Eva Longoria [1] is Redbook's December 2016 cover star [2]. The talented actress, director, and producer has had quite the year, complete with a beautiful wedding, her very own show on NBC, and a platform to voice her political opinions.

As an outspoken Hillary Clinton supporter, Eva was understandably disappointed [3] with the results of this year's history-making election [4]; however, as is evidenced in her glowing cover and positive quotes in her interview with the magazine, she's a fighter — and someone we could all learn a thing or two from. Keep reading for a sneak peek at what Eva had to say in the issue, which hits stands Nov. 15.

• On getting involved in politics: "I've thought about that a million times. I think the most powerful part of our democracy is being a citizen. Our society cannot function without citizens. Voting, civil disobedience, protesting can make our voices heard. There's more things you can do as a citizen to bring about change than as a politician. After some deliberation, I choose to hold on to that power rather than relinquish it. But I do have a great deal of respect for people who devote their lives to public service."
• On her optimistic nature: "I remember losing auditions or being let go from a job and I'd say, 'That must mean there's something amazing ahead for me!' My friends would laugh and look at me like I was crazy. I have never, ever had a personal pity party."
• On what inspires her work ethic: "I wanted to have a quinceañera when I was 15 and my family didn't have the money, so I got a job at Wendy's and paid for it myself. I couldn't wait to get to work and make my own money. There was never any resentment, because I saw how hard my mother worked and all she did for my sister [with special needs], and I wanted to do whatever I could to help. We all did."
• On when she knew José Antonio Bastón was the one: "Even before we got engaged, we just felt married. We called one another 'my husband' and 'my wife.' It didn't take either one of us very long to know that 'this is the one.' In my case, it only took 40 years to find him!"
• On changing her name after getting married: "I love him, I love his last name, and I love that tradition. It's a choice I made, but I realize it's not for everybody. I was thrilled to take his name."