I know what it's like to feel that fear and the need of affirmation and appreciation. To build confidence in yourself is the toughest thing.

I started the Pies Descalzos foundation in Colombia when I was 18, and since then I have been very involved in the crusade for education.

You have to be very strong and tough-minded if you want to survive.

Education affects every major challenge we face in society. It creates economic growth, paves the way for peace and stability and helps erase the legacy of marginalization.

I am trying to make my accent so it won't bother anyone, but I am not going to drive myself crazy trying to pretend I am an American girl when I am from Colombia.

Of course for a Colombian girl it was always impossible to even imagine becoming an international popstar, but my dream became reality.

Because of you, I'm running out of reasons to cry.