Activism is something that Shahidi is particularly passionate about. She tells Seventeen, "I love history, and activism is so engraved in history. So much had to have happened for me — and everybody — to come into this world." She's right — she cites the women's movement, the immigration movement as particularly influential examples in her life. "As you learn about these [movements], it’s hard not to be inspired. Our generation is a representation of all the great movements that have come before us. It’s all about paying it forward… What I’m seeing is basically a movement to be your true self. There are no criteria as to what it takes to be involved, protected and cared for." The teenage star clearly has a good head on her shoulders, and we can't wait to see her grow up.