Gabriella was way more timid in the first one. In this film, she breaks out of her shell and is more comfortable with herself, just hanging out and having fun. She's all about the now, like I am! Also, she makes a big decision about a relationship and it hurts her, but she knows that's what's best for her.

I missed my mom doing my laundry and cooking for me, all that nice stuff. And I have such a big imagination that I freaked myself out. When I would go to sleep, I would literally leave all the lights on in my living room and kitchen and would keep the bedroom door open. I’m fortunate that I’m so close to everybody on the movie — we looked out for each other. I'm growing up, and I need to learn to live on my own eventually. I definitely don't want to move out of my family's home quite yet, but it was cool to get a taste of it!