Representation is very important to everyone, but especially to girls like me, and people like me, whether it be because of my body, because of my race, because of my skin color, because of my awkwardness or where I come from.

I could have easily never worked again after 'Precious.' I could be back at my receptionist job and no one would be surprised, but I'm having a very crazy little career that no one thought would happen. Although that was never the plan.

My goal was just to live a good life that I was happy with. And I wasn't exactly sure that that meant being the star of a movie.

I love the way I look. I'm fine with it. And if my body changes, I'll be fine with that.

I can't quite say that I was raised Muslim, but I remember up until 5 or so I would pray, you know, with my dad. And it's actually a beautiful practice. It's giving of yourself to a higher power - no matter what you call that higher power. Living your life as close to what you think that higher power wants you to be is a really powerful thing.

I try to stay off the Internet. Just because people hurt my feelings sometimes.

I think people look at me and don't expect much. Even though, I expect a whole lot.