The Orlando Sentinel interviewed Candice last week about her experiences thus far with being the newest vampire on The Vampire Diaries. Read an excerpt below and the full article at the source!

Q. How has Caroline changed since she became a vampire? Is she stronger?

A. Throughout the first season, Caroline based her decisions on how it would affect her. What she wanted was No. 1 on her list. Now she realizes if she wants blood, people will die. Becoming a vampire, it’s made her grow up. It’s relatable to your years in high school, when you’re figuring things out. Your actions do have consequences. One constant in becoming a vampire, your emotions are skyrocketing. You’ve got a never-ending passion, you have this never-ending hunger. Everything is heightened. It made her more aware of the people around her.

Q. What kind of reaction are you getting from fans?

A. A couple of weeks ago I went to Dallas for a signing and 500 fans came in. The girls said they were excited to see Caroline stand up for herself and put Damon in his place and fight Mason in the woods. They were excited to see Caroline as a stronger girl. It was a girl power moment. I’m a big fan of girl power.

Q. What’s your family’s reaction?

A. I’m so grateful for supportive parents. It’s lovely to know they watch the show and send me texts every Thursday. This is a career path I pursued. It was unexpected and far out of what they know. It’s wonderful for them to see a result. It’s wonderful to hear that they’re enjoying it and seeing me grow.

Read the full article here.