Only a few people have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award (EGOT). Caryn Elaine Johnson is one of them.
She was born on November 13, 1955 in Chelsea, New York and grew up in a housing project with her brother and mother, who was a nurse and later became a Head Start teacher.
In school, she was called “slow,” “dumb,” “lazy,” or “retarded.” She wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until she was an adult, so when school kept getting harder and harder, she eventually dropped out at 17. With her self-esteem low, she traveled a turbulent road in life, which included poverty, drug addiction, single motherhood, welfare, and a series of wide ranging jobs.
In his interview for the Child Mind Institute, the founder, Dr. Harold Koplewicz, called her a woman of grit and resilience.
Today, we know her as Whoopi Goldberg, actress, comedian, radio host, television personality, author and UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador. Listen to her recall some of her challenges and her mom’s support in her interview with Quinn Bradlee:
She counsels parents to be supportive of their dyslexic children – “Stop trying to find a reason why it happened… It’s not your fault… Pay attention to how your child is doing stuff.”
Then, listen to her speak at the Goodwin College 2018 Commencement where she counsels the graduates, after receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
How can you build your child’s self-esteem at home to combat the negative labels in school?
Wow! I had no idea of the struggles Whoopi Goldberg has had. But what a beautiful story of strength and resilience.
That right, Maureen. When we see famous people on the big screen, we are often quite ignorant of their great struggles. Dr. Koplewicz did call her a woman of grit and resilience.
Great advice and so good to remember that successful people have to overcome just like the rest of us! Whoopi has not only overcome, but has influenced who knows how many people to do the same or more.
Yes, Cindy. There is so much power in influence. That’s why we must encourage and empower every child who comes within our sphere of influence.
Interesting how we all have to learn according to our own unique style. Most schools do not allow for this.
Sadly, Kate, most schools do not cater to individual learning styles. That’s why parents must help each child discover how he learns best and be his best advocate and cheerleader.
Woopi Goldberg for president. Oh, maybe she is too smart for that. 🙂
Oh, Doug. You’re so funny. 😁
Florence, wow! I did not know this about Whoopi Goldberg. We just saw her last night, in Blue Bloods, as a gubernatorial candidate arguing with the Commissioner Frank Reagan. I would love to see her in more performing roles. Now I admire her even more, knowing that she has been fighting dyslexia.
Yes, Kebba, and she’s rather casual about it. She’s not upset at the treatment she received, but grateful that her mother was visionary and supportive of her. Last night, one of her comedy shows came up in my YouTube feed. Even in that situation, she gave some life lessons.
Thank you so much for this inspirational post…I truly have always been in awe of Whoopi Goldberg…
You’re welcome, Vidya. Thanks for stopping by.