What undergraduates can learn from her unexpected, extraordinary career journey

When you think of Oprah Winfrey, you might picture the mega-successful TV host, billionaire entrepreneur, or cultural icon. But long before the global fame and fortune, Oprah was just a young woman trying to figure out her future—just like many undergraduates today.

Her story isn’t just about success. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of leaning into what makes you you. Let’s rewind and walk through Oprah’s career path—and see what lessons it holds for students exploring their own.

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🌱 Early Life & Education: Humble Beginnings

Oprah was born in 1954, in rural Mississippi, into poverty. Her early life was filled with hardship—moving between family members, facing abuse, and growing up with very limited resources.

Despite this, she stood out early for one thing: her voice. She loved reading aloud, performing in church, and reciting poetry. By the time she was in high school in Nashville, she had a part-time job reading the news on a local radio station.

Later, she earned a scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she studied communications. It wasn’t a flashy path. She studied hard, worked on the side, and kept building her skills in public speaking and storytelling.

🎓 Lesson for students: You don’t need a perfect background or elite school to succeed. Focus on your strengths, and let them lead you.

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🎤 Career Start: A Rocky Road in TV

Oprah’s first full-time TV job came at age 19, as a news anchor in Nashville. But she soon faced a challenge: her emotional, empathetic style wasn’t seen as “professional” by traditional newsroom standards.

She was eventually demoted from co-anchor and moved to a daytime talk show format—something that many would’ve seen as a step down. But this was actually a turning point.

She discovered that daytime TV allowed her to be herself—warm, curious, and real with people. This emotional authenticity connected with audiences deeply.

🎬 Lesson for students: Not every setback is a failure. Sometimes, getting moved in a different direction helps you find your true fit.

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🌟 Breakthrough: The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 1986, Oprah launched The Oprah Winfrey Show. It wasn’t just another talk show—it became a phenomenon. What made it stand out? Oprah’s ability to connect. She could talk with celebrities, politicians, or regular people with equal grace and sincerity.

She tackled hard topics—abuse, addiction, trauma—with empathy, not sensationalism. And she made space for stories that often went unheard.

Over 25 seasons, Oprah not only became a household name—she built a media empire and inspired millions.

💡 Lesson for students: Being authentic is your superpower. The more you lean into your real self, the more people respond.

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🏗️ Beyond TV: Building a Brand & Business

Oprah didn’t stop with TV. She started Harpo Productions, launched O Magazine, co-founded the OWN Network, invested in wellness companies like Weight Watchers, and supported countless philanthropic projects—especially in education and healthcare.

She became the first Black woman billionaire in the U.S., and all of it was built on the foundation of empathy, storytelling, and connection.

💼 Lesson for students: Your career might not be linear. Be open to pivoting, building, and evolving as your interests grow.

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🧭 What Undergrads Can Take from Oprah’s Journey

Oprah’s life is proof that:

• You don’t need a perfect background to succeed.
• You can turn pain into power.
• A non-linear path can lead to greatness.
• Soft skills like communication and empathy matter—a lot.
• Success grows when you align with who you really are.

So if you’re unsure what you’ll do after graduation, or if your path doesn’t look “normal”—take a breath. Oprah didn’t follow a traditional blueprint. She followed her gifts and stayed open to change.

And look where that led her.

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“What I know for sure…”

Oprah often says, “What I know for sure is that what you give comes back to you.”

So give your best effort. Give kindness. Give your curiosity, your creativity, and your full self. The rest will follow.

“Wanderlust” is a strong desire or impulse to travel and explore the world. It comes from the German words wandern (to hike or wander) and lust (desire or longing). People who experience wanderlust often feel a deep craving to discover new places, cultures, and experiences, and they may frequently seek out opportunities to travel or immerse themselves in different environments. The term has become popular in travel culture to describe a passion for exploration and adventure.

