Jasmin Lorraine Tan Character Profile

The underdog takes it all
By: Chrissa Anne B. Palma

The underdog has turned into a monster, and if you are Jasmin Lorraine Tan, it's a good thing.

Tan, a 20-year old graduating Journalism student from Bulacan State University (BulSU) marks history before she leaves her Alma matter. Being the first Journalism major who takes the role of being the editor-in-chief of Pacesetter, BulSU's official student publication, she also serves as the "curse breaker" as the publication she leads once again reigned as champions after three years of placing second at the prestigious 13th Regional Higher Education Press Conference. After bagging gold medals for the Sports Writing, Devcomm and Opinion Writing English category, and for coming out as the individual highest pointer, the officials of the competition labeled Tan as a "monster".

"Beyond what words can describe," Tan explained her feelings after their big success. "Kailangan naming mag-champion, `yon talaga mindset ko."

Tan also expressed her joy for emerging as champions despite some people telling her that their batch is the weakest editorial board in Pacesetter history. But that wasn't the case when she was younger. Tan even believes that she has an unfortunate childhood, for she always struggled in reaching for her dreams. Tan finished her high school from Holy Spirit Academy and during her stay in the campus, she experienced being rejected from their school publication three times.

"Kahit sa mga essay writing contest within the school lang, hindi ako nag-pe-place," she said.

However, the rejection didn't disheartened her. During her freshman year in BulSU, she applied as a staffer in Pacesetter. This time, she finally made it in the cut. For a year, she became a newbie staff, a senior writer during her sophomore year and fortunately, she became the literary editor on her third year in the publication. But her time came during her senior year as she bested her other staffers for the EIC position. She became the first Journalism student to lead the publication.

Still, Tan has regrets during her four year stay in Pacesetter. "Kung gaano `yong tinagal ko sa Peys [Pacesetter] ngayong EIC na ko eh `yong dinalang ko naman no'ng literary editor ako. Sana mas naging malapit ako sa mga bata para hindi sila naiilang i-approach ako," Tan said.

Looking back, Tan said that she didn't expect to achieve everything she has won now. "Last year, ninth place lang ako sa Sports Writing," Tan said.

She then explained her "secret" for her success. "`Yong sports editor kasi naming noon, si Kuya Shin Jalothot, parati kaming pinagsusulat ng sports news."

Aside from being a trusted student-journalist, Tan is also an achiver in her academics. She is running for cum laude. She shared how she balanced her two responsibilities. "Nag-aaral ako sa acads at kapag papadilim na, saka ako mag-e- edit," she explained.

Inspite of her achievements, Tan admitted that her journey to success has never been easy. It was a road of tears and laughter, sucess and failure. But she gets her strength from the people who believes in her. "Sing dami ng iniisip ko ang mga taong sumusuporta sa akin," she said. The number of people who support her is overwhelming, and Tan humbly said that Jasmine Lorraine Tan is composed of three things: appreciation, love and respect."

Despite a good future ahead of her after college, Tan plans to take a break for at least one month after graduation instead of applying for a job. "Buong student life ko naman eh pagod na pagod na pagod na ko kaya magpapahinga muna ako," Tan explained.

She plans to work in a magazine, or in a broadsheet that fits her degree but she doesn't have a specific company in mind yet. Five years from now, Tan said she sees herself as a successful woman. "Someone na hindi na umaasa sa pamilya. Someone na sumusuporta na sa pamilya."

Tan also shared her motto ever since she was young that keeps her motivated. "Never think that God's delay is God's denial," Tan said. All of Tan's struggle has paid off, and she was grateful for it.

"Bawi na lahat ng failure ko simula kinder," Tan joked.