[caption id="attachment_57251" align="aligncenter" width="230"] True Survivor: Madonna Reveals She Was Raped Years Ago
[/caption]The pop superstar has revealed in an essay posted in the November issue of Harper's Bazaar that she was raped at knife point on a rooftop when she first arrived in New York City. The singer goes on to say that her apartment was burglarized three times as well.

Madonna left Rochester, Michigan at the age of 19 to pursue a career as a professional dancer. She was not prepared for all of the violence, drugs, and poverty that she witnessed upon moving to New York City. However, the singer persevered, landing a contract with Sire Records in 1982. Her single, Like a Virgin was released in 1984 and skyrocketed Madonna into fame.

By her mid-20's, the singer reveals she had finally found her confidence, stating in Harper's Bazaar, "When you're 25, it's a little bit easier to be daring, especially if you are a pop star, because eccentric behavior is expected from you." Now at age 55, the mother of four is an accomplished recording artist, actress, and director.

Madonna has overcome all the odds, venturing out on her own at a young age, pushing past adversity and becoming an idol to young women pursuing their dreams.