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

High School Musical is definitely the best thing that's happened to my career and I walked away with great friends from it.

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 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.

I think it is important for girls to see movies where it is not all just about 'the boy' or it's simply being about 'the relationship' or 'Am I pretty enough?' or 'Am I cute enough?'.

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 have a gajillion headbands - yellows, pinks, reds, blues. I'm obsessed.