I start with this...
I was like any other little girl who had a dream. What was different for me was that my dream was always about making a difference in people’s lives long before “making a difference” became a pop culture phrase.
I could express and sing this was my passion. Music moved me deeply. I was fortunate to discover this passion early in life that kept pulling me toward everything I ever wanted to do, even when I was afraid. And believe me, I was mostly afraid but I just jumped. The desire gave me strength and courage.
Growing up as an only child with middle-class, blue-collar working parents, I didn’t come from wealth or privilege. But what I did have was love, encouragement, and the freedom to explore what lit me up inside.
My parents allowed me to follow what I felt called to do, and because of that, I grew up believing music and singing were good things. My voice was something valuable, something meaningful. So I kept doing it. It made people happy and I love that.
I was also dyslexic, but interestingly, I never looked at it as something that was wrong, or something that should stop me. I simply learned to keep overcoming my fears, keep adapting, keep growing and evolving most of all I kept going. Even today, that’s still how I live my life. “How can I?” has become my mantra.
My parents weren’t rich, but they gave me everything they could: support, belief, encouragement, and pride in who I was becoming. They made me feel seen. They made me feel capable. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
That love became the foundation for the woman, artist, and voice I would continue to become.
Glenda Benevides
GlendaMusic.com
