(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Eva Longoria didn't look up to "celebrities" as a youngster.

The actress is famed for her philanthropic efforts, and has set up the Eva Longoria Foundation which raises funds for Latina women and children.

Eva says her family encouraged her goodhearted nature.

"Growing up I had a lot of role models but they were usually within my family," she told the UK edition of OK! magazine. "I didn't have to look too far to find a role model. I come from a really big family of women - strong, educated women - so my role models growing up were always my mom, aunt, sisters and cousins rather than celebrities."

Eva is currently completing her Master's degree in Chicano studies. The stunning star is proud that she's achieving what she set out to do.

"I go to night school and it's been challenging but so satisfying. I love history. It authenticates my activism, my philanthropy and my politics which I want to be my life's work," she said. (C) Cover Media