Wayne Wang, the director, really helped me become a more mature actress. When I first started filming, I was really over the top. He just helped bring me down and make me real. That was really wonderful, a really wonderful experience. Also, what I learned about filming is it takes forever. I mean, there are so many different angles and shots. I mean, it just takes forever.

If I didn't get joy from acting, I wouldn't do it. My passion for acting is growing and I love telling good stories and inspiring stories and helping to give a little happiness to the world and perhaps get the audience to think about different issues.

Surfing is so much work. It's one of those things that I just love, but it's so hard.

You can keep your mind open and use your imagination and be creative even when you're older. For kids, I definitely think keeping your mind open and using your imagination and being able to play pretend and that it's okay.

Boys and girls can be friends. It's not weird. They're a person and they can be your best friend in the whole world.

When I'm at home or at school, I'm casual and comfortable. I tend to wear work out clothes and lots of sweaters.

I love the ocean and have a passion for surfing, even though I'm not very good at it. I like getting out there and paddling around.