Nancy Meyers is a celebrated American filmmaker, known for her distinctive voice in the romantic comedy genre. With a career spanning over four decades, Meyers has crafted a niche for herself by creating films that blend humor, romance, and introspective narratives, often set against the backdrop of beautifully designed interiors. Her movies are as much about the characters’ emotional journeys as they are about the spaces they inhabit, making her one of the most influential directors in the genre.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Nancy Meyers began her Hollywood career as a screenwriter, co-writing the 1980 classic Private Benjamin with Charles Shyer and Harvey Miller. The film, starring Goldie Hawn, was a commercial success and earned Meyers an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. This success set the stage for her subsequent work in the industry.

Meyers continued to write and produce films throughout the 1980s, often collaborating with Shyer. Some of their notable projects include Irreconcilable Differences (1984), Baby Boom (1987), and the remake of Father of the Bride (1991), which starred Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Father of the Bride was particularly successful, leading to a sequel in 1995, Father of the Bride Part II, solidifying Meyers’ reputation as a master of heartwarming family comedies.

Directorial Debut: The Parent Trap (1998)

In 1998, Nancy Meyers made her directorial debut with The Parent Trap, a remake of the 1961 film of the same name. Starring a young Lindsay Lohan in dual roles, the film tells the story of twin sisters who are separated at birth and reunite at a summer camp to scheme to reunite their estranged parents. The Parent Trap was a hit with both audiences and critics, showcasing Meyers’ ability to handle a large ensemble cast and tell a story with both humor and heart.

Major Films and Signature Style

Nancy Meyers’ films are characterized by their witty dialogue, strong female characters, and detailed attention to the environments in which her stories unfold. Her movies often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, with a focus on middle-aged and older protagonists, a demographic often underrepresented in Hollywood.

1. What Women Want (2000)
   This film, starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, is one of Meyers’ most commercially successful works. The story revolves around a chauvinistic advertising executive who, after a freak accident, gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts. The film’s blend of humor and insight into gender dynamics made it a box-office hit.
2. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
   Starring Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Keanu Reeves, this romantic comedy is one of Meyers’ most beloved films. The story follows a playwright who finds herself caught in a love triangle between an older, charming bachelor and a younger doctor. Keaton’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, and the film became iconic for its mature take on love and relationships.
3. The Holiday (2006)
   In The Holiday, Meyers crafts a story of two women (played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who swap homes for the holidays to escape their romantic woes, only to find love in unexpected places. The film, which also stars Jude Law and Jack Black, is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and picturesque settings.
4. It’s Complicated (2009)
   This romantic comedy-drama stars Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin, and tells the story of a divorced couple who reignite their relationship while navigating the complexities of their new lives. The film was praised for its mature humor and the performances of its lead actors.
5. The Intern (2015)
   The Intern is one of Meyers’ most recent works and stars Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. The film explores the unlikely friendship between a young, successful businesswoman and a retired widower who becomes her intern. The movie is lauded for its feel-good narrative and insightful commentary on aging and the evolving workplace dynamics.

Legacy and Influence

Nancy Meyers is often referred to as the “queen of romantic comedies,” a title well-deserved given her contributions to the genre. Her films are known for their strong character development, sharp dialogue, and the portrayal of love and relationships in a relatable yet aspirational manner. Meyers’ attention to detail extends beyond her scripts to the visual elements of her films, with her meticulously designed sets often becoming as iconic as the stories themselves.

Her influence on the genre is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to explore the complexities of love and relationships with humor and heart. While romantic comedies have often been dismissed as lightweight entertainment, Meyers’ work proves that they can be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, offering depth and insight into the human experience.

Nancy Meyers has carved out a unique space in Hollywood, delivering films that resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether through the charm of The Parent Trap, the mature romance of Something’s Gotta Give, or the introspective warmth of The Intern, Meyers’ work continues to captivate and inspire. Her legacy as a filmmaker is one of wit, elegance, and an enduring belief in the power of love and laughter.

