After so long being thin, it was terrifying being heavier. But I am a naturally curvy Hispanic girl. I don't deprive myself.

The high that I got from helping people and being around the love was better than any other high I've gotten from any drug

If you're living your life in fear, then you're just not living.

I grew up in the South where there's discrimination, and when I witnessed the judgment around me, I always thought someone needs to stick up for not just the LGBT community but any outsider, anybody that wasn't the mold in Texas.

Life is so beautiful and special, I can't believe I ever let myself forget that

My tattoos say "Stay strong." "Stay" on one wrist and "strong" on the other. I'm able to look at them and be thankful for being alive.

My stepdad provided me with an amazing childhood. I played outside like a normal kid, I rode my bike, I walked to school, but the happiest times were when I was acting.