«I always loved science, specifically microbiology. I find it fascinating that little organisms, or microorganisms, such as viruses, can impact the whole world! I decided to do my Ph.D. on Hepatitis C virus…»
«I never considered modelling until my interaction with a Montreal-based boutique modeling agency… I decided to compete in Miss Canada 2020 and my platform was science awareness…»
«My passions are science, educating, pageantry and modeling. I like the entertainment industry as an audience member and spectator.»
«I believe that whatever you do, you should put 100% into it or else there is no point in doing it. Additionally, have fun doing it…»
«I don’t put much pressure on myself when it comes to being an idol but rather, I would prefer people to see my story and pick pieces and qualities that they either want to learn from or to build within themselves.»
«There is no one like you and it’s important to show people who you are because you were placed on this earth for a reason. I think it would be a disservice to your life if you don’t live to the fullest and showcase your talents.»
She is a talented, world-class professional, educator. She combines being a bright, empowered and beautiful person at the same time.
It is an honor to present from Canada the beautiful Jasmin Chahal – Model, Miss Canada 2020 1st RU – Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology MIMM.
Jasmin’s youth, success and nobility in an incredible interview with Jaime William !!!
1.- Were you born in Canada and what you like about your hometown? What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or does it give you a lot of joy?
I was born in Montreal, Canada. I love the multi-culture here! Montreal is diverse and celebrates many cultures. My hobby right now, especially during quarantine, is reading novels. I did not get the chance to read many novels during my graduate studies, so I am taking advantage of it now! I love getting distracted and going to a different world and immersing myself in the storyline of the book I’m reading. It is a great form of self-care. I also love cooking with my husband, it is a great way to connect, be with each other and at the end, you have a great meal! J
2.- Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology MIMM: Why did you decide to embrace this profession? What do you like most about your profession?
I always loved science, specifically microbiology. I find it fascinating that little organisms, or microorganisms, such as viruses, can impact the whole world! I decided to do my Ph.D. on Hepatitis C virus and not only did I learn a great deal about viruses and RNA techniques, but I loved working with a group of amazing, inspiring and intelligent scientists. I am now a professor (faculty lecturer) at McGill University and I teach 3 classes, one of which is Introduction to Microbiology. What I love most about my job is inspiring young scientists and seeing their reactions when they learn how impactful bacteria, viruses and fungi can be!
3.- Model, Miss Canada 2020 1st RU: When do you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized woman today?
I never considered modelling until my interaction with a Montreal-based boutique modeling agency. I decided to do something different and build myself by doing something completely out of my comfort zone. I realized early on that I really enjoy it and provided me an outlet and something different to do than my everyday job. I always loved pageants, but I never felt like it was the right time to enter one until 2020. I was completing my Ph.D., I know who I am, and I felt confidence in myself to represent Canada. Thus, I decided to compete in Miss Canada and my platform was science awareness. It is a bit surreal to know how well I did and how my life changed in just a few months, but I would not trade it for everything. I love talking about science, my struggles, my successes and my story.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Jasmin in each activity carried out as a person?
I believe that whatever you do, you should put 100% into it or else there is no point in doing it. Additionally, have fun doing it! Why should you do an activity that you are not passionate about? I truly believe that it’s important to have fun and be fully engage in any activity you are part of. That is what you would see me do in any activity I participate in. You would see me laughing, having fun and being completely present in the moment.
5. What is the main virtue that any woman must have to be a beauty queen?
The main virtue I believe woman should have to be a pageant queen is integrity. Be honest with yourself and others and keep your head up. As a pageant queen, there will be many people who target you with negative comments and it is important to know your worth and keep your head up like a star that you are!
6. Are you aware of being an influential woman for many girls who want to be beauty queen? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
I actually do not know if there are young ladies that look up to me! I appreciate people who do look up to me and I feel like I set a great example for others when it comes to hard work, academics and giving back to the community. I don’t put much pressure on myself when it comes to being an idol but rather, I would prefer people to see my story and pick pieces and qualities that they either want to learn from or to build within themselves.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
I was a bit nervous when I did my first photoshoot, but I was surprisingly not nervous at my first pageant! Going through my Ph.D., I have a lot of practice and experience talking to people, having them ask me some very tough questions and being judged. I found that my graduate studies, though science focused, completely prepared me for pageants! I was so excited for Miss Canada and just wanted to take in the experience since I was waiting to participate in a pageant for a very long time.
8. What do you think about the power of social networks today?
I think it’s great! People around the world can connect with each other and learn so much. I do think it’s important to know that we should not define your self-worth based on how many followers and likes you get on a post. I think that is something many people do but are unaware of it. Your self-worth comes from within and you do not need to be convinced about it through posts.
9. What’s your favorite social network?
I only have Facebook and Instagram, which my sister made for me 3 years ago. My favourite is Instagram, mainly for the search tab where I can get inspired on different things (ex. Cooking different meals, makeup, science experiments, etc.).
10. What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
What I usually tell people who are too scared to push themselves out of their comfort zone is that there is only one you. There is no one like you and it’s important to show people who you are because you were placed on this earth for a reason. I think it would be a disservice to your life if you don’t live to the fullest and showcase your talents. I would say the same things to parents. If their child is talented in a certain aspect, they should pursue it and not let it go to waste!
11. Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
I never thought of being an actress! I never tried it and I’m not sure that I will. My passions are science, educating, pageantry and modeling. I like the entertainment industry as an audience member and spectator.
12. Worldwide, women have acquired a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion of the role of women in the future in these societies?
Women need to stand together! This is very important because there are still some women that don’t support each other. If we have all women support each other and stand up for each other, we will be powerful, strong and finally be seen as an equal to men!
13.- Jasmin, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation is seeing people reach their goals: personally and career-wise. If there is a will, there is a way and I find that very inspiring and motivating. It is not every day that we are grateful for our lives but it’s important to take some time to feel gratitude. I’m grateful for the life I have, family, my loving friends and my amazing husband who has been my #1 supporter.
14.- Jasmin, what countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from Canada?
I’ve traveled a bit but not enough. I have never been to Europe, so I would love to visit as many countries as I could there! From the places I’ve been to, I recommend visitng Japan. It is incredible, full of culture and beautiful. It was a great experience and worth visiting.
15. You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
– Marriage – Happy
– Children – Family
– Love – Beautiful
– Canada – Home
– Travel – Necessary
– Abortion – Decision
– Dance – Release
– Sing – Artists
– Europe – History
– America – Stories
– Sport – Fun
– Money – Work
– Parents – Love
– Dreams – Fulfill
– Passion – Motivation
– Madness Percentage – A little bit
– Character – Entertaining
16. Jasmin, these final lines are your
Spread love! If everyone gives love, we would have more compassion, support, peace and happiness. It is incredibly powerful, influential and very underrated.
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Jasmin Chahal – Canada
English language
Jasmin Chahal Contact: Instagram – Email
Interview authorized in writing by Instagram – Email: Jasmin Chahal – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Jasmin Chahal – Perumira – Jaime William