At the age of 18, most of us are immersed in college life—three hour long lectures on Plato, communal bathrooms and crazy parties. Instead, actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle lives a life of 12-hour workdays, movie premieres and auditions.

Courtesy of King Perez de Tagle of Kimatherapy.com

Anna began her entertainment career at age 12, singing and placing as a junior finalist in Star Search, a TV talent competition. After the show, she landed miscellaneous acting and modeling jobs, including starring as Ashley Dewitt in the popular Disney series “Hannah Montana,” Ella in the Jonas Brothers’ “Camp Rock” and most recently Joy in the remake of “Fame.” Throughout it all, she maintained an easygoing and optimistic attitude despite the obstacles of stardom.

She might be one of the brightest rising stars today, but Anna admits that her life isn’t as easy as it looks. Since rejection is one of the many difficulties she faces as an actress, a thick skin and strong morale are required for the job. Despite opposition from her mom early on in her career, Anna knew that acting was the path for her. Now, her mom is her biggest supporter.

On the other hand, she has seen people forced into the business. “You have to really love [acting],” Anna said. “It takes a lot of sacrifices.” Instead of hanging out at the movies with friends, dressing up for prom or stressing over whether the cute guy in Chemistry likes her, she’s preparing for auditions, getting ready for industry events and setting up even bigger goals for herself. It looks like Anna’s hard work is paying off, since her mystifying stage presence is undeniable whether you’re watching her in a movie theater, in your living room or on YouTube.

One of the common pressures on young stars is the constant scrutiny of their bodies. However, the Disney Channel provides an encouraging work environment that allowed Anna to feel comfortable in her own skin. It wasn’t until after she landed her role in “Fame” that she started to work out more. Since Anna, who is naturally skinny, yearned to be a little curvier, she worked with experts to tone her body. Instead of simply eating more to gain weight, she “fattened up in a healthy way.” Her personal trainer provided her with a nutritious diet plan and a workout of lunges, weight-lifting and crunches. Since starting this new active lifestyle, she has noticed herself being more energized and active. Performing and acting no longer tire her out.

The “Fame” star may have a lot under her belt, but she shows no signs of stopping. The self-proclaimed “easy-go-lucky girl” is currently in the studio recording songs with Disney. Her next project is a remix of the classic “Part of Your World” song from “The Little Mermaid,” which will be featured on the next Disney Mania CD. Anna may not be a typical 18-year-old, but her attitude is one that we can all aspire to. “There’s nothing to be negative about if I’m still alive and happy,” she said. “I just tell myself to live life to the fullest.”