Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Alvin S.
| Theme: | Fabulous Food Week NYC |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Bronx, NY |
| Week of: | 05-20-2013 |
POSTED on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013
Game day. I woke up early from excitement but wasn't nervous at all. The day was finally here. Madison Square Garden here I come. Me and my fellow Contestants were met by Gary and team contestant coordinators. They were so kind and I will never forget them.
They took us down to see the set and I was stunned at how beautiful it was and the wheel in all its glory has an energy all its own. I actually felt it the closer I got. The set was a New York theme with buildings lit up and a Statue of Liberty for Fabulous Food Week. I was living my dream of actually being on Wheel. I was looking at everything like I was a tourist and I was born and raised here. I had to take it all in and did. I think about it every day still.
My playing experience has taught me a newfound respect for the wheel and what it takes to win. It by no means is easy as I have learned. Pat is a great guy and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I had such a great time with him. When he came out with Vanna I couldn't believe I was actually there seeing them for real. We grabbed our devices and it was all go from there. The 1st toss up went to my fellow contestant and then Pat spoke to us. That was amazing in itself. It was nice to actually make him and Vanna laugh up there and before I knew it toss up 2 appeared. I was shocked I actually solved my first ever toss up for $2000. I spun first which is an honor in my book. The game was moving so fast I realized you're not a home anymore. By then I was sweating.
Not from nervousness but from spinning the wheel. It is indeed heavy. I remember buying lots of vowels and solving a couple of puzzles but the $3000 toss up sticks out the most. It felt good to hear Pat say it's your turn. It was also hilarious whenever I got a bankrupt or called a wrong letter. I can hear the audience go awwwwwwww But I won $7300 at the end of this dream come true. This experience has taught me to never give up and always pursue your dreams. They do come true. Those puzzles were not easy. My adrenaline was pumping up there for sure. It was great to win a round and have Pat come over and talk to you. He is a wonderful person.
A lot of people ask me about Vanna and I have assured them she is as gorgeous in person as on television. It was a good feeling to actually solve puzzles up there. I came in 2nd place but didn't feel that way at all. I felt really good to have been a part of this show I actually grew up on. I wouldn't change a thing. For me it's not all about money but being there was more precious. I am a fan who became a contestant. I plan to take give my Mom and Sister some of my winnings and taking my Son to toys r us and possibly get my children's book published.
I want to give a very special thanks to Gary, Jackie, Shannon and Alexandra. You all are the best and will never ever be forgotten and HAPPY 30th ANNIVERSARY WHEEL OF FORTUNE AND MANY MANY MORE!!!