Photographer: X Level Inc. and Jorge Campos
- How do you feel about Texas reopening already? Do you still have a home there?
I know the economy is struggling right now, and things need to reopen for us to fix that… as long as people are taking the right precautions and understand that just because places are open doesn't mean that it's back to normal. We should all still be practicing social distancing and wearing masks when going out. I am currently at my home in Texas that we are selling, so the answer is yes, I do have a house here but not for long.
- How are you keeping busy and sane during all the crazy times we are living in?
Well, I haven't been sane throughout the whole quarantine. I've had my days where it gets to me, and I have zero motivation, but at the same time, I try to keep a positive mindset and do things I enjoy! I would say to anyone struggling to defeat boredom; being bored is one of the greatest things that can happen to you, so use it wisely! When I'm bored and I choose to go on my phone I find myself going down the classic Instagram self-sabotaging dive where I start comparing myself to people who appear to have it perfectly. In times like these, we rely so much on technology and are so driven to spend more time on social media to connect with others, but social media can be very contrived and manipulative. I am saying this because I know many girls feel the same way from what I've seen going around. It breaks my heart that it can be that way because we should focus on ourselves and practice spreading love and compassion at the end of the day.
Anyway, back to what I was saying is that I've chosen not to focus on scrolling and defeating my self-esteem. If I am bored and want to kick back and go on my phone, I watch videos of things that inspire me to get up and better myself. I'll recommend this YouTube channel called "StyleLikeU." Their videos have gotten me through some of my most challenging quarantine days when I feel very self-deprecating. Use your boredom to get creative. Paint something, read something, watch something… this list is endless. It's going to be hard at first and feel pointless, but it gets better and easier. Also, call your loved ones and stay close to the people who bring you positivity in these dark times. Now that I'm out of school, I've been doing things such as working out, playing Mario Kart with my brothers, writing, etc. And of course, learning more about the things I am interested in so that way I leave quarantine with a more advanced skill set and a healthier mindset.
- What do you wish you could tell yourself last year about this year?
I would probably tell myself that things are going to be different, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, so I don't think telling myself to prepare would have done anything because everything I go through, every emotion, is essential in my self-growth. If anything, I would tell myself to see my friends and go out more right before this all started because I never got a chance to.
- Tell me more about your role in Deputy?
I play the Sheriff's daughter, Maggie Hollister! Playing her is challenging in a sense where I have to keep in mind that still, she is way younger than me, and being 14, you think you know everything when you don't. Although in all of the scenes, she proves to be mature, so when I think I can make her young and naive, she surprises me and I end up learning a lot from her. She loves her family more than any other fourteen-year-old, I think, and the validation for that I feel comes from the way our family is portrayed in the show and how we talk everything out as a family. I enjoy scenes where I get to be sarcastic towards my parents because, in that sense, she's very much like me.
- How long does it take you to decide that you’d love to audition for a part?
It doesn't. Acting when you starting out is quite simple; you get an audition; you do it! Of course, there are some auditions where I fall in love with the character and others where I don't at all, but I still do it for the experience and challenge. I can't wait to be able to pick and choose what characters I get to audition for.
- What part of a television show or movie that has already been cast would you have been perfect for?
This is one of those questions where I'll probably think of something in a couple of days and think "Ah, why didn’t I say this.” Off the top of my head right now all I can think of is, and by the way, I would never recast myself as these characters because I believe no one could've done it better than these actresses, but probably Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls or Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place. It hurts to say that though because Alexis Bledel and Selena Gomez were perfect for the roles and I was also a child when these shows came out!
- Where is your favorite place to visit in the world?
I haven't been to many places around the world, but I love New York and Cancun. New York is unlike anywhere I've ever been and always brings a special vibe. And Cancun reminds me of my childhood because my dad grew up there, and it's where my grandma lives now. I also love the ocean life and just thinking about it makes me want to go back.
- What inspires you in life?
Many things, and it's always something different. The main thing though is my desire to accomplish my dreams as an actress and with that, try to make a change in the world and help as many people as I can. I want to stay true to myself and find my style and story without following any trend or person. The people who inspire me are unique and stand up for what they believe in, even if it betrays society's influence. I think we have too many people following negative stereotypes and stipulations that were placed long ago instead of working to embrace the uniqueness of our humanity. My anger towards things I stand against drives me to want to continue to educate myself and be a person who can inspire others.
- How do you stay fit?
Right now, in quarantine, it's simple: YouTube. I do many different workout videos. I've also been a dancer my whole life and would take classes every day until I got busy with acting last year, so I try to keep doing my stretches and vital things we would do in class, so I don't fall too far behind once I go back. My family loves to run so sometimes I'll tag along, but to be completely honest, there's nothing I despise more than jogging.
- Where can fans reach you via social media? Any other projects for 2021 you can mention?
My Instagram is @valeria_jauregui. I don’t have any new projects to discuss yet, but I am continuing to audition and write songs. I’ll be going to college next semester, so I will for sure be busy and will keep you updated on my Instagram for what's to come. Thanks for reading!