Aylin Ozgen
12/16/07
Period 3
Synthesis Essay
I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.
Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine, September 2002
"I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling," Oprah Winfrey stated in an interview with O Magazine. This undeniably true statement emphasizes that every woman has a calling in life. Whether the calling represents a certain occupation or a specific place to live, women put forth the greatest effort to reach their needs. The characters in House on Mango Street, Ellen Foster, and "Girl" illustrate prime example of personal callings.
Photo of Oprah Winfrey at her 50th birthday party ...
English: Oprah Winfrey at the White House for the ...
Winfrey as Sofia in The Color Purple.The main character of House on Mango Street, Esperanza, starts her journey to find her calling as an immature girl with no direction. Esperanza spent most of her time discouraged by materialistic aspects of her life. Through the novel, Esperanza matures and defines herself through her writing. An excerpt from Oprah's quote states "⦠the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of serviceâ¦" Esperanza did exactly so. Through discovering her love for writing, Esperanza escaped from the mold Mango Street had for women. Esperanza then returned to fulfill her calling by offering aid to the other women trapped in Mango Street.
Another example of a woman fulfilling her calling lies in Ellen of Ellen Foster. Although quite different form that of Esperanza, Ellen also struggles through her childhood. Oprah's...