To be able to graduate from high school when you’re 14 years old and move on to getting a bachelor’s degree by the age of 18, you’ve got to have good teachers. Actor Katherine McNamara—known for her roles in Shadowhunters and Maze Runner—goes all the way back to the first educators she encountered when doling out thanks to the mentors who nurtured her devotion to higher learning.

The Drexel University grad, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature, grew up in a family of scientists and medical professionals who instilled in her the value of pursuing knowledge. This, combined with an inspiring preschool teacher, sparked what has become lifelong desire to learn. She gushes, “Education for me was always framed as a joyful experience, as a way to discover the world and really broaden your horizons.”

McNamara’s education has also played a key role in helping her take control of her budding career. With the knowledge she gained from studying business administration during her undergrad, McNamara is able to read (and understand) her contracts and can manage her career as a business. Her masters is where the creativity comes in. She comments, “if I’m going to be telling stories for the rest of my life, I might as well know how stories have been told.”

Walking the halls of the Rogers Arena backstage at WE Day Vancouver, we chat with this self-described “nerd” about her love of learning and equally deep appreciation for teachers.