BlogDid you know November is National Adoption Month in the United States? It’s a great opportunity to shed positive light on adoption, where kids and parents can find each other and become a family, even if they weren’t together from birth.
Let’s take a look at some awesome people who were adopted, and went on to do amazing and awesome things!
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs changed the world over and over. From the iPod to the iPhone, he made technology an everyday part of our lives. And he made himself incredibly wealthy in the process, with an estimated wealth of at least $10 billion!
Before he passed away in 2011 from cancer, the visionary CEO of Apple lived in a beautiful 5,800 square foot mansion in Palo Alto, California. The understated but beautiful home was a great fit for the functional inventor. The 1930s home sits on a half acre, and has seven bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and beautiful trees and landscaping.
Steve was adopted as an infant. He knew he was adopted, but felt strongly that Paul and Clara Jobs were his parents “1,000%”. Later in life, he connected with his birth family but always cherished the parents that chose him as a baby.
Jamie Foxx
The award-winning actor and singer grew up in Texas, adopted shortly after birth, by his maternal grandparents. His talent for entertaining was clear by the time he was 8. After college, Jamie got a job on In Living Color. The rest is history.
He has earned Academy Awards, and countless other awards, and is one of the best entertainers in the business. Along the way, he has earned an amazing $170 million!
He lives in a 17,000 square foot house in the Hidden Valley area of Los Angeles, with a 40-acre estate complete with tennis court, swimming pool, ten bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, plenty of space for entertaining. And, a master suite with a sitting room, two fireplaces, and two bathrooms!
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, an influential and important South African leader, was raised by his mom until he was seven. Because of changing circumstances, he was then sent to live with tribal leaders. He always said these second parents treated him as their own child, and that he felt part of the family.
Mandela fought for equality in South Africa, and became the first Black president of South Africa, after spending nearly 20 years in prison, as a result of fighting for equality and against apartheid.
Mandela was loved in his country, and around the world. After decades of public service, “Tata” retired to a beautiful estate in his hometown of Qunu. He was buried here after he died in 2013.
Snooki
Snooki became a household name as a member of the show Jersey Shore, where a group of outspoken young adults live large on the Jersey Shore. She turned that bit of fame into a career, and is still involved in show business.
While the show often highlights Snooki’s Italian-American culture, Snooki was actually born in Chile, and was adopted by Italian-American parents as a baby. While she may not be Italian by blood, she’s 100% Italian by family, and makes it clear all the time.
She and her family live in a gorgeous $2.5 million mansion in Florham Park, New Jersey. The custom-built home has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, 9,300 square feet of living space, with a gourmet kitchen, gorgeous fireplace, and beautiful decor. It’s a perfect place for Jersey’s queen and her family!
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, rose from humble beginnings to become the “leader of the free world.” His father died in a car crash before Bill was born. His mother remarried, and his stepfather adopted him as a child.
By his teenage years, Bill formally adopted the last name “Clinton”, but never had fond feelings for his adoptive father, who he said hurt him and his family members.
Bill went on to Yale Law School, was elected governor of Arkansas, and eventually elected President of the United States. He and his wife Hillary, a presidential candidate in her right, own a few homes, including one in Washington, D.C., but their main residence is in Chappaqua, New York.
They have lived here since 2000, when Hillary ran for senator. The beautiful 5,000 square foot white farm house has five bedrooms, a pool, detached guest house, and sits on over an acre.
These are just a few famous and influential people who had a unique start to their childhood, and it serves as a great reminder that our experiences make us who we are, and we can do great things because of, not in spite of, unique circumstances.
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