By Naomi Kirsten

She played shy Gabriella Montez in High School Musical and, just one year later, broke free with her very own spirited album, V. On August 17th, 18-year old Vanessa Hudgens gets back into character as East High’s favorite new girl in High School Musical 2. How is Vanessa dealing with her newfound fame and mean online message boards? And what’s the secret to her best friendship with co-star Zac Efron? Read on to find out!

DG: How has your life changed since High School Musical?

Vanessa: My life has become more chaotic! High School Musical has opened up so many more opportunities for all of us—more than we ever imagined! We’ve traveled the world and a few of us have been able to do albums. I’ve also gotten so many more fans. Going to the mall isn’t as easy as it used to be!

Have your friendships changed?

I’m still the same person and I do still hang out with the same friends. I grew up in a small town and living in Hollywood can change the way you look at things, the way you dress, and even the way you act. What keeps me grounded is seeing other people change and knowing how much I hate it. That makes me never want to change!

In what ways are you like Gabriella, and how are you different?

In the first movie, Gabriella was very timid, always hiding behind her book. I’m very outgoing! I love hanging out with my friends and being silly. In the beginning, Gabriella took herself seriously and I’m such a big kid!

What types of scenes do you like acting in best?

I love doing everything! It’s always fun being the bad girl, the good girl, and the smart girl. It was so exciting to see my character develop into something a little more spontaneous in this film. Gabriella’s become really strong, and I think a lot of girls will relate to what she goes through.

Why is your friendship with Zac Efron special?

He’s such a sweet guy! I love hanging out with him and we always have a great time. Like I said, I’m such a kid and he’s such a big kid, too! Sometimes the things we do are so hysterical! One day we were hanging out and decided to tie a jump rope to the end of my electric scooter. Then I was on the scooter and he was riding on his skateboard, holding onto the jump rope as we went down the street. People try to grow up so fast in this business, but there we were, just being kids!

Have you had an embarrassing moment recently?

I’m the biggest klutz! I always run into things but I just laugh about it. And I always get tongue-twisted.

How do you feel about the mean-spirited things that might be said about you online?

I try not to look at that stuff. No matter what, there will always be haters. Some people love you but you can’t win over everybody. They can think what they think. And whether you’re famous or not, it’s going to happen: Even in school there might be people who talk about you behind your back. I just try not to let it get to me, and listen to my true friends instead.

For more of this interview, check out the August/September issue of Discovery Girls. And don’t miss Vanessa in High School Musical 2, premiering August 17th at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel. Vanessa's CD, V (Hollywood Records) is in stores now.