Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Ashley E.
| Theme: | Wheel Loves N.Y. |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Reston, VA |
| Week of: | 11-23-2011 |
POSTED 11-26
It's hard to describe my taping day with words other than "an unforgettable experience". Even though these were the words of the prize puzzle I solved, I can't think of a more accurate way to characterize this day.
I can still remember how hard my heart was beating as I approached the Wheel of Fortune building. Everything just didn't seem to really be happening. I knew I was going to be on television, but it just hadn't hit me yet. Even after the lawyer spoke to all the contestants and we walked out on the set, I wasn't convinced that I was really given this amazing opportunity.
It wasn't until I hugged Vanna White that everything started to sink in. I will never forget that moment because I was in the middle of speaking to someone and I froze. My face turned completely white and I stared blankly in her direction. As silly as that may sound, I was just so excited that this was really happening. I couldn't believe that I was standing next to the Vanna White! I was ecstatic to say the least.
I think the biggest shockers of the show involved the set (lighting, props, etc.). I had never seen a television set before, so it seemed a lot smaller than I had envisioned. Supposedly this is normal, but it's amazing what filmography can do! I also thought the wheel was a lot heavier than I was expecting. I had some difficulty spinning it and had to practice several times.
As more and more time passed, it was finally my turn to play! I got a huge bolt of energy as I stepped out onto the set. One thing I found interesting was how each contestant stood on a platform that could raise or lower a person to make everyone similar heights. As the shortest contestant, my platform was at the highest possible setting.
My goal was to win early, and I did just that! After I solved the first toss up puzzle, I knew if I kept myself relaxed, I would do just fine. However, one thing I didn't consider was all of the bankrupts! There were a few times when I knew the answer to the puzzle, but didn't have the opportunity to guess. It was discouraging for a quick moment, but I knew that I couldn't let that bring me down.
The most memorable part of the taping was when I solved the prize puzzle. I was crossing my fingers that I'd get the opportunity to solve and I did! I couldn't believe it when Pat told me I was going to Puerto Rico. That country is at the absolute top of my list to visit in the Caribbean. I could NOT believe I was going!!
Even though I did not continue on to the final round, I cannot express to anyone how thankful I am to have been given the opportunity to be a contestant on the show. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen, this was truly "an unforgettable experience".