too. I will so miss her show, and all of the inspiration I always gained from watching it.
On another note, I made your Creamy Avocado Pasta this week! I loved it so much I ended up making it for dinner 2 nights in a row. I adore your blog and your recipes!
Thanks for sharing, Angela. I didn’t get a chance to see this last episode. I agree that Oprah really has been a game changer in our society. She has such a powerful message to give. I know some people who mock her and don’t think she’s all that great, but I think that’s just because they don’t prescribe to what she’s preaching. She’s an amazing storyteller and inspiration. I feel lucky to have grown up watching her and taking away so many amazing messages.
I never watched Oprah, but have always been impressed with her own life story. My struggles in life rather pale in comparison. She isn’t challenging anyone to do anything she hasn’t worked to find herself. Also, she must have been channeling James Beard with that show. I’ve had one of his quotes saved for a little while:
“Our lives, hopes and dreams depend on our ability to be heard.”
Oh Ange, I love your story! Those girls were so mean. Hey I relate, we all do, I get dirty looks still more than I like to admit. I love smiling too because it just changes them out of their head and they have to reflect on themselves.:) I love that you said OPRAH! Good for you!
Anyways, I loved the show and ORPAH is a one-of-a-kind and it is a sad time for sure. She will be aroung though. ;)
I unfortunately was not able to catch the last episode. But I’ve watched enough episodes to be inspired by her. I can’t believe those girls laughed at you! How immature.
I think she’ll be back. She’s got her OWN station now. :-)
Ah I totally know how you feel with those “mean girls”. I definitely have been in those situations many times, It’s unfortunate how people can be so rude sometimes. I take it as a lesson though, never to act that way.
I was never a big Oprah watcher but the few episodes I have watched were very inspiring! I love the quotes you picked out…..they are so true!~
Ive just found your blog and ive got to say i find it so inspiring and your posts are so thought provoking and enjoyable to read. I live in the UK and they havent shown Oprahs last show yet but they have been showing loads of her old ones that ive been catching up on, i love her show, theyre so great to watch.
I missed it!!!! AHHH I’m 24 but have loved Oprah for years and years. I get excited driving by her studio in Chicago. I need to find somewhere online to watch this episode!
In case no one has mentioned it (I am in a hurry – sorry, no time to double check! eep!), I think you would probably enjoy looking through these:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1701487@N23/
It’s a flickr group of what people have learned from Oprah. I am not really much of a fan, but this starting choking even ME up. :)
awesome thanks!
I’ve actually never really watched Oprah’s show but I love her quote about finding our calling in life. It’s so true! I spent so many years feeling like I was just aimlessly drifting – until I found my passions. Now I feel like I have a purpose and I couldn’t be happier! :)
Wow that’s a really powerful message. It totally reaffirms the feelings I’m having pursuing the next steps in my career. Graduating is a big deal, but figuring out what to do after that is an even bigger deal. Thanks for the inspiration, Angela!
http://goldhearted.etsy.com
I saw the show and loved her message as well. I feel like I’m on my way to doing something I’m passionate about!
i, too, admire oprah, angela.
she is an example of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and using power in a positive way. i’ve never watched her show regularly, but she’s always been a part of late afternoon tv, since i was 16 – a fixture in the entertainment world.
i got together with my BFF tonight and we were going to watch our PVRd final oprah…but we started talking and 90 minutes later, the show was still unwatched. but we both needed the friendship connection tonight – i think oprah would understand!
the show was perfect.
my favorite line?
“you. are. enough.”
we all are.
Yes I watched it. I have it on the DVR…and I won’t erase it, I want to rewatch it many times. I thought it a truly fitting farewell for such an amazing woman. I really loved Oprah….and I loved the last three shows. :-)
I love Oprah and always list her as a role model to me too.
I liked your Oprah story!
She has inspired me over the years and I have followed much of her advice to try to live my best life.
I am also very inspired by your website. It is wonderful to see someone brave enough to follow thier calling…I am still struggling and keep putting one foot in front of the other each day. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Diane!
