Sarah Hyland Shares Great Wisdom In This Seventeen Interview

Sarah Hyland may make you laugh weekly as Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, but don't be fooled, the young actress is wise beyond her 24 years. And, as Seventeen's May cover girl, Hyland shares some of that wisdom with the masses.   A big part of the lessons Hyland has learned stemmed from her struggle with a serious illness which led her to receiving a kidney transplant in 2012. Her health difficulties started at an early age and caught the attention of her doctors. "I was born with so many health issues that doctors told my mother I would never have a normal life. And, she said, 'You're right, she won't — but it won't be because of her health,'" Hyland told Seventeen.  Hyland's mother passed down that strength and positivity to her daughter. Despite her ailments, Hyland has done her best to live fully and happily, consistently. "If I can't have an ordinary life, I might as well have an extraordinary one. If you set your mind to something, you'll achieve it," she said. Life is full of ups and downs, which often makes it difficult to believe such sentiments, but we should.  She's proved that we shouldn't be afraid to fight — that illnesses aren't always incapacitating, joy is attainable and the best success comes from doing what you love.  "Happiness, I've learned, comes from within. I am happiest when I am doing something I love. And, I love Modern Family — it's the best job I've had in my 20 years as an actress," she said. That must be why we laugh so hard. Her happiness is contagious.  Read more about her journey when Seventeen hits the stands on April 21st. (Seventeen)