Nikki Blonsky Says "Success Is the Best Revenge!"

Nikki Blonsky says she is forever changed by her arrest for assault – after an altercation with America's Next Top Model alum Bianca Golden – at the Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos last summer.

But Nikki, 20, isn't letting the past get her down. The actress has a cameo on ABC's Ugly Betty on Jan. 8 and will then reprise her role as Tracy Turnblad in the sequel to the hit movie Hairspray.

OK!: How tough was the summer for you?

It was such a traumatic experience. There is no lesson to be learned other than be careful and watch your surroundings. It's made me a fearful person. The nightmares still go on. But in my heart, I and my family know the truth.

OK!: What have you learned from the fight?

I saw the dark side of the industry. I never knew there were people willing to do anything to get their name in the paper. It's a shame that someone will ruin a person's life and beat them up to get their 10 minutes of fame back. I think it's disgusting.

OK!: How have you been coping?

We're a strong family. The Ugly Betty cast has proven to me that there are good people in this business. Success is the best revenge.

OK!: Will Zac Efron and Amanda Bynes return in the Hairspray sequel?

Zac has said he'd love to do it again, and I know Brittany Snow is down for sure. I don't know about Amanda. I hope she will. I want to put on my Tracy Turnblad wig again and dance my little heart out.

OK!: Any New Year's resolutions?

Live my life and not let people get in the way.

OK!: Do you have a celebrity crush?

I'm not going to lie: Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl. I think he's adorable!