Thinking Hero

Our developing definition of critical thinking is active thinking that is goal oriented, requires focus and involves a particular analytical process. I have decided to choose Oprah Winfrey as my thinking hero because she possesses all those qualities. She is a very goal oriented woman and works to develop the best outcome for every project she takes on. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for girls in South Africa was opened on behalf of Oprah to guarantee less fortunate girls of an education. Her fundamentals upon opening this academy were to encourage these girls to develop their own critical thinking and make the best life possible for themselves. In addition to Oprah’s school for girls, Oprah was also the creator of Angel’s Lane following the devastation of hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. While reporting on the devastation, Oprah was struck by how many were without homes, living in shelters and with family. She left determined to find a solution. Her critical thinking led to the creation of Angels Lane, which provided 65 single family homes to those displaced. Her thinking however did not result in the donation of the homes, she devised a way in which the families were specially selected based upon their employment, the ability to donate 300 hours of sweat equity toward building their own home and the ability to afford the estimated mortgage of $400 a month. Within 20 years, those families would own their homes. Both of these examples clearly amount to the analytical process, focus and determination on behalf of Oprah to develop such programs. Not only is Oprah a critical thinker she also demonstrates the ability to explore the facts, ideas, and opinions of others on her talk show. Overall Oprah Winfrey uses her multiple qualities of a critical thinker to influence and impact other lives.