I've always been the bookish type, and I've never really hidden that about myself.

I grew up in a home filled with music and had an early appreciation of jazz since my dad was a jazz musician. Beginning at around age three I started singing with his band and jazz music has continued to be one of my three passions along with acting and writing. I like to say jazz music is my musical equivalent of comfort food. It's always where I go back to when I want to feel grounded.

My parents always raised us with the idea of having college in mind. You sort of need a college education. It's part of life. It's something that you do - like going to your prom.

In life, there is always that special person who shapes who you are, who helps to determine the person you become.

I never really felt like I belonged in California.

The cover I was really excited about was 'Seventeen' magazine. To me, it was much bigger than 'Time.' 'Seventeen' was where I wanted to be.

Getting the pretty back is about getting back in touch with your essential self: the part of you that knows what you really want.