My mother and father always supported my passion for acting. I think they just kind of expected me to move to New York and become an actress and have all these adventures.

My mom is a hard worker. She puts her head down and she gets it done. And she finds a way to have fun. She always says, 'Happiness is your own responsibility.' That's probably what I quote from her and live by the most.

And now, I still really don't care that much but now I have music playing all the time at home, which is a first for me. Whatever. Everything from Ani DiFranco to Dave Matthews to Jack Johnson and Norah Jones.

I have always been drawn to child-related causes. I find that people listen to me more when I advocate for children now that I have my own.

I do think about aging. I have those moments of panic and vanity, but life keeps getting better, so you can't worry about it too much.

My parents came from a poor background and worked their way up because of education. They saw it as a way to succeed. So they cared about me getting straight A grades when I was growing up.

I'm still really close with everyone at home and their parents - and their brothers and sisters. I was so, so, so lucky to grow up as part of a community and I don't take that for granted. I try very hard to stay part of it.