For the first four years of my studying in the U.S., I couldn't go home for two reasons. One is I was afraid that if I left my student visa may not hold and I wouldn't be able to come back to continue. Second, there was this big outrage in China that I didn't know how to face the public.

In high school ethics they went around and asked what everyone thought their classmates were qualified to do. For me, everyone said actress. But to me it was very much "if it happens, it happens."

I love the process of creating a character; someone entirely different from myself, and depicting it, either on stage or screen.

I think much of my inspiration comes from nature. I feel alive when I take a long hike with my dog or when I just spend time outdoors, appreciating the beauty of this world. I even feel alive and inspired when I walk through farmers markets appreciating and learning about local fruits and vegetables.

Stage performance is obviously a much grander sort of depiction. The audience isn't right in your face as close as a camera lens gets.

When I first came USA, I didn't feel this was my home. This was where I was studying, and then my home was now rejecting me.

I know that there is absolutely good in the world.