Growing up in a Mexican-American household, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez has been a huge part of my family since even before I was born. I’ve listened to her music in the womb, seen the movie countless times, and practiced her dance moves. Thank you Jennifer Lopez for bringing my idol to life in the infamous movie Selena, no one could’ve filled her shoes as well as she did. 21 years after her death, my family and I still gather to celebrate the beautiful life of Selena. Selena is not only a beautiful performer but her inner beauty she embodied truly embraced her individuality that I strive to live by and has become a true idol for all.

She reminds us that you don’t need to be skinny to be beautiful.

There’s no way Selena was going to cater to the patriarchy if it meant sacrificing her food portions. If she was going to eat a whole medium pizza by herself, you bet she’s going to while still rocking that curvy hot bod that made the men swoon.

She is fashionable as heck.

Truly a 90’s fashion icon. Her style was so distinct through her dark red lips, sparkly bustiers, and ruffles galore. She became a designer for her own outfits like the true fashionista she is.

She had moves like no other.

Selena’s hips swayed so effortlessly and spun around on stage in heels all while singing and entertaining thousands. You’re lying if you say you didn’t practice the washing machine when “Baile Esta Cumbia” came on with your mom in the living room. Practice here.

She had the voice of an angel.

Years later and hearing her voice still sends shivers down my spine. My personal favorite "Dreaming of You" brings a tear to my eye.

She united people together with her grace and charm.

With a chaotic Mexican family like mine, Selena had the power to unite all six of us in one family room. My family weren’t the only ones touched by the magic of Selena, thousands of people came together during her shows to celebrate her success. She embraced both the Americans and Mexicans through her bilingual songs-creating a unison in both cultures. What a diverse lady!

She established herself.

In the movie, during her show in Mexico, thousands of unexpected people became dangerously excited to see Selena. Under her power, she had the ability to calm thousands of Hispanics down by simply hushing down the crowd, like a boss. Anything for Salinas am I right.

She knew what she wanted.

The greatest moment in history was when Selena dissed the white woman at the department store who assumed she was just another low class citizen who didn’t deserve help. Little did the women know she was a world renowned singer who was just looking for a Grammy dress. You bet the lady didn’t get a sale from Selena herself. Re-watch the iconic moment.

She went after what she wanted.

Nothing stopped her from going after her sexy guitarist Chris. After all, love stops for no one, not even from her father who disapproved of the relationship. Chris and Selena are still #goals.

She taught me to embrace my Americanized Mexican culture.

While others can make fun of me for being a “white-washed” Mexican because I don’t like spicy foods nor can I speak Spanish, I have Selena to represent my Americanized Mexican culture. Even though she was a true Hispanic icon, Selena couldn’t speak Spanish until her career sky-rocketed. There’s still hope for me. Who knows, maybe I’ll be the next Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.