My mom grew up in poverty in Oklahoma - like Dust Bowl, nine people in one room kind of place - and the way she got out of poverty was through education. My dad grew up without a dad, with very little and he also made his way out through education.

But I'll never be one of those women who feel that they always have to wear earrings and aren't properly dressed without them.

My mom was really vigorous about making sure that we saw things and that we questioned things. Education was so important to both of my parents.

I know enough to know that when you're in a pickle... call Mom.

And you can't hide in a comedy scene either. You have to give in to the scene and commit.

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've made my mind up that I will only do a film that I really, really love. I'm determined to lie low until a role comes along that really makes me want to work.