On last night’s Degrassi you saw Anya standing up to Owen for his homophobic comments about Riley. This week we caught up with Samantha Munro to talk about her favorite parts of Degrassi, how to cope when your parents are sick, and more! Check it out below.

Your character Anya is currently going through a hard time with her mom. What advice would you give to kids in that situation?
Keep your head up and try and use your emotions for something creative. Write, paint, pour your heart into something productive and healthy for your own well-being. Don’t be afraid to share how you’re feeling with friends and family. Guidance counselors can very helpful as well.

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Degrassi cast?
My favourite part about being on the Degrassi cast is getting to go to work with some of my closest friends. I have been on the show since I was sixteen, so I actually grew up with most of these people.

Anya and Sav were the perfect couple for a long time. Will Anya move on like Sav has?
I hope Anya can move on. I think she’ll be looking for relationships to fill the void of her first boyfriend, but I hope she finds something substantial in the process.

What has been the hardest part of your role to take on?
Anya is very emotional. The hardest part in taking on her role is being so vulnerable.

Your character’s interests include cheerleading and fantasy worlds, are your personal interests as diverse?
My own personal interests I would say are much more crazy than Anya’s. I’m a huge fan of beach sports and would love to give surfing a shot. But I also read manically and play piano and guitar. I dance as well as wake board in the summer. I think I would like to give everything a shot…. at least once.