I had talked to my agent a lot over the years about not being interested in stereotypical "black films" [because] I didn't like the way they were representing black people over and over and over again in the same way.

I live in Brooklyn, in Williamsburg, so I just like to wander around. Williamsburg's such a cool little neighborhood community spot.

I'm happy to just sit in a cafe and watch people. It's my favorite thing to do, for sure.

It's sad to have to leave your family but I like the idea of someone believing in something so strongly that are willing to find a new family.

So, first, I wanted to be a part of the project because I thought it was an important story to tell. On top of that, it's rare to find roles for strong, young, feisty women, especially in a military film. And I love that Suarez ends up being the moral compass of the story, and that she's also brave enough to stand up to all these men.

I see the human in everyone and everything. No one is more important than anyone else; I still hang out with my high school friends.

People love teen movies because everyone can relate.