Essay On Selena Quintanilla

The person I look up to the most is Selena Quintanilla. Selena was born on April 16, 1971

in Lake Jackson, Texas and died March 31, 1995 in Corpus Christi, Texas, age 24. The reason I

find her so inspiring is because of her background. She was raised by two poor, Mexican farm

workers. Her father discovered her ability to sing at age 8, so he formed a Tejano

band with her and her sister, Suzette, and brother, Abraham. Tejano music is in Spanish, so

Selena had to learn the language. Even at age 17, she was not fluent, but her music proved

otherwise. The band played at the family restaurant, Papagoyo’s, before it closed shortly after

opening. Her band continued to play at different locations and events throughout Texas, which

was their primary source of income.

Selena continued to

become the most famous female Tejano singer with 8 albums, 67
awards, and millions of fans at age 24.

Unfortunately, while completing her 8th studio album, she was shot by Yolanda Saldivar.

Selena had to recover financial records from her boutique, which Yolanda was in charge of. Her

life may have tragically ended, but her legacy lives on. To this day, millions of people worldwide

listen to her music, watch her performances, and watch the movie based on her life, Selena.

Selena proved that no matter where you come from, who you are, or what language you

speak you can be successful and fulfill your dreams. Her and her siblings dreamed of playing for

big crowds and being recognized anywhere they go, Her last concert had over 61,000 people

attending and thousands more watching at home, which set her personal record for most most

fans at a concert. Some people estimate her net worth was $25 million before her death. When

you think about it, she started performing at age 8, only earning $100 per show. It took her 16

years to become as successful as other celebrities in her time, which is less than the average

celebrity the same age, nationality, and gender as her.

Her fame and success is not the only thing that makes her such an amazing icon. It’s

her
kindness. Selena was an extremely humble person and would often do different events for
charity, such as baseball games. She also has a history of recording and performing concerts
while sick. She sets the perfect example for everybody and how they should act: kind, respectful,
and humble.
Out of all the fans Selena has to this day, I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks up to
her. Whenever I feel down, or I’m going through a hard time I remember what Selena said.
“Be strong minded and always think the impossible is possible”