Jr: We have seen Clare as far back as season 6. As a student, you are basically the bridge with the deepest roots (season 6, unlike season 8 for Alli and Connor) between the former Degrassi TNG cast, and the current crop. How does it feel having that nobility within the Degrassi community?

Aislinn: To call it anything but an honor would be wrong. When I first came on the show I had no idea what a huge impact it would have on my life. It’s become a home for me, as well as a connection point to so many young Canadian actors. I couldn’t have imagined a greater gift.

Jr: Clare has gone through such a drastic change over the seasons. If today’s Clare could go back in time to visit the freshman version of herself, what advice would she now give to the younger version of herself?

Aislinn: Where to start… I think, above all, I would tell her to more readily accept imperfection. Clare still has trouble with this now, but I think she would have been happier had she been okay with making mistakes.

Jr: Without giving anything away, do you personally feel that Clare should still be in a relationship or should she just be single and mingle with a great support system?

Aislinn: I think that long distance can strain any relationship, no matter how strong. And as much as Eli and Clare feel like they are meant to be, maybe they aren’t at this point in time…. We’ll just have to see where the chips fall.