In the midst of maintaining classes, student Senate and community service responsibilities, Jazlyn Baptista competes (and wins!) in pageants. This Sunday, October 13th, Jazlyn will compete in the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant.
Q: How does it feel to be selected into the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant?
JB: At first, it was overwhelming! I knew from past experiences participating in pageants is a huge commitment - financially, physically and mentally. No one really thinks of pageants as a tough process but trust me, when you put yourself in the position to be judged...you're pressured to become the best version of yourself possible.
Q: How were you selected?
JB: I entered the pageant just three weeks before the pageant date. A contestant dropped out of the competition, and I was asked to fill her space. I honestly was not planning on competing but I would have been insane not to take this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity.
Q: How long have you competed in pageants?
JB: I've been doing about one pageant a year since I was 12! I won Miss Hawaii Junior Teen America then competed in Miss Junior Teen America. I was third runner up in Miss Hawaii Junior Teen Princess and second runner up in Miss Oahu Teen Filipina.
Q: What's next for you?
JB: Hopefully, I'll be crowned Miss Teen USA 2014 at nationals in Las Vegas and receive a four year college scholarship! I plan to major in either Business Management or International Business. As for pageants, that chapter will be ending. However, I'll still find ways to give back to the community and keep in touch with my pageant sisters.
The Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant will be this Sunday, October 13 at The MODERN Hotel in Honolulu. Limited tickets are available at the door. Vote for Jazlyn as your "Fan Favorite" on the official Miss Hawaii Teen Facebook page by "liking" her contestant photo.The program will also air on KHON2, November 2nd at 7:00 PM.