Today's special guest wears many hats. Actor, writer, producer, and former jazz band member Monica Raymund believes there is no right way to become an artist. Graduating from the Juilliard School class of 2008, Monica felt that her 4 years spent as a student allowed her the space to fully explore her instrument and break through her own inner blocks.

After gaining representation through Juillard's showcase, Monica shares that the determining factor in choosing her agent was the fact that her talent agent's life didn't revolve around the entertainment industry. With a lack of representation of Latina women on screen, Monica initially did not see television as an opportunity for her. Now, through the process of having grown comfortably into herself, Monica discusses how she now comfortably says "no" to projects that don't align with her values.

Having spent 8 eight seasons as fan-favorite character, Gabriela Dawson, on NBC's "Chicago Fire," Monica shares the ways in which she was able to stay creatively fulfilled as an artist when not shooting the series. With a list of credits including "Chicago PD," "Hightown," "The Good Wife," "Blue Bloods," "Brahmin Bulls," "Arbitrage" and many more, Monica is going full-steam ahead when it comes to work both in front of and behind the camera. Today, Monica opens up about her first major network test experience, how NBC's Female Forward program helped launch her directing career, and how what's going on off-screen in an actor's self tape is what makes a compelling audition.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Monica Raymund right here.

Guest links:

• IMDB: Monica Raymund
• INSTAGRAM: @monicaraymund86

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Credits:

• WRITER: Lizzy Dalla Betta
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• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes