Often, it is the struggle of growing up in poverty that motivates and encourages a person to want to better themselves. Whenever a person achieves success, it is important that they remain humble and remember where they came from. There are many celebrities who, once they become famous and successful, remember where they came from and help other people living in poverty around the world. Celebrities do this by creating charities of their choice. Colombian singer Shakira is a celebrity who has given back to her community. Growing up poor, Shakira knows what it means to struggle and has used that experience to create charities aimed at helping those less fortunate, especially children. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 2, 1977. In Arabic, her name means "grateful" or "woman full of grace." She is an only child but from her father's previous marriage, she has eight older half-brothers and sisters. Shakira is the daughter of Nida Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid. “My father is an idealist, my mother a realist, and that is why at home I find both earth and air. My father is madness and my mother is reason. Shakira is very smart and intelligent. She knew the alphabet when she was only two years old. As a child, Shakira was fascinated when she saw her father writing stories on a typewriter. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll asks for a typewriter for a Christmas present. At four years old, she began writing songs and poems. Shakira also started belly dancing and no one had taught her. She went to a Catholic school and was criticized by many students, even by her music teacher who told her she spoke like a goat. Her determination never stopped her middle of paper......deo Music Awards and twenty-three Billboard Latin Music Awards. “I always believed that women had rights and that some women were intelligent enough to demand those rights.” The Colombian singer welcomed a son on January 22, 2013 with her boyfriend Gerard Pique. Gerard Piqué is a professional footballer for FC Barcelona. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is currently one of the judges on “The Voice”. “The Voice” is a television singing competition and the winner will receive $100,000 and recording contracts. Despite her rise to fame and wealth, Shakira remains humble and helps those less fortunate. She has never forgotten where she came from and appreciates everything she has in life, from her husband and son to her fans. She excels in her music and charitable works. Education is one of the most important things in life, which leads you to success.