Q: How did you prepare for your character?
A: I've always said I could never be a teacher in real life. I admire them for what they do, but I don't think I have it in me. However, like most people, I have witnessed bullying and been bullied, so I can understand the frustrations Mrs. Anderson feels while watching the children of her class taunt one of their classmates despite her efforts to prevent it. We also all have our breaking points, so I kept going back to that for my character.
Q: Do you find that you can personally relate to your character?
A: I can relate to this role because I know what it's like to be new at your job and trying so hard to do it right, to make everything go right, and to find yourself facing these huge obstacles that you don't quite know how to overcome. In our own way most of us are trying to make the world a better place, and we don't always know how to go about it. I can relate to my character's struggles with that.
Q: Have you yourself ever been in a situation like either your character or Beth?
A: Like Beth, I was definitely teased growing up. It's something that made me self conscious for years. In my pre-braces days one particular sixth grader loved to taunt me everyday thanks to my overbite and gap between my front teeth. This guy was a very large athlete, about a foot taller than me at least, but one day I just snapped in front of everyone and went off on him. It was terrifying and probably not the wisest decision, but that day I really learned how to stand up for myself.
I also have a personal sympathy for Beth's story that I can't really delve into without revealing too much about the movie, but her story is very touching.
Q: Who do you think needs to see this film?
A: I think everyone will find something to relate to in it, and the message is especially important today.
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