How I became Oprah's Ultimate Viewer

“What does it mean to be an ‘Ultimate Viewer?” People have asked me what I wrote to Oprah to earn a spot on her “Ultimate Australian Adventure.” I wrote Oprah a heartfelt “thank-you” letter about how her show dramatically influenced my life.

Twenty-seven years ago, my Mother was a freshman at Bangor Christian High School in Maine.  At the delicate age of 15 she was pregnant with me.  Many people had negative opinions about my Mom and her pregnancy, and she was even kicked out of school for her sin.  You see, we all (me included) judge others decisions and decide what is “good” and “bad” for other people.  Twenty-seven years ago, I am pretty certain that most people thought that my mother’s pregnant belly was very, very, very “bad.”

My Mom enjoyed watching Oprah, and she always let me watch the show (some parents may think the show is too mature for young children).  Something about Oprah and her ability to connect with people from every background, race, and circumstance drew me to her.  I trusted her.  I did not know her, but I deeply respected her.

I continued to watch Oprah as I grew up (before DVR, watching Oprah daily was nearly impossible-but, thanks to modern technology, now, I don’t have to miss one show!)  Her show taught me that anything is possible in life.  Negative experiences in our lives do not define us.  Greatness has many meanings, and everyone is capable of greatness.

My favorite Oprah series is “Live Your Best Life” where Oprah taught me not only the importance of healthy relationships, finances, exercise, eating, and careers, but how to have them all!

When I graduated nursing school, I secured a job at an RN on a cardiac telemetry unit.  Almost immediately, I recognized a critical emergency in our health care system.  In health care, we like to “fix” everyone by giving them high-cost medical interventions, medication, and acute care.  But, I couldn’t help but think “what if nurses promoted Oprah’s teachings in practice?  If people had less stress because they were exercising, eating well, managing their finances, and enjoying positive relationships, would we have less disease?  Could the system save billions of dollars? Would patients be happier?”  I believe YES! 

I immediately started searching for a way to bring “wellness-care” into health care and nursing practice.  I quit my job at the hospital without another one lined up!  Most people thought I was wicked stupid!  They didn’t believe that “wellness” had anything to do with nursing.  Random strangers on the street would tell me that I wasn’t a nurse if I didn’t work in a hospital.  Nurses told me I was “ruining” my career.

Three years later, I earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing.  Then I was accepted under a fully funded grant in the PhD nursing program at Northeastern University to research wellness in nursing practice. 

Oprah taught me to chase dreams, fulfill your passions, and stay true to yourself.  I am living proof that great things can happen in life (even vacationing in Australia with Oprah!).  Some people thought my Mom rearing me at 15 was a “bad” decision, but I don’t think I am all that bad after all. 

Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure series begins at 4pm EST TODAY!