“Maria Canals-Barrera is Cuban and from Miami and I’m part Cuban and from Miami, so needless to say she became a quick friend.”

I think that since it’s prom, you should definitely wear a long dress. You can wear a short one anytime! This is the moment when you get to be a princess, and for me, that means a sweetheart neckline, long, then pouf – out and big.

Acting isn’t a side thing – you have to live and breathe it.

I want people to look at my films and say ‘Wow, she’s a good actress’, and I know I’ll have to work hard for that.

I think everything about my life is magical. I’ve struggled, and against most odds, I’m truly having the experience of living my dreams.

I think the best advice came from Drew Barrymore, about always finding love in everything you do and keeping a positive attitude and being thankful.

I have suffered from bullying in many ways, from bullying in school due to my disability in reading, to digital abuse that I deal with on a daily basis. I’d like to tell the kids that are being bullied that no one should have to deal with the abuse, ever!

If someone is trying to bring you down, it only means you’re above them.

I was never a dancer before ‘Shake It Up’.

Don’t try to impress people. Always be yourself!

I’d like to help other kids with dyslexia, because I’m dyslexic. It was very hard, and I know that what I went through, other kids are going through.

I don’t have to try to be perfect because I know that my fans like me for who I am. They like me because I am weird and kind of funky, but still really calm.

I’m really into tall boots. I just got some new ones from Michael Kors that have these little gold studs. I have Valentino ones that I really love. Real, real tall boots!

I really love big scarves. I have a whole bunch.

I know that some girls look up to me for certain things, like dyslexia, and that way I know that they like me for me, so it adds no pressure.

I think that everybody needs somebody to really look up to and know that even though you’re going through a tough time, you’ll get over it.

My father is Cuban. Spanish was my first language, but I don’t speak it that much anymore because I had dyslexia, and in school they work with you only in English. But I’m proud to be Latina, and most people don’t know I am.