Camila Cabello of Fifth Harmony has a heart of gold and an inspiring story. We caught up with the Cuban-Mexican beauty to talk about the things that matter most to her: family, food and the American dream. Here’s what we learned:

She Ditched Her Quinceañera to Compete in The X Factor

Credit: Fox / Tumblr

Many young Latinas dream of having a huge quinceañera. Not Cabello: “I didn’t want to have a quinceañera. I’m not really that type. I wouldn’t have had enough friend to invite to a party. So, I asked my parents that instead of spending money on a party if they could take me to North Carolina to audition for the The X Factor. It was the best decision I ever made.”

She Gets Her Warrior Spirit from Her Mami

is it socially acceptable to wear this around everywhere and run away and become a warrior princess?

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Jun 19, 2015 at 2:43pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram

Cabello says her mom keeps her grounded during moments of doubt or isolation. “There’s so many people around you that can feed things to you that are plastic. I’ve come across people who have said that who I am isn’t good enough, isn’t right, that I need to be someone else in order to have success and be cool. My mom taught me that I have to be strong enough and say, ‘This is wrong. I dont believe in this. I know what I stand for and I’m not going to let anyone shake that.’ It’s about sticking to your guns.”

Cartoons Taught Her English

Credit: maya & miguel channel/Youtube

Cuban-born Cabello was only five when her family moved to Mexico. A year later, her family moved to Miami. Living in the United States meant having to learn English. “I just watched a lot of cartoons and TV. I started off just watching Maya and Miguel and The Disney Channel.  We never had the Disney Channel in Cuba so it was the greatest thing on earth.”

She’ll Give You Squad-Envy

there is nothing that feels better than love. nothing feels better than being in a room full of genuine, incredible people giving you so much love. thank you to everyone who came last night for making it so special for me!!!! I LOVE 18. @taylorswift @haileesteinfeld @selenagomez @haimtheband @alexanderdeleon @yelyahwilliams @jaime_king

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Mar 4, 2015 at 12:00pm PST

Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram

Remember how she didn’t have enough friends to invite to a quinceañera? That’s not a problem anymore, just take a look through her Instagram.

"Hey Camila! Let's go out and both wear prints! We can match! It'll be fun!" -a conversation that didn't happen #idontmeantomatcheveryoneihangoutwith #ITJUSTHAPPENS @camila_cabello

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Apr 18, 2015 at 10:28pm PDT

Credit: @taylorswift / Instagram

Or Taylor Swift’s Instagram. You’ll see Camila there, too.

READ: Did Your Quinceañera Fit the 00s Mold?

Even Though Fifth Harmony Didn’t Win X Factor, It Made Her Stronger

WANGO TANGOOOOOOO ? kinda freaking out but disguising it with this very furious look on my face. is it working? @1027kiisfm

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on May 9, 2015 at 1:25pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram

“I feel like I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for The X Factor. So much of my strength came from that experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

She Loves Meeting Fans 

Credit: PopCandiesTV / YouTube

Cabello will hit the road with Fifth Harmony on a Summer tour that kicks off July 15. Cabello admits that the best part of going on tour is interacting with fans. “It’s so amazing when you get to see your fans face-to-face and have conversations. I love hugging fans. I give tons of free hugs.”

She’s Not Much of a Prankster

remember that one time @shawnmendes and @schloss8 decided to turn me into a fruit basket while i was napping?…. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN BOYS

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Jun 28, 2015 at 7:31pm PDT

@camila_cabello / Instagram

“I’m awful at pranks” confessed Cabello, who revealed the best prankster of the group is Dinah Jane Hansen. “She will shove cake in people’s faces. It’s the worst thing in the world.”

She’s Obsessed with Plantains…

Credit: iStock

“I love plantains, sweet plantains, mariquitas and tostones.” When it comes to Cuban food, Cabello admits she’ll eat “anything that has plantains.”

And Can Eat Mexican Food All Day

@latina #5HOnLatina ????

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Sep 29, 2015 at 5:27pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram

“I love tacos, rice and beans. My favorite Mexican dish is enfrijoladas. Yum.”

If there was a Tumblr about Her Everyday Life, It Would Look Like This:

I just wanna cuddle @dinahjane97

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Mar 12, 2013 at 4:21pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram

“Someone trying to wake me up.”

Working out

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Feb 15, 2013 at 2:44pm PST

Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram

“Reading books.”

this is literally my friendship with @dinahjane97 in an instagram video

A video posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Apr 12, 2014 at 2:59pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram

“Koala hugging Dinah and not leaving her alone.”

She’s Grateful for Her Shot at the American Dream

aloha au ia oe Hawaii

A photo posted by Camila Cabello (@camila_cabello) on Jun 11, 2015 at 3:41pm PDT

Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram

“The American Dream is the reason why all Latinos come to the U.S. My dream is to be the best version of myself. A lot of the times we come from a country like Cuba or Mexico where you are completely confined. If I wanted to be the best artist, the best musician, the best singer there’s a limit to how far I can go with that. My dream is to be able to have the best future possible. And taking care of myself and family. Most importantly to be happy.”

Tell us who is your favorite Fifth Harmony member? Sound off below.

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