Melissa Bumero decided early that she wanted to be a performer, and at first, it seemed like success was all but guaranteed.

Mission to NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, a role on the iconic soap opera,

One Life to Live. But when it was time to make the next jump, that proved more challenging

than Melissa anticipated. Until a fateful audition for a sitcom opposite Andy Sandberg, a role Melissa

was convinced she would never get until she did. Melissa's portrayal of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's

Amy Santiago captured the hearts of viewers,

myself included, who loved watching a type A teacher's pet Latina mixed up in wild hijinks.

We talk about life during 99, including a surprise pregnancy, and life after, especially the

choice to do another workplace sitcom Netflix's blockbuster.

Full disclosure.

I was nervous about this conversation because I am a Melissa Fumero Stan,

and she is every bit as warm and charming and dare I say normal as I hope she would be. I'm going to be. Melissa, thank you so much for doing this.

Thank you for having me.

So I live in your birthplace.

I live in West New York, New Jersey.

Oh, my God.

I feel like the town needs to erect a sign to you.

Thank you.

You have this very special upbringing because I can't tell you the number of Latinas I interview

who were raised with a, you become a lawyer, you become a doctor, there is no option C.

And the number of them that wanted to pursue a life in the arts or a creative life.

And when they told to their parents, their parents, for reasons that I think you and I

...