When I develop a character, I usually start by creating a backstory with whatever information I have access to.

I actually take karate and tae-kwon-do. And so I love sparring and grappling and all that physical stuff. I studied a hybrid form of grappling, sparring, and self defense; it's more of a 'get yourself in shape,' and if you want to take it to the next level, so you're really learning valuable skills with self defense, and I really enjoy it.

My dad didn't want me to go for drama in school, so I chose the closest thing to it and got a bachelors degree in Communications at the Manhattan College.

I can be a nice person, but if someone is messing with someone I care about, the tougher side comes out a little more.

I really am happy that I met my agency and my management company, because they see me as a person and not just a Latin woman.

'One Tree Hill' really had an impact on my life. It was the first time I left my house and my family in New York and went to a small town in North Carolina. It was the most incredible experience for me.