My character, Taylor McKessie, is a little bit brighter in the math and science department than I am... okay, a lot.

As an African American actress there are people who have been staples in my life that opened a door that I can walk through. I hope that I can have that impact.

I was babysitting the night High School Musical premiered last year. I watched with the kids and we sang along to the lyrics. I was making $12 an hour.

Having traveled across America and to 24 counties as the first-ever UN Youth Champion, I’m inspired by the desire of young people everywhere to make the world a better place. At GimmeMo’, our goal is to build a global community of enlightened young people — those who wish to be the change they wish to see in the world, to borrow a phrase from Gandhi — and to raise awareness surrounding some of the biggest challenges that Millennials face both in the U.S. and around the world.

If every young person pursued their greatest passion and then said, 'What part of this can be applied to social good?' You don't have to choose between being successful and being a philanthropist.

I'm good in the kitchen. I can cook seafood, collard greens, black-eyed peas.

I really understand the idea of pride and honour. I have that in my family, so I understand it completely.