Walking more than the hallways
Senior Jasmine Correa creates a name for herself in pageants across Texas
Posing in front of the downtown Austin skyline, senior Jasmine Correa flashes a red-lipsticked smile. Correa took home four awards from the Teen Texas Belleza Pageant: Miss Teen Photogenic, Best in Fashion, Eleganicia, and Best Interview.
February 26, 2016
With her emotions flying high and the insane adrenaline running through her body, senior Jasmine Correa, feels the undeniable pressure in the air. As the cameras flash and the audience claps for the runner up, all the hard work and missing school days flash across her mind… will this be the moment?
In April 2015, Jasmine Correa won the title of Miss Teen Texas Belleza Latina in the Texas Belleza Latina Pageant.
“I started pageants about 3 years ago and the first one I did was just for fun with my friend. I placed 2nd runner up and I liked the rush of adrenaline you get from being on stage,” Correa said.
Along with earning the title, Correa not only gained the responsibility that comes with being crowned, she gained a family. Her two sister queens Gianna Castillo and Juleanty Esquivel have helped guide her in her journey to become Miss Teen Texas Belleza Latina 2015.
Castillo has seen Correa grow upon winning the title and supports everything she does.
“It’s undeniable that she loves what she does. I admire the fact that she stays focused on school and that’s her priority. I think she manages both perfect considering how demanding they are,” Castillo said.
Esquivel commended Correa for her passion and dedication towards modeling.
“I’ve done modeling and school at the same time myself and I know how hard it can be. Jasmine never ceases to impress me with her scholastic and modeling awards,” Esquivel said.
With missing school for a long time to the amount of make-up work to complete, having another full time commitment along with school can be challenging.
“I stay very organized and on top of all of my work to make sure that wherever I’m going for modeling, I’ll get my work that I’ll be missing so I don’t get behind,” Correa said.
Along with being a model and competing in pageants, Correa is also in the school’s choir and is a photographer.
“What truly got my interest in modeling is that I knew what the photographer was dealing with or trying to do. I love to be both in front and behind the camera,” Correa said.
Every expert starts off as a beginner, but through hard work the time pays off.
“I first started super simple photo shoots with just casual stuff downtown with an Austin photographer named Vaughn Luciano and now I’ve moved up to being featured in SEEN magazine,” Correa said.
Since winning the title, Correa’s interacts more with her local community.
“I’ve learned more about myself and my pageant family, gained more knowledge of my Latin culture, improved my Spanish, and I’ve gotten better at public speaking from speaking at schools and other public events.” Correa said.
On top of all this, Correa also gives back to her community.
“My favorite memory would have to be when we went to a community service event. We helped throw a party for a pageant friend that is currently battling cancer.”
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, but for Correa this is just the beginning of a whole new adventure.
“I’ve been able to meet so many people along the way and I’m thankful to have met each and everyone of them along this journey that is sadly coming to an end this February 21st when I crown my successor for 2016,” Correa said. “I am looking to return to nationals this August to give it another shot as my last year as a Teen. In the future, I also plan to compete for Miss Universe, it has been my dream to compete for that title.”