A Story of Personal and Professional Resilience

Shefali Shah is one of India’s most respected actresses, known for her powerful performances and ability to bring depth to every character she portrays. Her journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to her perseverance, passion, and the strength to overcome significant personal and professional challenges.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born in Mumbai in 1972, Shefali Shah developed a passion for acting at a young age. She began her career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when the Indian entertainment industry was largely dominated by conventional roles for women. Despite these limitations, Shefali was determined to carve out her own path.

Struggles in Personal Life

Early Marriage and Divorce

Shefali married television actor Harsh Chhaya at a young age. However, the marriage ended in divorce, a challenging period in her life as she had to cope with the emotional toll of separation while facing societal judgment. Divorce in India often carries a stigma, particularly for women, and Shefali had to navigate the pressures of maintaining her career amidst this personal turmoil.

Remarriage and Motherhood

In 2000, Shefali married director Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and the couple has two sons, Aryaman and Maurya. Shefali decided to take a step back from her career to focus on raising her children, a choice that, while fulfilling on a personal level, slowed down her professional momentum. Balancing the responsibilities of being a mother and wife with her career was a significant challenge.

Health Challenges

Shefali has also been candid about her struggles with anxiety, which were exacerbated by the pressures of her demanding career and personal responsibilities. Her openness about mental health has been inspirational, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, even for those in the public eye.

Breaking Through and Professional Success

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Shefali’s breakthrough came with the 1995 TV series Hasratein, where she played the complex character of Savi. This role set her apart from her contemporaries and showcased her ability to portray deep and layered emotions. However, it was her role in the critically acclaimed film Satya (1998) that truly established her as a formidable talent. Playing the role of Pyaari Mhatre, the wife of a gangster, Shefali delivered a raw and authentic performance that earned her widespread recognition.

Challenges with Industry Norms

Despite her success, Shefali faced the challenges of ageism and typecasting in the Indian film industry. Early in her career, she was often offered roles of mothers and older women, even though she had the talent to take on a wider variety of characters. This typecasting was frustrating but did not deter her from pursuing meaningful and challenging roles.

A Career of Substance

Shefali continued to choose roles that defied stereotypes and showcased her range as an actress. Her performances in films like Monsoon Wedding (2001) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) further solidified her reputation. She brought a unique depth and authenticity to her characters, often portraying women dealing with complex emotional and societal issues.

Recent Success and Global Recognition

In recent years, Shefali Shah has enjoyed a resurgence in her career. Her role as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in the Netflix series Delhi Crime (2019) was a game-changer. The series, based on the true story of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, received international acclaim and won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020. Shefali’s portrayal of a determined and compassionate police officer earned her widespread praise.

Her performances in films like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and Jalsa (2022) have further highlighted her ability to bring nuanced, complex characters to life, making her one of the most respected actresses in Indian cinema.

Legacy and Impact

Shefali Shah’s journey is one of both personal and professional triumph. Her ability to overcome the challenges in her personal life, including societal judgment, the pressures of motherhood, and struggles with mental health, while also navigating the obstacles of ageism and typecasting in her career, is truly inspiring. Shefali’s story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity, proving that with resilience and dedication, it is possible to create a lasting impact.

Here are 10 Oscar-winning movies that are currently available on Netflix:

1. Schindler’s List (1993) – A powerful historical drama about the Holocaust, directed by Steven Spielberg.
2. The Departed (2006) – A crime thriller by Martin Scorsese, focusing on undercover police work and the mob.
3. The Dark Knight (2008) – Christopher Nolan’s iconic superhero film, featuring Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker.
4. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s groundbreaking film known for its non-linear storyline and memorable characters.
5. Room (2015) – A gripping drama about a mother and son held captive, starring Brie Larson.
6. The Theory of Everything (2014) – The story of Stephen Hawking’s life, featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Eddie Redmayne.
7. The Hateful Eight (2015) – Quentin Tarantino’s Western thriller, known for its tense narrative and strong ensemble cast.
8. Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – A romantic drama-comedy featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
9. Ex Machina (2014) – A thought-provoking science fiction film about artificial intelligence.
10. Icarus (2017) – A documentary that uncovers the dark truth about doping in sports.