Duke University Graduate Turned Actress and Star of MTV's Faking It
RITA VOLK Talks Personal Values, Following Your Passion and The LGBT Community in this Exclusive Interview
Rita Volk: Hi, Ocean. That’s such a cool name.
Ocean Pleasant: Thank you, my full name is actually Ocean Blue Pleasant. [Laughs]
RV: That’s not real! I love it.
OP: Thanks! Our questions aren’t super normal, but I hope we can just jump right in!
RV: I like not-normal. It's a breath of fresh air.
OP: What does your creative process look like?
RV: I think finding ways that you can naturally relate to your character; just sitting down and trying to find out who that person is and seeing what similarities you can draw from, whether it’s similarities to that person or something you see in them that you have met in other people. I think drawing from those connections so that when you are in that headspace, you have something to use and work with. That’s the biggest thing.
OP: What makes you come most alive?
RV: Seeing the different layers in people. I like interesting people. I think if we’re constantly good and happy and okay, then there aren’t tribulations that make us stronger. Exploring that is very inspiring to me. I think it makes people stronger to overcome issues and the complex things in life. We learn more about ourselves when we go through hardships. As a performer, I think you have to draw from those things to make you a better artist.
OP: What inspires you?
RV: Gratitude. It just makes you want to go out there and do a good job and treat people well, and treat yourself well. Seeing the beauty of the world, and people being good to themselves and to other people, that inspires me.
OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?
RV: Let’s just all get along, or try to as hard as we can. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I think sometimes people don’t try hard enough to see other perspectives. Try and see other people’s sides as best you can.
OP: What truth do you know for sure?
RV: That I have to stay true to myself. To be forthright in who I am. Especially in this industry, there are so many different opinions that you’re constantly facing and that constantly clash together. It’s hard to keep a sense of who you are and what your values are when things are constantly changing and people want you to change or expect you to change. Try hard to be aware of who you are; don’t change that unless you’re changing for the good. You will naturally evolve, so don’t let people tell you you’re doing something wrong when you know in your heart you’re doing something right.
OP: What makes you feel vulnerable?
RV: I think my insecurities and feeling not good enough. I have days where I feel like I can do better as a performer or person or girlfriend or friend. That’s a vulnerability for me, wanting to do better.
OP: Can you name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome?
RV: I always knew I wanted to act, and the people around me weren’t very supportive and thought it wasn’t realistic. I went to school for a while and was very academic. It was a great learning experience, but it wasn’t my passion and I wasn’t doing what I loved. So I would just say: If you know what you want to do and you know what your passion is, do it; there are so few people in the world that can say they’re living their passion. Pursue what you love and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re incapable, because you’ll regret it.
OP: Do you support any causes or organizations?
RV: Being on the show, I feel like I’ve been invited into this new LGBT community of kids who are inspired by this character I play. The show has been so wonderful. It’s been a resource for a lot of people and I’ve gotten
so much great feedback. We all have in the cast. I’m feeling like I’m more a part of that, knowing that the gay and lesbian community out there hopefully have something to look up to. I’ve learned so much about that group and about the coming-out process and how difficult it is; I’ve really gotten to know this special group of people and that’s something I’ll continue to explore as the show goes on.