Meet Jasmin Guzman. The best thing about Jasmin is her peppy attitude (that comes with an equally peppy, bright smile). She very cheerfully performs what could be some pretty heavy data drudgery. We don’t know if it’s because she’s still young enough to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, or if it’s just built into her DNA. Either way, it’s a pleasure to have her around because we can’t help but pep up with her! Here’s more about her:
Where did you grow up and are you an only child?
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I still currently live there now with my great and supportive parents Javier and Gabby, my 18 year-old sister jade, my 17 year-old brother Jason, and my two adorable cocker-spaniel dogs Kiki and Kori. So no, definitely not an only child. It gets a little crazy but I love them all.
What is your current occupation?
I currently hold a six figure income job that is paid in hours of education and life-long knowledge…I’m a college student.
What is your fantasy occupation?
I have a lot of ambition so it’s hard to choose one fantasy occupation but one of them is to work for NBC as a television producer or writer, and the other one would be as a D.j. for KCRW. It’s a long shot but if anything else I’ll continue to volunteer and still be happy =). You did say fantasy right? Okay I’m going to go with a professor at Hogwarts teaching magical music.
When did you first discover KCRW?
I can’t exactly remember when, but it was around the time SHE & HIM came out with their first album and I heard a song of theirs on KCRW. I was just so excited somebody was playing them on the radio and continued to listen and never turned back. It’s silly how I explain it like it’s a love story but it kind of was…. Love at first Sound, I would call it. I’m sure our members would agree.
How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
I was in class and my teacher Mr. B gave an announcement that there were going to be internships available to students at KCRW. I went straight to the library and e-mailed the contact information that was given to us. I still didn’t hear anything in a couple of days and the rumor around school was that the internship spots were filled. I decided to be persistent or what others would call a stalker and find a number I can call to find out if it was in fact true or I still had a chance. Turns out the stalkerness, I mean persistence paid off. =)
What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
I recently just became a production assistant for Jason Kramer’s show on Saturday night, it’s been so much fun, Jason truly has great taste in music, and I’m fortunate to be working with such a talented person. Typically though I work in the membership department as a volunteer and I’ve been doing that since about February. It’s really been a rewarding experience for me because I get to talk to the members that support us and it’s nice to hear all the compliments and also learn why they love KCRW. Plus the Membership Dpt. is basically the coolest thing since the invention of post-its.
Favorite volunteer moment?
I have to say one of my favorite moments was when the Beastie Boys came into the station. Everyone in the office was really excited and acted as if they were all teenagers again. Their actions would be equivalent to what I would do if I saw Joseph Gordon-Levitt, totally freak! I’ve had a crush on him since he was in Angels in the Outfield. I do also love when Abe says “Ohh My Stars!”
If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
“Right now in studio we have the talented and very lovely Adele, Thank you for being here with us today…”
(And she would actually be there, I would interview her and then she plays a song that would be breathtaking. I’d also be hoping that the interview went so well that we would talk more after and we’d become B.F.F.’s)
She’s truly an inspirational and soulful artist that when you find a person that is so unique in their art, it makes you want to get to know them and find out where their creativity comes from.
What song have you hit repeat on lately?
I can never choose one song, I love music too much I have a couple right now ……. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home, Gotye- Somebody that I used to know, Pink Martini- Hang on little Tomato, Zeds Dead – Coffee Break, Afrika Bambaataa – Looking for the Perfect Beat, Lana Del Rey- Video Games, TV On The Radio – Family Tree, Edith Piaf – La Vie En Rose
Favorite book, movie?
My favorite book as a child was Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney. I’m not too sure what my favorite book is now, I have to say it’s a tie between Paulo Coelho’s book Eleven Minutes and the classic Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. My favorite movie is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I just absolutely love Audrey Hepburn in this film.
Favorite thing to do outside the station (hobbies, recreation, etc.)?
Besides all the music listening, reading books, and watching movies, I have actually grown to love running. Trust me some days it’s still a struggle and I’m still not that great at it, but I have great support from my running group the So Cal Coyotes. HOWL! I always feel accomplished when it’s eight in the morning and I already ran five miles or more. I also just love when I get a full 8-hour’s of sleep, that’s better than ice cream.
What does KCRW mean to you?
To me KCRW is a place where so many passionate people collaborate and create to make outstanding programs that really open up the world to people about different things. Whether it is a new song, new book, news updates, new restaurant, etc. It’s a station where you can feel connected too and that’s very rare.
See? Don’t you just love her now too? Okay, we definitely see Jasmin at 75 just as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as ever! Thanks for all your help and hard work Jasmin!
