It’s important to remember where you came from, and Chrissy Metz is doing just that.

The This is Us star sat down with Alex Morris of Glamour and opened up big time about her difficult past. Chrissy’s single mom struggled greatly to pay the bills, and to keep food on the table. She recalls her mother frequently forgoing meals, saying she just wasn’t hungry. Chrissy explained that she understood that her mom was sacrificing so that she and her siblings would get enough to eat, and that may be why “food equals love” in her family.

Despite their struggles, Chrissy and her sister had big goals.  They found their way to an audition where they were both “discovered” and headed out to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. She said:

“I kept auditioning, with no savings and no money, credit card debt gaining interest. I went on unemployment. I bought ramen noodles at dollar stores. I never had to—God forbid—live on the streets; I moved in with a roommate who told me, “Stay with me until you can afford rent. Don’t give up.” People who supported me were like, “If you don’t have money for food, I’ll cook you dinner. You don’t have money for acting class? Let’s get together and read lines.” I am so grateful that I had such an amazing support system, but when I booked This is US, I had 81 cents in my bank account. I could cry right now just thinking about it.”

Overcoming such obstacles has made Chrissy extremely grateful and eager to give back, repaying those who helped her on her journey, and helping others who are in need as she had been.

To read Chrissy’s full story, head to Glamour.