Gossip Teen

Former High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens is the new cover girl for Parade Magazine. The 20 year-old actress, who wants to embrace more mature movie roles, talks about growing up, being a mama’s girl, paparazzi and her nude picture scandal.

Here are some highlights from Vanessa Hudgens’ Parade Magazine interview:

On the nude picture scandal and how she’s moving on from it: “That’s why I’m extremely guarded. I really do try to watch everything I say. Because one little tiny slip, and it’s like the world is coming to an end! It is hard. I do always have a wall up. But I feel by doing it, I keep myself safe. I try to live my life, do what I want, and just let everything else follow along. I try not to read the blogs or what people say about me. Because that’s what brings everybody down–no matter what you do, you’re always going to have haters.”

On hiding from the paparazzi: “I keep my head down. Usually I’ll run around in hoodies, and I’ve got this massive head of hair, and I throw it all in my face so that nobody can see me. But if I want to do something, I’m going to do it, and if people recognize me, the fans, then great. They’re the reason why High School Musical is what it is, and they’re the reason why I’m here, so I’m thankful.”

On being a mama’s girl: “I got her fired once. I was calling her at work way too much, because I missed her. Back then, I was so shy, I did not want to leave her side. I would call her at work nonstop, to the point where she got fired. It was horrible.”

On moving out of her parents house: “I feel like I need to earn my right to have a home. It’s nice to be spoiled, but I want to be able to know that I can do it. [My parents] know I’m growing up, and they’re proud that I can actually have my own home. Of course I think they’re worried to a certain extent. But they’re so proud of me.”

On getting used to living on her own: “It’s weird living by myself. I thought I’d be the person who, every time I hear a little noise, would hide under my bed. But I’ve fallen in love with my home. When I’m in there, I feel safe. I don’t think I’ve gotten scared once–knock on wood–in my house by myself. Then again, I do sleep with the TV on so that I don’t hear all the little clinks and clanks at night!”