Selena Gomez Continues To Be A Positive Force

The last few years have been full of ups and down for pop superstar Selena Gomez. Following a stint in a treatment facility in 2014, Gomez announced in 2016 that she would take another break from the spotlight to once again enter a facility for issues related to her lupus, including depression and anxiety. But after a triumphant speech at the 2016 American Music Awards, Gomez looked committed to changing the course of her life and career. Proving this point, on Thursday, Gomez visited a high school in L.A., in a partnership with Coach and the organization Step Up, to offer support and positive words to the young women there. And she looks as focused as ever on being an inspiring role model for others — and being the best person she can be for herself.

According to People, Step Up was hosting Coach’s CEO Victor Luis as a mentor for day in the high school and the students did not know that Gomez would be there, too. Imagine that wonderful treat! Per People, Gomez then joined Luis and Step Up's CEO Jenni Luke for a lesson that included ways to promote confidence in the students' abilities and potential.

In a statement to People, Gomez said,

“I am truly thrilled to be involved with Coach and their support of Step Up. Step Up’s mission to empower young women is personally important to me and something even more crucial in under-served communities. Working with the young women I met today was an inspirational experience I will never forget.”

Look at all of those smiles!

Since her return to the spotlight, I genuinely feel a lightness in Gomez, and it really looks like she is wholly devoted to becoming the woman who she wants to be, especially after moments of darkness. Gomez set the mood of her return with her 2016 AMAs speech, in which she tearfully told the audience,

"I think it's safe to say most of you know my life whether I liked it or not...I had everything — and I was absolutely broken inside. I kept it all together enough to where I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down...I'm not trying to get validation, nor do I need it anymore."

Career-wise, she is also making moves to inspire young women in particular with the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, for which she is an executive producer. The show highlights issues with teen suicide and bullying, with bullying, specifically, being an issue Gomez has spoken out about before. With her work with Step Up and serving as inspiration for young women, Gomez is growing and evolving, and, as a fan, I could not be any happier for her.