Ellen Show Research Paper

Ellen DeGeneres has one of the best jobs in the world. You can catch her positive attitude interviewing the world's biggest celebrities, politicians or offering assistance to families with a true need or inspiring story. If you watched the show last February, you would have seen her interviewing me. Being on The Ellen Show gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and had such a positive impact on me and what I hope to do.
Just like being on Ellen was a turning point in my life, I recognize this college application represents an important turning point as well. The years of going to school in my hometown are coming to an end and I am ready to move on to a much bigger academic setting where I will have the chance to explore many new opportunities,
encounter many new challenges, and strive to become more independent. Like most students, I had my ups and downs during high school, but I always worked hard in my classes, was involved in activities that matched my passions, and I found ways to give back to my community.
I discovered early in my school years that I have a passion for communications, and being on stage has always been a way for me to relate stories and ideas to people. I believe through my many experiences of being on stage, whether it has been a role in a comedy or dramatic performance, representing Rhode Island in the national Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, or being on stage with Ellen DeGeneres, I have found one of my key strengths is connecting with people.
However, that strength was challenged during the middle of my high school years.
After being on Ellen, I lost a circle of friends in a very hurtful way, as they used social media to mock my TV appearance and shut me out of their circle. However, just like Ellen does every day, I decided to refocus my time, energy, and activities towards something greater. I put my energy into my role as a manager of our high school football team and became involved in an effort to help a young boy with a disability. This boy, Benjamin, needed support and funding for a specialized ramp van to give him more mobility, and as I got to know him and his family better, I was determined to raise awareness of his situation. I spearheaded a social media campaign, which included making a YouTube video to help raise funds. I also introduced Benjamin to our team and organized a special recognition ceremony where he was made an honorary player. The fundraising campaign was a success and Benjamin’s family was able to purchase the ramp van. That year our football team was given the RI Sportsmanship Award in recognition of our efforts.
I believe this taught me two very valuable lessons that I will take with me to college. First, it taught me that even through a hurtful, negative period, there can be a positive outcome if we just persevere through it. Secondly, it taught me the positive power of social media when it is used to raise awareness for an important issue rather than for hurtful language. This is the
part of social media communications that I want to be a part of in the future, and I believe if I can sharpen my skills and knowledge of it during my college years, I can attain that goal.
I have learned that finding my own voice, both literally and figuratively is a powerful experience. I hope that in the future, I can guide others to find their own voice, their own passion, and their own special talent. Hopefully, I will have a job like Ellen DeGeneres’ and I can inspire a positive difference on people's lives on a national level, just like Ellen inspired me.