#Quote1The moment we feel we have learned everything this world has to offer, we relinquish all true self respect and purpose in life.2The Albanian culture is elusive to me. I think this has to do with leaving the country at such an early age, as well as the country rediscovering her roots after many decades of repression. However, there is a condensed softness about the Albanian people, and I've witnessed examples of their hospitality that have been famously engraved in history for centuries.3Some mothers sing lullabies to their young children, my mother read me poetry; so I associate my strongest and most insistent feelings on words lyrically organized on a page.4I was an unassuming, soft-spoken, self-possessed skinny little girl with absolutely no tincture of rebellion in my make-up.5It came about like a typical audition where the actress doesn't know a soul in the room, and exposes her heart and vulnerability in hopes to win a handful of strangers' affection.6I write to escape, to confront and to tame.7The core reason I had written books is to offer children a tool in accomplishing their own dreams. I would like to show them what is possible in this world, and what happiness is available to them if they have the courage to look.8The beauty of these two professions in particular is that they complement each other seamlessly. Since I was a very young girl, I loved people, I adored their intricate behavior in society, their emotions, their instinct, their fire. I was enthralled by what was not being said, by the dichotomy of their emotions. As an actress and as a writer, I've been offered the privilege to study people for the rest of my life.9I dream of being the glue to bind audiences around the world, I dream of making a difference in the way people view this world. And this complements the reason for my acting and writing as well. All three elements of storytelling carry one vital philosophy - to offer universal insight, and many instances, hope and therapy to those who absolutely need it.10The elements I believe everyone looks for are talent and heart. It's intangible, but the force of the written word has the power to carry our emotions. The written journey the story takes plays your heart stings like a puppet.11I would like to see from women in this industry what I have had the privilege of witnessing for a decade now. Strength, conviction, and unapologetic sensitivity for the healing of souls.12The character I play, Araceli, also understands that to dream is to defy, and to defy is to be captured and killed. Araceli's bravery is about her willingness to take that risk.13I have an affinity for passionate, vulnerable-yet-powerful characters that project an air of self-sacrifice and humility.14As actors, we always find ourselves in our characters - it's the conduit of life that which is written on the a page.15By now, Araceli was a part of me, and to be on American soil while watching the unsettled current of a skinny river flowing between Juarez and Araceli's dream, stirred me to realize how heartbreaking it must be for so many families on the other side. They can almost physically touch their dream, but often die trying, spiritually and physically.16America Ferrera and I had two scenes together, both in Spanish. She has this energy about her -- this passion for filmmaking. I adored working with her.17On every film, whether it be the location or the material, I learn something -- oftentimes about myself. Sometimes the conflict of the character allows me to reflect on my own philosophies on life and love.18In "Muertas," I learned about my mother. Araceli's carnal hunger for a better life was something I recognized from listening to my mother's stories of fleeing a communist country for America. In a sense, I was portraying her, right down to her facial expressions. This film was my tribute to my mother's integrity and strength.19Throughout the years working on the George Lopez (2002) show, Carmen was a liberating escape for me. I was able to experience moments of high school, lessons with boys, and a rebellious streak that I have yet to experience as Masiela. I can safely say I have lived a colorful life, and I have Carmen to thank.20Hearing stories on how certain episodes changed someone's views, or offered condolence made me realize how truly noble the acting profession can be, how truly and utterly selfless.21I was fortunate to have experienced many religions throughout my life, and each experience has shaped me. I consider myself a very spiritual person as a result. There's so much energy around us all, so many answers available if only we have the courage to hear our own whispers.22In my opinion, the idea of God, above all else, is created to nurture the spirit. When the child prays for the dying parent, reflecting on his love and devotion, then the prayers will help lift him above the fears. I believe religion is most effective when used among the mass as a central gravity of morality; a support system. Although I don't follow one specific religion, I do believe in moral strength and inspiration.23I have an affinity for poetry because it is the finest strum of music to my ear. The way one can weave the words into a symphony of moods and notes can move a person to tears.24Carmen's experiences were so familiar to