"They're a singer, they can't be role models." These are words that have lingered in my mind since I sat with a group of people at lunch one day my senior year of high school. How could someone say that? Just because someone is a singer doesn't mean they can't have the same effect on people as athletes and world leaders do on people.

Take Demi Lovato for example, an artist admired by young women everywhere. Not only has she been open about her depression and an eating disorder as well as her addictions, she chooses to be an advocate for those issues so her fans know they aren't alone. When I first heard "Skyscraper," "Warrior," and "Lightweight" (just to name a few Demi songs) I felt like I could develop a connection to her and that I wasn't alone when it came to my own personal struggles and stories. She even has a book that has a positive message for each day of the year so every day you can get an inspirational message and know that everything will be okay.

Another example to think of is Taylor Swift. Her music got me through my middle school and high school years and now she is getting me through my college years. When you listen to her music you realize how similar you actually are to one of the world's biggest superstars. I remember having my heart broken and listening to songs like "Last Kiss," "Fifteen," and "Enchanted." It's as if Taylor had been inside my mind and had taken my thoughts and made them into music. Now she just doesn't sing about love, she sings about chasing your dreams, change and being strong when others are bringing you down. Even if you don't like her, there has to be at least one song or two that makes you think "wow, she really put my feelings into words."

Now take Lady Gaga, someone who is practically a walking billboard for human rights. Remember when "Born this Way" came out? We all started to embrace the little things that separate us from everyone else in this world. We realized it's okay to be ourselves and to be different. Yes, we can be distracted when she wears things such as a meat dress but when you sit and just listen to her music you realize how genuine her heart is. Think of her performance from this year's Oscars. Not only does Lady Gaga do some crazy things, but she also takes the time to send a message about human rights. Her Born this Way Foundation works to create a "kinder and braver world by supporting the wellness of young people." So next time you might not want to think positively about Lady Gaga, just remember how hard she is working to create a better support system for human wellness and human rights.

When I heard those words from that person at lunch one day, my mind started spinning because I started to think of all the great and wonderful entertainers who have helped me cope with the hardest of times. Above were just a few examples of many great artists who make it their mission to help the world. Just because someone's a singer doesn't mean they don't have a good heart and they're not a good role model. Yes, they might wear crazy costumes or sing for a living, but that doesn't mean that they don't have good hearts. Music for me personally is a way of escaping the world and to relate to something or someone that took my thoughts and experiences and put it into words. So next time you think someone can't be a role model because they're a singer, just remembers how your favorite artists have helped you with your personal hardships.