-- — In a time where some question the worth of their higher education and countless others focus on their image, Jasmine Partlow understands the value and complexity of both and takes all challenges that come in stride.

From the classroom to the runway, this  21-year-old driven woman is stepping into a future with many possibilities.

Jasmine, or J.P. as she is fondly referred to, is a Valdosta State University student by choice and an aspiring model by desire. She has been awarded the opportunity to be one of the featured contestants on the hit TV show “Americas Next Top Model,” produced and hosted by supermodel, actress, talk show host and recent Harvard graduate Tyra Banks.

At the time of this interview, Partlow was planning to go on her second audition for the show in an undisclosed location. Due to the strict regulations set by the show’s producers, some of the details concerning the audition locations and results have to remain confidential for the time being.

What the Early Childhood Education major could disclose was her excitement and enthusiasm to even be selected in the first round, a blessing she said all started with her mother, Vickey.

“I always wanted to be a model,” JP smiled. “My mom always pushed me to go out for it. She was the one who found out that an audition for the show was being held in Augusta (Georgia).”

The young woman with a highly dynamic personality, said she did not hesitate in packing an overnight bag and heading to what could possibly lead her to a lifelong goal.

After class ended Friday, March 2, Partlow headed to the audition which was scheduled for  Saturday, March 3. As nerve racking as Partlow said the whole idea about possibly being selected to represent Valdosta was, the first round of the audition process was “pretty easy,” cut and dry... for the most part.

That process included submitting three photos, filling out an extensive application, presenting identification, and waiting... a lot of waiting.

When the show first aired nine years ago, Partlow said she started tuning in and had dreams of participating one day. She has followed all 18 seasons it has been on the air.

“I said I wanted to do it, but I didn’t have the resources before now,” she said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

“I went to Barbizon (modeling school) and was accepted, but did not attend. It just wasn’t possible at that time.”

Partlow found other avenues to keep her dream alive. She got involved with fashion shows when she moved to Valdosta (from Lincolnton, Ga), one being with area designer Anna Battle of Simply Anna’s Creative Designs (2 years now) and Exclusive Fashion, a VSU organization.

“I’m interested in all aspects of modeling,” she said. “It is what I desire. I try and get involved in everything I can pertaining to modeling. I am pursuing a degree in education and will fall back on that if necessary, but



modeling is really my passion.”

The student/model with legs for days easily reaches 6 feet with her heals on. The way she struts down the runway not missing a beat would have one thinking she was walking bare foot. A signature move associated with Partlow while modeling is the slow turning mannequin. It literally looks like she is standing on a revolving platform as it turns her in a 360 degree rotation.

 When asked how she feels about possibly meeting Tyra Banks on the show, she said she would be excited but very nervous.

“I strive to be like her,” she stated. “She really motivates me. She is not just a super model, she is the complete package. I was really inspired when hearing she received her degree from Harvard University recently. I think that may be why she decided to do the college episode (the one Partlow auditioned for).”

Partlow’s plan is to continue her studies at VSU whether she goes the distance on the show or not. She said she feels some loyalty to the university and thinks it would send the appropriate message to young people. She added that if she can not attend in person, she will continue through online courses.

The young woman came to VSU from hometown Lincolnton, Ga. In addition to her mother, she also has two brothers and a sister.

When asked what misconceptions people generally have about her, she said, “Sometimes I can come across as being a little abrasive, but I’m honestly not like that,” she explained. “When people get to know me, they see I like to have fun, I do things for others and am just an all around happy girl. I like to help people build their self esteem. I don’t ever try to make a person feel bad about him or herself, just the opposite. But... I have learned in all my giving ways, I had to learn how to pull back a little because it can tend to be a hindrance.”

Partlow spoke of ways she encourages young women and motivates them to let their best light shine in any circumstance.  She showed a couple of pictures she had on her cell phone of the “beauty projects” she assisted with.

“Sometimes, all a person needs is someone who will take the time to show them basic things that can really bring out their best qualities or features. I love doing that stuff. It saddens me when people perceive me in the wrong light, but I can’t be anyone but myself. Eventually, though, people see the real me.”

Partlow said she helps other women look and feel their best because she knows how it is to have insecurities. When others see her and think she couldn’t possibly have any self image problems, the young woman said she, too, has her share of them.

“Some days I feel fabulous, and at other times, nothing seems to be right.”

A strong supporter and person who only sees her best qualities is her dedicated boyfriend, Christopher Cook (also a VSU student).

“He is really good to me and good for me,” she smiled.  “He has been there throughout my journey. When I have to get on the road, he is right there to fill up the tank.”

The radiant smile that extended from one ear to the next followed the discussion pertaining to Cook. Partlow definitely agreed that a lot of support is needed, especially in a business that is “cut throat.”

“In this business it is cut throat, and you have to have thick skin,” she advised.

When asked how she will deal with the possibility of not making the final cut on the show, she said by not receiving a call back, it doesn’t mean she is not pretty enough or talented enough. She said it will not stop her progress whatsoever, she will continue until she reaches her destiny.

“If I do get cut, I don’t want to know why,” she inserted. “I say that because I always want to be me. I don’t want to start changing who I am or what I think I personify to be who someone else wants me to be. I never want to put up a front to appease them for advancement on the show. I will reach my goal by being myself and standing strong in my beliefs. If I just make it to the show, I will be happy with that, if not, I will audition again until I am on the show.”

In saying that, the strong-willed girl commented on the models who starve themselves in order to fit in.

“I like food too much,” Partlow laughed. “My favorites are pizza, chicken and mac and cheese. I wouldn’t stop eating no matter who told me to just to get a job. There is beauty in all sorts of body types... look at Toccara (from a previous season of Top Model). She is not a skinny girl, and she has gone on to be very successful. I want to be like her.”

Weight is not an issue for the slender aspiring super model. She said that what she sees as her biggest issue is her skin. Her only wish is that it was smoother. Like many women, Partlow doesn’t harp on that issue too much, though. She said she lives by the makeup products of Rev Photo, MAC and  Fit Me.

Partlow’s determination and good spirit comes from several sources in her life. When asked what motto or quote, if any, does she live by, she said while smiling, “Keep on keeping on.”

The saying took root in her mind after it was repeated many times by her high school history teacher, Ms. Beale.

When Beale wasn’t verbalizing the message to her students, it was plastered on the wall in her classroom as a daily reminder.

Partlow did not seek all the attention she has been receiving by the Communication Department at VSU, from Facebook family and friends, community members and now from The Times but said she is very appreciative of the attention and learning how to address both the media and the public... for future reference. If the model passes through the second round of auditions, she will go on to face the final one which will be televised.



 

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