Oprah Dishes On Her Girls Academy Graduation, OWN, And More!

1/13/2012 8:40 PM ET | Filed under: TV News • Inspiration • Oprah Winfrey

Mama bird Oprah is set to watch her babies graduate for the first time!

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will hold its first commencement on Saturday in South Africa. These young women come from the poorest parts of Africa to attend the school.

Oprah commented on the ladies' achievement:

I've learned so much. … I would do it differently but the fact that we are here is a triumph.

This has been a journey of 8,000 miles. Tomorrow, for me, is about celebrating the journey this has been.

In the same interview, she also regretted how she handled OWN's launch. The cabler is continuing its struggle but if we know Oprah, she's going to pull through big time!

Check out the video above to hear Oprah's latest thoughts!

Tags: academy, cable, channel, education, girls, interview, oprah, own, south africa, television

Mimi the Magnificent says – reply to this

1

I get angry when people are ready to write her off so quickly just bc her network wasn't doing well at first, or not as well as some thought. So…..the past 25 years she put in meant NOTHING? So easily you toss her aside after all she's put in to this culture and world, all the good she's done. I feel like shooting a big middle finger to all the haters. High ratings or not, follow your heart Mama O and that is all that matters at the end of the day, just like you taught us. Just follow your heart. Ratings aren't everything, and just bc they are not through the roof or weren't at first, doesn't mean you are a failure. Everyone measures success differently. I would rather have lower ratings but be following my heart and doing what I love then high ratings and be absolutely miserable and sending a message I don't believe in all in the name of ratings.
David Leigh Noblett says – reply to this

2

I nearly felt as sleep watching this lol. One thing I will say when you got big money you can do whatever you like win or loose you still doing ok.

david leigh noblett
Gracie 2004 says – reply to this

3

Well articulated, it is not all about her, it is all about team work, building relations. Education is the only way to break the poverty cycle. I wonder if Oprah has read "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oiver Relin.
Gracie 2004 says – reply to this

4

Correction - Oliver

The Whole Story! But Is It The Truth?? Watch DeMario Jackson Tell His Side Of The Bachelor In Paradise 'Sexual Misconduct' Scandal!

Will this finally bring the Bachelor in Paradise sex scandal to a close? Only if you buy DeMario Jackson's side of the story!

In the first part of a two-night, three-part interview on E! News, the Bachelorette alum tells the story of how he and Corinne Olympios first became "homies" -- which just so happened to be the same night as the alleged "sexual misconduct"!

He recalls:

"Our first real conversation was at the bar. We were hanging out. We kind of were just complimenting each other on being villains. I was like, 'Look, I've accepted this role.' We were kind of just laughing, like, 'Oh, we're about to dominate Paradise!' Like homie stuff, like really, really like friends. And then, you know, we started having a little bit more fun...and had a few drinks."

That's when things "got a little hot and heavy."

DeMario says he and Corinne began making out, with her legs were wrapped around him:

[Image via ABC/E!.]