Spring Break
SJSU student gets with 'The Real World'
Evie Smith
Issue date: 5/9/06 Section: Entertainment
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This season of MTV's hit reality show "The Real World" features one roommate who is a familiar face to San Jose State University.
Janelle Casanave a South San Jose local, graduated from SJSU in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in African American studies and political science.
She originally tried out for "The Real World" two years ago when a friend who had been on "Road Rules" encouraged her to go to Berkley and audition.
" 'The Real World' is so special. I really think it gives insight into our generation," she said.
Casanave was trying out for "The Real World Philadelphia" and made it far into the audition process but in the end was cut. She was called by MTV to recast for another season and was cut again. It wasn't until she was called on a third time that she was finally cast in "The Real World Key West," which is the show's 17th season.
"It was long process," she said in a phone interview. Casanave said the interview process for the show was like an intense therapy session. She said part of the process is filling out a 15-page application.
"You spill your life out on paper," she said.
The day Casanave found out she had finally made it on the show, she also received the news that she had gotten into law school.
"My father was not happy," Casanave said. She explained that her father was discontented with her decision to postpone law school for a reality show.
The Key West season started filming last August and wrapped in December. The cast was in the Florida Keys during the intense hurricane season last fall.
"I have never seen anything like a hurricane in my life," she said.
According to Casanave, the cast stayed in the house during Hurricane Katrina but had to evacuate when Wilma hit.
"It didn't become scary 'til Wilma," she said. "I could not believe how much damage was done."
All the action was documented and became another chapter of "The Real World" history.
One of the perks of being a cast member on "The Real World" is the house.
Janelle Casanave a South San Jose local, graduated from SJSU in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in African American studies and political science.
She originally tried out for "The Real World" two years ago when a friend who had been on "Road Rules" encouraged her to go to Berkley and audition.
" 'The Real World' is so special. I really think it gives insight into our generation," she said.
Casanave was trying out for "The Real World Philadelphia" and made it far into the audition process but in the end was cut. She was called by MTV to recast for another season and was cut again. It wasn't until she was called on a third time that she was finally cast in "The Real World Key West," which is the show's 17th season.
"It was long process," she said in a phone interview. Casanave said the interview process for the show was like an intense therapy session. She said part of the process is filling out a 15-page application.
"You spill your life out on paper," she said.
The day Casanave found out she had finally made it on the show, she also received the news that she had gotten into law school.
"My father was not happy," Casanave said. She explained that her father was discontented with her decision to postpone law school for a reality show.
The Key West season started filming last August and wrapped in December. The cast was in the Florida Keys during the intense hurricane season last fall.
"I have never seen anything like a hurricane in my life," she said.
According to Casanave, the cast stayed in the house during Hurricane Katrina but had to evacuate when Wilma hit.
"It didn't become scary 'til Wilma," she said. "I could not believe how much damage was done."
All the action was documented and became another chapter of "The Real World" history.
One of the perks of being a cast member on "The Real World" is the house.
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