Knowing Oprah has been a big inspiration to many women in my family, I jumped at the opportunity to see her on the “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus tour.”

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the day long expenditure, but ended up leaving with a clear and determined mindset. The show started off in the morning with an energetic dance group that got the crowd moving and excited right away. The group left everyone in a great mood, and the performance kept the audience entertained while waiting for Oprah. 

There were over 15,000 people at the event and I am certain I was the only teenager. I was surrounded by middle-aged women looking to change their lives. I felt slightly out of place at first, but ended up having an amazing time. If anyone can make you feel included, it’s Oprah.

Instantly after entering the stage, the energy in the room shifted. Oprah brought an energy that got everyone to their feet, eager to hear what she had to say. Oprah has an incredible ability to take her own life lessons and translate them into something 15,000 people in the Xcel Energy Center could relate to, not to mention the millions of people who watched The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Throughout the day, Oprah brought out various special guests to add to each of her segments. My favorite was a local Minnesotan woman who had success with the Weight Watchers program and turned her life around. She lost 150 lbs and we got to see her in person, happy and glowing. I loved seeing how much someone can change a person’s life and how happy one can be. 

Oprah talked for a while and then had us fill out a self-help workbook to manifest our goals for 2020. We were actually able to put the tools Oprah gave the audience to work. I liked being able to actually write everything out and make a list of the ways I want to change my life.

Even in a room full of 15,000 people, there were moments where it felt like she was talking directly to me. She talked for hours, and there were parts where Oprah said the exact thing I needed to hear at this point in my life. I walked away with so many life skills to throw at every problem that will come my way.