Actress Diane Guerrero is best known for her role on the hit NETFLIX series Orange is the New

Black and, more recently, Jane the Virgin. Diane is quickly skyrocketing to the top with a new leading role, opposite of Charlie McDermott, in Greg Garcia’s CBS comedy pilot Super Clyde, as well as a book deal scheduled for a 2016 release.

Born in New Jersey to Colombian parents, Guerrero had her family ripped away from her at the age of 14. Due to fraudulent misrepresentation, Diane’s family was deported back to their home country without warning, leaving a young Diane to fend for herself. Although, Guerrero faced circumstances that would test even the strongest of wills, her determination led to quick success.

RAINE: What would you say are the three words that have helped you the most in terms of going after your dreams?

GUERRERO: Let me start off by saying that there is a possibility I have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about; I have a long way to go and much to learn. These are some of the ideas I have formed through my trials and tribulations.

#1. Persistence. You have to be willing to keep pushing forward. If something is not working, you have to be willing to try different ways to improve and achieve your goals. I have to work on myself every day. The entertainment business is about people who really want “it”; if you are not prepared, you can miss an opportunity. It’s a lot of sacrifice. You have to deal with yourself and your bad habits. I go through many moments of thinking: Did I do everything in my power to get this?

#2. Malleable. In this industry, and life really, you have to be open and be able to adapt to every situation. One has to be empathetic.

#3. Determination / Integrity. Do not give up. I set goals for myself—I want to be challenged. I used to say, “I just want to work!” and although that is still true, I am more conscientious about what kind of work.

RAINE: Acting is obviously your passion, when did you first know that this is what you wanted to do?

GUERRERO: Well, throughout my childhood I always wanted to be a performer. I liked all aspects of performing and wanted to do it all—sing, dance, and act. One day, at 24-years-old, the light bulb went off.

I just got sick to my stomach that I wasn’t pursuing something in the creative arts. Then, I decided that I would give it a try. Each and every day I am getting over my fears and getting less and less scared.

RAINE: What was your first break?

GUERRERO: It really clicked when I got cast for the ABC drama Body of Proof. The audition was to pretend to fall asleep while driving and running over a dead body. I actually got the part, and although it was simple, it meant the world to me. That’s when I got a little taste of the work and knew that this was for me. It brought me so much happiness—just the idea of entering different worlds. It took me back to my childhood and all those wonderful feelings. It was then that I decided that this had to be my life.