Monique Coleman

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'm good in the kitchen. I can cook seafood, collard greens, black-eyed peas.

Dancing on 'Dancing With The Stars' really broadened my fan base. I jumped off the stage backwards one week, and so many women come up to me now and say, 'You're so brave. I can't believe you put yourself out there like that'. If that inspires some girl out there, then great, because boys aren't the only ones who get to have fun. We get to have fun too.

My character, Taylor McKessie, is a little bit brighter in the math and science department than I am... okay, a lot.

When I get recognized, every time feels like the first time.

I love the idea that somebody is going to compare me to my character or think that I am like my character when they see me. I feel like that is a role that I am willing to fulfill.

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?'.

I've been in the shallow end of a pool, just kind of walking around, but this was my first time really swimming - and I was horrified! I actually lost it whenever I saw the edge of the pool. But I took baby steps and rewarded myself every step of the way.

I play so young because of my looks.

I look like a child - and I love it!

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

You have to split, bend over backward, touch our toe to our heads to get recognized.

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.

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

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

In case of emergency, do whatever your best friends tell you to do!