Why Lori Loughlin Says She's "Grateful" 5 Years After College Scandal (2024)

Originally appeared on E! Online

Lori Loughlin is living in the moment.

It's been five years since the Full House alum's involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal, and in that time she's kept a decently low profile. Now, in her first major interview since news of the scandal broke, Lori reflected on growth and how she's doing today.

"I'm kind and I'm strong," she told First For Women for an April 26 feature. "And open—open to life, open to experiences. And I'm grateful. So I'd say I'm strong, grateful, open and kind."

The 59-year-old also shared her thoughts on overcoming biggest challenges.

"As an actress, I hear 'no' a lot, so I just have to be myself and persevere and try not to let in negativity," she explained. "My advice is to just keep moving forward. Everyone has good times and bad times. That's life. I think you just have to pick yourself up. Nobody said life was going to be a breeze. There's beauty in life, but there's also hardship in life."

And while Lori didn't address the scandal directly, she did voice her opinion on forgiveness.

Lori Loughlin's Life in Pictures Since the College Admissions Scandal

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"I try to be a forgiving person," she said. "I'm not one to hold onto stuff. Stuff happens to everyone. We've all been in positions to ask for forgiveness but to ask for it, you have to learn and know how to give forgiveness, too."

In fact, forgiveness was a key element of how she was raised.

"My family wasn't one to hold grudges," the When Calls The Heart alum continued, "I didn't grow up in a household where if you made a mistake, you weren't forgiven. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. So I was always told to let stuff go. And I think for your own health, you have to let things go because you can't hang on to negativity. Life's too short."

Why Lori Loughlin Says She's "Grateful" 5 Years After College Scandal (1)

In 2019, Lori and her husband Mossimo Giannulli pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for securing admission to the University of Southern California for their two children, Olivia Jade and Bella Giannulli, as part of the school's crew team, despite the fact that neither daughter was a rower.

Lori ultimately served two months in jail, paid a $150,000 fine and completed 150 hours of community service, while her Mossimo was sentenced to five months, a $250,000 fine and 250 hours of community service.