My Celebrity Role Models
By Goeun, age 14, Virginia
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a celebrity as a famous person or the state of being famous. But what makes them so fascinating to us? Is it the state of their fame? All they've accomplished? Or is it simply human nature to idolize someone else?
There are different types of celebrities. There are role models, the ones we hope to marry someday, and some we just love for their talent. My role models? Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift.
I look up to Selena Gomez for a number of reasons. Besides being talented and gorgeous, she has achieved so much in just 16 years. Starting out on Barney, she now stars as Alex in Wizards of Waverly Place, Mary in Another Cinderella Story, and has a new movie coming out with her best friend Demi Lovato called Princess Protection Program. She has recorded songs on many different soundtracks, and touches base with her fans every once in a while via YouTube and SayNow.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez also supports many charities. She has worked with UNICEF, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Charity Buzz, and made a PSA with Kermit the Frog for endangered amphibians. Selena planted trees on Earth Day with some of her co-workers from Wizards of Waverly Place and other Disney stars. She has also auctioned herself off to raise proceeds for "Rosie's Gala: Building Dreams for Kids Auction." I think it's really nice that she's using her celebrity status to raise awareness for important causes instead of taking advantage of it.
Although it's great that Selena Gomez volunteers her time and money to charity, I admire Taylor Swift for a different reason - her music. While she has done charity work, Taylor's songs are what get to me. Her songs are truly amazing because she writes from experience. And she isn't afraid to use names either.
Taylor Swift
Taylor, who recently turned 19, has remained strong through so much, and that's one of the reasons I love her. Most celebrities turn to drugs or alcohol to vent. Taylor turns to her music. She also keeps in touch with her fans from her MySpace blog. A previous post explains how she met Shania Twain, and how Shania was the reason she wanted to get into music in the first place. The way Taylor describes meeting Shania tells you she's down-to-earth and doesn't let fame go to her head.
Some use their celebrity status to get attention, but I think they should use it to raise awareness for causes and other good things. Since many celebs nowadays are role models for children, I think they should watch their actions more carefully and be good role models.
