What does Selena mean to you?

In Selena, they saw themselves.

For many, it was the first time they saw a Latina, proud of her heritage, unapologetically herself in mainstream media.

For some, it was Jennifer Lopez’s depiction of the singer in the 1997 film that became their introduction. One reader recalled “Baila esta cumbia” playing at a family wedding. Many were born after Selena was fatally shot in 1995, but they still felt the pain of losing a family member when they heard the news.

Some learned Spanish through her music. Others, like their star, felt at peace with not speaking it perfectly.

They’ll tell you it was about the music. They’ll also tell you it was about so much more.

Angelica Hernandez was so affected, she included Selena in her personal statement for law school applications. For Clarissa Aguilar, the musician became an inspiration to finish her doctoral degree from Texas A&M University. “The power of having someone who grew up just like you and looks like you succeed at that scale was beyond comprehension,” Aguilar said in our call out to readers asking,“What does Selena mean to you?”

On Monday, which would have been Selena’s 47th birthday, fans share their memories and express the ways her music and story affected their lives.