Oh my darling Angela…don’t you worry one bit about THEN – just know you’re in your truth NOW and right where you should be NOW – that’s what counts, baby! :D I just love you so much for citing that quote you ended with…yeah Mama Oprah made me cry with that one. And OH MY GOSH, what Carri said, that one too…we are enough.
I am absolutely in love with Oprah. She has graced my television screen for years, and seeing her close her show for the last time brought tears to my eyes. Oprah is such an inspiration, and her words and experiences have resonated with me in my own life. I love the quotes you put – she is SO quotable! This won’t be the last we’ll see of her, no doubt.
:)
I’m a huge fan of Oprah too. And I wanted to let you know Angela, that you’re an inspiration to me as well! Every day you publish these delicious and healthy recipes, which I love trying out (really, I’m just cooking ‘oh she glows’ these days!) and I totally share your positive outlook on life. Thanks!
Honestly I think the people who did not like her finale show, are missing the point!!! I felt like she was giving us a huge hug. She is truly amazing and is an a testement of what we can do.
If people would really try to be like this (treat people the way we want to be treated, validate and listen) what a wonderful world it would be!!!!! I was raised with a drug addict, violent father listening to my mom and Oprah has taught me that IT DOESN’T DEFINE ME I am a compassionate good person. They helped me heal my childhood wounds. Reading your website is helping me with my food issues. THANKYOU
Oh I love Oprah, such an inspirational lady in all that she hads achieved!
I saw the finale and thought her words were beautiful (and actually am thinking about using ‘Oprah’ as my job interview answer; no shame!)
I’m not a huge fan, but I am impressed with what she decided to do for her last show. I may not have watched it, but I know she has inspired many to live their lives to the fullest.
I agree with you, her final show couldn’t have been more well done. I’ve always admired her as a role model and at a young age, she was what I wanted to be when I grew up. I received the same smirks and laughs that you did when mentioning her name, but for me, it wasn’t about being a talk show host. How could you not look up to someone who does so much to bring out self worth and satisfaction in life?
I just want to say that I just LOVE the message of this email! Angela, thank you for OSG! I’ve followed your blog for quite a while, and it’s served such a bigger role for me than just a fun place to find healthy recipes. Your honesty has helped me to admit to myself that I’ve struggled with disordered eating to for over 10 years. I’ve felt so much embarrassment and shame to even think about admitting to myself that I currently struggle with binge eating. I’m so SICK! of the destructive cycle and I’m finally realizing I need to do something to change now. I’ve never admitted this in ‘public’ before and your blog has helped me come to this point.
Thank you for your honesty – I hope it always continues! I hope one day I can be as open as you. Your experiences are helping me understand that I can make the LIFESTYLE changes necessary to end this vicious cycle. It’s so nice to know there’s support out there… THANK YOU!
~ Megan :)
I loved her last episode and that last line you mentioned about whether people see us, whether what we say means anything to others. That was the moment I started to cry. I struggled for years with feeling unnoticed and invalidated. And because I felt invisible for so many years growing up, I used my eating disorder as my coping mechanism. Through recovery, I now know that I have the power to make a difference in people’s lives, I make it possible for people to listen to me, to see the real me. That is why I love being a teacher; because my words matter to someone. I am learning now that I need to stand up for myself and be proud of the person I’ve become. Thanks for sharing your story, I also think Oprah is a great role model!!
I loved this post, especially about standing up for yourself and knowing you can do it. I couldn’t find a way to contact you via email so I also wanted to let you know I tried your vegan french toast recipe and loved it! I re-posted it on my blog (I am trying 365 vegan recipes within a year to provide food for children in South Africa) and have linked you of course! Thanks for sharing and for your great blog :)
angela, thank you for sharing so much of yourself through this blog. it’s very brave of you to share your experiences – good and bad – with all of us so that we may learn how to eat and live a better life. i was inspired by your take on oprah’s last show and thank you for adding your own anecdote, rather than just posting the information verbatim. it’s a reminder to all of us that we have choices each and every day to live better – be better to ourselves and to others through our thoughts, words, and actions – and that we don’t have to be oprah to accomplish this.
you rule.
Thanks Kari!