Ugly Betty's Justin Struggles With Being "Different" at School

TVGuide.com: How does Justin like high school?
Mark Indelicato: Justin is a freshman in high school this year and he's not what the other kids are. The kids are superficial and don't look at him for who he is. You're new in a school, you're around people you don't know, you're intimidated by kids who've been there longer than you. So that's kind of the gist of his whole problem.

TVGuide.com: As a teenager yourself, can you relate?
Indelicato: I am a sophomore in high school, so I know what it feels like. It's a comedic show, but they're not sugarcoating it at all — it's real. The way they are portraying Justin is something, I think, that could change someone's life. I'm trying to portray this as reality because I've seen this happen. I'm in it, so I know exactly what's going on there.

TVGuide.com: Who does Justin turn to for help during all this?
Indelicato: Marc helps him out. I think he sees that Marc went through the same type of thing. He went to a public school and dealt with being different. I think he's kind of a role model. Justin just loves fashion and is fascinated by Mode and the people who work there. And I think Marc is there to be a mentor and to say, "Look, it's OK to be different, it's OK to not be a jock and not do what everyone else is doing. Do your own thing because you're going to be great no matter what." And that's a big thing for Justin.