Like so many other stars who are now praised for their talent and beauty, True Grit star Hailee Steinfeld was bullied at school.

The 16 year-old has signed up to support The Trevor Project, an organization that sets out to protect and empower bullied LGBT teens. Steinfeld explained in a recent interview why her bullied past inspires her to help others:

"Bullying is something I went through, from third to sixth grade, when I got pulled out [of school]. I still go through it. And if I can be the person who says, 'Trust me when I tell you it will be OK,' then I will be that person."

Wise beyond her years, Steinfeld also offered some insight as to why bullies act the way they do: "Often bullies are taking something [personal] out on others. If they use that energy to make someone smile, we can save so many people in the long run."

The full interview - in which the Californian teen opens up about upcoming roles - appears in next month's Glamour.