me as a girl that I often overlooked the fact that she was Hispanic. There's a raw naivety, untamed enthusiasm to her character that any teenager, including me, could relate to. Her being Hispanic was beautiful in its own light, but the value of Carmen on the show weighed more in her every day experiences as a young adult trying to find her voice.25I left Tirana when I was five years old. My mother and I shared one shadow as we explored other corners of Europe together. She was my world. A tear from her felt like an earthquake. One smile and I could move mountains.26Aside from my own work, I find writers to be divine. To transport intelligence from one character to another is like having a grasp on every corner of humanity. To be a conduit of so many facets of philosophies is awe inspiring . Writers in my eyes are demigods.27Yes, I still dance. It's my escape.28The greatest reward above all Hollywood glitter is hearing the individual tune of my fans' hearts, and understanding how my work can affect each one personally. I find my passion for the film industry fueled more by their words than any intangible fulfillment of fame.29Soft music in general reminds me of Barnes and Noble, when I used to spend entire days with my little honey water, finding 20 or so books and flipping through, mesmerized by all the conversations I could have with the writers just in their chapters alone.30It's because of what my fans say that inspires me to continue reaching for the stars... I do it because my dream is to inspire each of them to reach with me.31A child's power lies in his future.32Any great artist can recall a moment in their life when they turned away from conventional comforts to pursue a life in the most unstable industry known to our society and beyond.33Peer deep inside yourself, recall all your passions and dreams, and lay out your careers in front of you. The hardest choice is often the best and most spiritually fulfilling. Whichever it may be.34I look forward to raising a family and I hope to reach this goal before my thirties. I love children, and would love to nurture any way that I can.35My all time favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate cake comes in at a very close second.36I wasn't raised with any one particular religion. However I'm interested in all beliefs as I view them to be the foundations of societies. I was fortunate enough to have explored many through friends and experiences and came to the conclusion that religion serves as a pedestal for art, charity, and beauty in all things.37It's offering due respect to the country one is in by making the effort to learn and observe a new culture and language so unique, yet so similar in sentiment.38We're so lucky to live in a tiny universal community where a foreign country is only a click away.39The acting profession teaches us many things. One lesson I will keep in my heart, one which has built my worth in this industry, is the idea that we can become anyone, and everyone. With the right power and confidence, a whim can transform into a talent, and sometimes even a virtue.40As an actress, if you find inspiration through my work, then my job is complete.41In Buenos Aires, the entire city felt as if it was dipped in good, golden karma. There was such peace radiating from the people and atmosphere that I could have lounged outside or walked down the streets all day and evening.42Corey taught me how to hold a Kendu sword and swing it properly. Our steps were described to us in Chinese, with a translator by his side. I was fortunate to have had some previous fencing training a couple years back, so the footwork felt natural, but I have to admit, I flailed wildly rather than swinging purposefully at first. - Interview about Blood: The Last Vampire (2009).43As actors, we dig so deep into our senses, our country's borders and cultures blur into one pot of emotion, and we perform above the complexities of language and formality. - Tolucan Times Newspaper, June 200844Although I was cautioned against reading too many scripts while on set, my curiosity for Time of the Comet (2008) swept me into a whole new story of purity and betrayal, of the ultimate sacrifice for love, and the cry for war and death. It was a journey I lived through in text, and hoped to recapture on set.45I often feel like a pretender when wearing makeup. The most beautiful features in a woman are her character and her experiences. Why hide that?46I don't care for loud noises...especially yelling. Fiery temperaments don't inspire me.47I feel sexiest wearing a light perfume... and heels.48If I am to contribute only one thing of myself, it would be compassion.49Many countries had a hand in raising me. I am the product of many contradicting philosophies and cultures... My entire universe is comprised of these foreign traditions. If any one of these experiences are to be ignored, I wouldn't be the same.50It is wonderful to sense an overall community making up The Tolucan Times. As an actress and a girl, I can relate to the stories because they hit close to home, both professionally and emotionally. Thank you for such and in-depth look at our society and beyond.51I find time to write the way kids find time to ride their bikes.52Staying busy, and doing what you love to do, is the greatest blessing.