When I was growing up I always wanted to be a waitress. My sister opened a restaurant in Mississippi, and I went down there and was a waitress for a few days. Let me tell you, I got it out of my system.

I don't want to be a 'teen star' because so many people don't ever grow out of that.

I loved school. But when I started 'Party of Five' in the fifth grade, I was taken out of school and tutored on the set.

The only way I can be there and really get into the character is if I'm her.

My family has always called me 'Lay Lay,' and my dad used to always call me 'Dynamite Termite' because I was really short and small and I hated to be still. I would never stop.

Do what you're passionate about.

It's more fun if you can control things like lighting and make special effects in the darkroom.