Jasmine Manansala, a Rice University senior majoring in computer science and cognitive science, will be a contestant in the Jeopardy! National College Championship that begins airing February 8, 2022. Manansala was selected from tens of thousands of hopefuls after a rigorous application process.
When asked about her experience, she called it a "much-appreciated and much-needed confidence boost."
"I've been watching 'Jeopardy!' since I was little, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make my child self proud," she said.
Manansala admitted that the call to be on Jeopardy! in the middle of the semester last fall, when the tournament was filmed, was an extra stressor along with her classes. "But I'm still happy to be a part of something so exclusive and magical," she said. She noted that she's still in touch with the friends she made while competing.
"We've all agreed that the best part was making great connections with each other," she said.
An interview with Mansala was featured on Houston's ABC-13 news broadcast. Watch her interview and be sure to tune in to ABC February 8, 2022 at 7pm CST to cheer on one of our own!
The episode will also be available to stream the next day on ABC's website and on Hulu. See the National College Championship tournament bracket and learn more on the Jeopardy! website.