Jacquelyn J.

Jacquelyn J.

Theme Week:
Cruise Week
Contestant:
Jacquelyn J.
Hometown:
Inglewood, CA.
Week of:
July 14, 2008

I have loved to watch Wheel of Fortune since I was a little girl and now it would be me that would get to talk to Pat and call out the letters for the puzzle. Let me take you back to the day I got my email to attend the Wheel of Fortune audition here in California. I am a teacher so I am off for summer break during the months of July and August. So when I received the email that there was going to be an audition in August I immediately said, “I’ll go!!” The audition was both exciting and intimidating. The contestant coordinators gave us some mock puzzles to begin with and let’s just say out of 15 puzzles I may have only gotten 2. I just knew that my time was up, but low and behold my name was one of the final names called to stay and play some more stimulated games. The contestant coordinators told us that if we were going to be on the show they would send a letter in the mail in about 2 weeks. Well 2 weeks to that day I received the letter that stated I could be on Wheel of Fortune any time during the next eighteen months. Yes that’s right, I said eighteen months! Although I was elated to be picked, I was still a little bummed out that it might take so long. I put the letter in the dresser next to my bed and tried to forget about it. Five months later I received a call from one of the contestant coordinators asking me to be an alternate for one of their next shows. I didn’t hesitate to say yes since this would give me an opportunity to watch and learn without feeling the pressure of actually being on the show.

The very next week after becoming an alternate I was asked to be on the show. YIPPEE! I couldn’t believe how fast they had called me back. I also couldn’t wait to take my turn at the wheel. I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to be on the show, only my husband and I knew. We thought it would be better if I could concentrate and stay focused.

The day of the show I wasn’t extremely nervous just really excited! Everyone was fabulous; the contestant coordinators, make-up artist, Vanna, Pat and the entire crew of Wheel of Fortune. I felt so comfortable and welcomed the entire time I was there. Well, after a full morning of make-up, legalities and practicing spinning the wheel, it was time to choose what position I would stand in. I got yellow (one of my favorite colors). Lights! Camera! Action! It was show time and boy was I ready. I hope my family won’t disown me for how silly I acted. You know what? On second thought, who cares! I had the time of my life! I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world. How did I do? Well I guess you will just have to watch me the week of March 10th to find out.