They say that behind every strong person is an amazing story. That certainly holds true for Modern Family star Sarah Hyland.

It would be an understatement to say that the 24-year-old has been through a lot. The Vampire Academy actress has been dealing with health issues since she was young and was also able to break free from an abusive relationship.

She’s also on the cover of Seventeen magazine’s May issue where she talks about her inspiring life.

Modern Family star Sarah Hyland takes the new cover of Seventeen magazine out April 21! #etalk #SarahHyland pic.twitter.com/iSWy6LG6ZQ

— etalk (@etalkCTV) April 14, 2015

Hyland’s health struggles are no secret. The Modern Family actress has been suffering from kidney dysplasia, a condition that would cause the organ to progressively deteriorate. As a result, she had a kidney transplant in 2012.

But her health problems didn’t get in the way of her dreams. At her age, Hyland is already a veteran in the business. She has been acting since she was a child and has even appeared on the iconic TV show Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Hyland’s mother seems to have a big hand in shaping her outlook.

According to her, doctors have already warned her mother that she’ll never have a normal life because of her numerous health issues. To which her mother defiantly replied “You’re right, she won’t — but it won’t be because of her health.”

The story is something that Hyland takes to heart.

“If I can’t have an ordinary life, I might as well have an extraordinary one,” the actress says. And that has been her mantra ever since.

It certainly has helped her weather not just her health problems, but also some personal ones.

The young actress took out a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop who she claims verbally and physically abused her.

But she’s now putting the bad times behind her. Hyland is glowing these days and has been seen enjoying herself with new boyfriend and Vampire Academy co-star Dominic Sherwood.

And to those who are pursuing their own dreams, she says “Once you have a goal, keep moving forward – even if you’re taking baby steps.”

Such sage words from such a young star. Some of the older celebrities would be wise to take a page from her book.

You can read more about Sarah Hyland when Seventeen magazine hits newsstands on April 21.

Sarah Hyland opens up about her health issues as she covers Seventeen mag: http://t.co/zEUpLJa095 pic.twitter.com/AJEz19zguE

— Sugarscape (@sugarscape) April 16, 2015