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On-screen, they're dealing with tough teen issues like devastating breakups, sexual identity crises, and cruel classmates, but in reality, the stars of the newest hot teen show are anything but confused about who they are and what they want out of life.

What Dreams May Come
Some dreams really do come true. Just ask VALERY ORTIZ, the 21-year-old sweetheart who plays anything-but-sweet Madison Duarte on The N's hit series, " 

South of Nowhere

 " (SON). "She's the head cheerleader, the kind of girl everyone loves to hate," says Valery of her character. "She's so vindictive and manipulative -- she knows what she wants and she gets it." Despite Valery's "mean girl" alter ago, this former University of Central Florida (UCF, Orlando, FL) theater major admits that she loves her role on the show. "It's fun to play this character that does things I would never do in real life," she says.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Valery, who started out as a dancer, was turned onto acting by her big brother, who would cast her as the star in home movies when they were little. Her love of the spotlight led her to apply to Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Theater Magnet High School (Orlando, FL), where she got plenty of stage experience and learned the ins and outs of the industry.

While continuing her theater studies at UCF, Valery landed the hosting gig on the Nickelodeon show, "Splat!" After the show's first season, the network offered to extend her contract, and Valery was put in a tough position.

"I felt stuck," she says. "I've never been one to just quit or give up, and I was left in this dilemma -- should I finish the show because I've already committed to it, or do I finish school?"

Although she chose a scholastic hiatus to live out the on-screen opportunity, she is committed to one day returning to her studies. "I really want to take some business classes, and aside from acting, I love to dance -- before I die, I will learn the tango," she laughs.

When Opportunity Knocks
MATT COHEN might be questioning his existence as SON's Aiden Dennison -- his onscreen girlfriend left him for someone else (among other drama) -- but in real life, he's anything but a self-doubter. Although he took a year off from Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) to pursue his acting career, he has no regrets. He's the first to counter that being smart arms you with staying power. "I have so many goals -- acting is just one of them," he explains. "I'm slowly conquering it, but it's not the only thing on my list.

"I have full intentions of finishing school and getting a degree," he points out. "I'm the first person in my family to go to college, but the opportunity with [SON] is here for me now. I just have to run with it until the opportunity for me to go back to school comes."

Matt misses some aspects of college life, but also remembers its challenges. "When I got an apartment with my friends; that's when reality set in," he recalls. "I had to balance work with school to pay bills." Matt managed by waiting tables, bartending, washing cars and sweeping floors.

He even learned how to cook buffalo and venison as a chef for Buckhead Brewery, a restaurant close to campus. "It's just another one of my many skills," he jokes. Matt's also got a business background -- his major before he became a full-time actor.

Matt ultimately wants to become an entrepreneur and he understands a business degree can bring him a step closer to that goal. "I'd like to start a business with my father," he explains. "Right now it's just a thought on paper, but we eventually want to open a lounge."

With his sights set high, one wonders where Matt finds energy to pursue so many missions. "I'm an extremely passionate person -- it's my fuel," he says. "I sometimes find myself trying to pass on the trait. If I get a chance to motivate someone, I jump right in."

Going for the Goal
GABRIELLE CHRISTIAN, who plays SON's Spencer Carlin, has always known she wanted to be on stage performing. At 12, she was ready to leave the safety of the ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater life she knew and jump head first into the acting world.

As a full-time student at a public high school in Maryland, Gabrielle balanced auditions with drama club, choir and her studies, and still made it into both the thespian and national honor societies. "Looking back, it sounds like a lot," says the now 21 year old. "But it made things interesting. I like to always be doing something -- I can't just sit and relax. I need to go-go-go."

Gabrielle decided to study theater at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), but took a break to get some life experience. She landed an internship at her cousin's script-producing company in Hollywood, CA, which earned her six college credits and a paycheck. The gig also put her in the perfect place to step into the spotlight, and that's when she landed her role on SON.

"It's been awesome," she says of her on-set experience. "Sometimes I can't believe I'm making a living doing what I love." Although she misses her family, Gabrielle assures us that she has her own little family on set. "I spend the weekends with my 'mom' [on SON] and we'll just hang out," she shares, which -- for anyone who follows the show -- is ironic considering the rocky relationship the two have on screen.

Another thing SON fans are all too familiar with are the questions the show raises about sexuality and lesbianism. "Spencer is 16, and she's going through this culture shock -- an identity crisis of sorts," says Gabrielle. "Like any other teenager, she's growing and changing and trying to figure out who she is." And whomever that ends up being, Spencer's character has already attracted some loyal supporters.

"I've realized through our fan base, letters I get and people I speak with that people have a lot in common with Spencer, and they say she's helped make them stronger," says Gabrielle. "That's definitely been rewarding."

Happy with where she is and hopeful about whatever the future has to offer, this rising starlet is currently excited about the Spanish class she plans to take with her boyfriend as soon as her work schedule slows down in the fall.

Will Spencer's family accept her no matter how she decides to live her life? Is Aiden's basketball career -- and love life -- going to remain in jeopardy? Will Valery ever learn how to be nice? Catch season two of SON to see what happens next.

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF YOUR FAVE CAST MEMBERS TALKING ABOUT THEIR SCHOOL DAYS.

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