Perseverance. I got cut twice. I got cut in Charlotte. I didn't have to go to Atlanta to audition. I could have said, "I'm not cut out for this." But I said, "I think I'm better than that, I can go try again." So I went to Atlanta and I made it through. Then I got cut the first time around. I could have told them I didn't want to come back for the Wild Card show but I did and look how far I got.

I auditioned just for fun.

I think there is a predisposition among Christians that Hollywood is anti-Jesus or anti-Christianity. I was warned I'd have to fight to maintain the freedom to express my beliefs. It's an unfair stereotype, and so far that's been the farthest from the truth. While everyone I work with may not share my beliefs, I have been surrounded by nothing but support.

It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do.

No matter what the situation you're in, if you're raised in a loving environment, that's the most important thing.

In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people.

My mother taught me that we all have the power to achieve our dreams. What I lacked was the courage.