Tough guys with big hearts give me a big ol’ warm fuzzy.
I was watching Oprah this week (as usual), and saw her show on stars surprising guests. She had 4 boys on her show that were accepted to their colleges of choice, but couldn’t go because they couldn’t afford it. Oprah stated the statistics:
Over the past 25 years college tuition has gone up 439%
50% of American families can’t afford to send their kids to college
OK, what is wrong with this picture? We’re not a third world country here, but we’re going to be if we don’t support our youth. And like Whitney said, “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way.” Hmm…that brings back memories of 6th grade.
Anyway, back to Oprah…She surprised these kids by having Will.i.am. come on stage and say he’s going to pay for the boys’ college tuition, books, and room and board. Seriously? The front man of the hip hop group, The Black Eyed Peas, is a do-gooder?
I started getting the warm fuzzy when he got teary-eyed and told the boys, “The only thing you have to worry about is succeeding and showing the world that the youth is the future of America and the world. And the only thing I ask for you guys is to prove that single parents are the strongest people on the planet.”
Awwwwww!
And he even set up iamscholarship.org to help more children get the college education they deserve.
Bravo, Will.i.am. I was a fan before, but now I’m a super fan!
So, Will.i.am. of the Black Eyed Peas, is my first ever recipient of the “Positive Person Award”, because he’s a tough guy with a big heart.
photo credit: nanpalmero
So I’ll admit that the only reason I even knew who Will.i.am was, is because we watch Madagascar 2 at least 5 times every week and we can’t help but get up and dance when he’s singing!!! =) What a great thing for people to do. Especially people who make it “big”. I’m a big fan of Lebron James for the same reason – he is constantly giving back to the place he came from – to people who need help – and I respect that so much. (I didn’t know he was the frontman for the Black-Eyed Peas, even though I really like them. I only knew Fergie – thanks for the info). =)
I saw him on Oprah giving this away! It just really makes you feel good that these kids are going to be able to go to college!
Danielle’s last blog post..Memorial Day & The Cemetery
Hi Danielle and Debbie, thanks for commenting! I
Debbie: I also love Lebron as he’s really talented but not a jerk. I didn’t know he gives back, though, so maybe I’ll give him an award, too.
Danielle: I wish all kids could go to college without having to worry so much about money. Other countries seem to do this better than us, that’s for sure.