Hilary Swank

You grew up poor. How did you relate to the kids in the movie, and what was different than your upbringing?
I didn't feel hopeless, that's the biggest difference. My Mom believed in me -- she gave me a great gift by saying, "You can do anything you want in life, so I didn't feel hopeless." But I didn't feel like I belonged, I didn't feel understood. I didn't feel like teachers cared. I felt like I was kind of "in there" -- it wasn't a good place for me.

What part of the movie was hardest for you to shoot?
I went to work everyday scared because I didn’t want to mess the story up. It was so well written, and I got so much out of it. I got so much as a human being and as an actor. I would be here for a long time to tell you how life changing it was. When you get to talk to these kids and hear their stories, you realize how we're all the same. It really moved me. It was a constant reminder to stay open, not judge a book by its cover, and try to learn from [people] -- that's what life is about.

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