Chasing a Dream

She's got tattoos and she's got attitude.

She's determined and driven.

And right now she's working behind the camera -- but not for long.

Jasmine Davoudi, a senior at The Meadows School, dreams of becoming a TV personality just like some of her favorites, Kat von D, Judge Judy and even Ryan Seacrest.

Davoudi, 17, is a student worker for Las Vegas' Public Broadcasting Station, KLVX-TV, Channel 10.

Her dream is a bit closer to reality after landing a role in the new Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz movie, "What Happens in Vegas... ."

"I got a call from a casting director who happens to be a friend," Davoudi says. "He told me to drive down to the Palms hotel. I thought I would just be an extra but it turns out I got to talk to Ashton and Cameron and I got a line in the movie."

Another friend was instrumental in helping Davoudi land her job with Channel 10.

"I was talking to my friend's cousin about how I want to be in the television business and then he referred me to PBS."

For two hours every day after school, Davoudi helps film and edit local PBS programs such as "Homework Hotline," "Nevada Week in Review" and "Caucus."

"Since I get to work on the set and behind the scenes, I get the background experience I will need for when I'm the one (in front of the) camera, not behind it," she says. "When you turn on the television, I want you to see me."

The two tattoos of bows etched on the back of her legs contrast against the plaid uniform skirt she wears to school every day. Davoudi explains that the tattoos are an expression of defense for those who have given her adversity in pursuing her dreams.

"My tattoos are a way of saying 'screw you' to anyone who has doubted me. I will remember those who have given me a helping hand when I become famous."

Her next tattoo will be located on her rib cage and will be a quote from Shakespeare's "Othello": "But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at."

Davoudi strives to follow in the footsteps of her favorite TV personalities, who all share two characteristics: They're original and independent.

And that's how Davoudi would like to be perceived.

"I don't just want to be that girl on the red carpet interviewing celebrities; I want to inform the world on stories that matter."

A broadcast journalism program is not offered at The Meadows. To pursue her goal, Davoudi jumped at the chance to work for the PBS station.

At $6.33 an hour, Davoudi says "I don't do this job for the money; I do it for my future. I have been saving this money for after college when I live on my own. Normally, it would bother people to drive almost an hour to go to work, but with me, I love going to a place where my co-workers and I have great relationships and at the same time I am building my future in the career I want to pursue."

Davoudi plans on majoring in broadcast journalism at a Southern California university.

"I am going to establish roots in the West Coast since I am most likely going to go to college in Los Angeles,'' she says. ''I can be myself and be a part of the great culture that is nothing like Las Vegas.

"I am working my way to the top and not stopping for anybody."