Contestant Blogs

Sherdena J.

POSTED on Tuesday, October 2, 2012

I woke up the morning of the taping excited. I knew I had the blessings of my family and the hopes of me bringing home the million. I quickly but carefully got dressed and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, I didn't want to miss the shuttle. We arrived at the studio and I begin to feel the anxiety mixed with the adrenaline.

All the contestants were sitting in the contestant room talking and trying to relax and getting to know each other a little. Then a woman walks in just to say hello and wish us good luck. It was Vanna White in casual lounge clothes. She was known to stop by and give encouraging words but I was not completely prepared. As she was about to leave, respectively I asked if I could have her autograph. I guess no one has ever asked her that before because she hesitated and responded, "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to but okay." Just like that I got Vanna's John Hancock'! Probably the first contestant to ever!

Filming the show was spectacular; I wish it could've lasted longer. Our theme week being "Fun & Fit," they had the stage looking great! Treadmills and Stair climbers with the palm fans overhead, it really made you want to work out. I always wondered where the used letter board was and when I saw it's placement in relation to where I'd be standing- I didn't want anything to mess up my chances of winning so I had to put my glasses on. Glad I didn't accidently leave them at home or at the hotel. We practiced calling out letters and spinning the wheel. The wheel was heavy but there is a technique to getting a good spin and the contestant coordinators assisted us in learning this technique. Then the filming was about to start and even with all our practicing I had butterflies in my stomach as the music began and Pat and Vanna walked out

The "Blue Crew" all did well, we were proud of ourselves to have all won a round and have over $10,000 in cash and prizes by the end of the show. Pat Sajak was a cool down to earth person and he had us laughing during the commercials. He really interacted with us. I was a little nervous doing our introductions and therefore forgot to mention my niece Nylah's name as well as my soon-to-be goddaughter Peyton's. After the introductions though, Pat said "Okay you all have gotten through the hard parttalking to me." I believe that put us all at ease a little. The contestant coordinators helped everything go smoothly and kept us looking great (the way they did my makeup was awesome by the way, I need them every day!) After the first round I told the round winner "Good job, now we need to spread the money around." After the second round with me being the only one without money due to losing a turn I told them "Alright, it's my turn to win a round." Everyone laughed and although I was being funny, deep down I hoped I did win the next round. Luckily it was the Prize Round!'

Spinning the wheel with only a few letters left had me nervous. I kept looking and thinking "Oh my gosh what is that word? Come on Sherdena think, think. You're barely missing losing your turn and bankrupt." When it finally hit me, I almost jumped for joy. Now I will never forget "NOW THAT'S TRAVELING IN STYLE!" I couldn't believe I won the prize puzzle and I'm heading to St. Lucia! With all my excitement about the trip I still remembered to hug Pat! No way was I going to pass up that chance. I am so ready for my trip, although I still have no idea who I'll take with me. I love the fact that not only do I get the trip to St. Lucia but I also get some cash to spend! I always dreamed of being on Wheel of Fortune and winning awesome cash and prizes.

I will never forget my experience on Wheel of Fortune and all the people that helped make it possible and fun. I might not remember every contestant's name on all the shows filmed that day but I will remember the joy and excitement I could tell we all felt that day.

Being on Wheel of Fortune was definitely a dream come true and if it were possible I'd do it all over again. Forever I will be a Wheel Watcher and I can now also say an actual Wheel Contestant!