The team was supposed to compete in the All Africa Games in Namibia and later in the World Games in the USA. The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to all these plans. “I still practice every day,” she confirms over the phone. “I never thought of taking up archery, when I was in Grade 3, I asked Santa for a pony, but he gave me a bow and arrow instead,” she laughs.
“And I finally got my pony,” she sighs happily as she describes her love for animals. Apart from her beloved pony, there is a hedgehog, two cats, two dogs and two bearded dragons that reign supreme in her heart. One day she is going to be a veterinarian. In the meantime, she is shadowing at a vet’s practise.
Apart from the archery, the shadow work and her schoolwork, Jasmyn is also a talented violinist. She was only six years old when she decided she wanted to learn to play the violin. “I loved the sound of the violin, and I really wanted to play the instrument. My parents said I can have lessons on one condition, I must buy the violin myself. I saved up and I bought my first violin.” The determination and perseverance she showed at six still shines through. Her violin teacher didn’t see the point of Jasmyn doing her Grade 1 – 4 violin exams. “Actually, I skipped Grade 7 too,” she says, “I’m doing the Grade 8 exam this year.”
Through the years she has obtained many excellent marks and awards as a violinist, but she insists that her music is only a hobby. “Animals are more important. I want to be their voice and help. There are animals that are becoming extinct. If I’m a vet, I can take care of my own ponies.”
Before the lockdown she used to give violin performances at weddings and corporate functions, to raise money for university. She has a passion for classical and Irish music. Watching her videos on her official Facebook page, @JasmynRSimms is a mesmerising journey into another world.