Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Alvin S.
| Theme: | Fabulous Food Week NYC |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Bronx, NY |
| Week of: | 05-20-2013 |
POSTED on Monday, May 20th, 2013
I have been a wheel watcher since the early '80s. I first discovered the show when my mom and grandmother were watching it so I sat down with them and observed how they would try to guess what the puzzle was. So every night after that I began to go in the living room and watch. As I got older and started getting into the lottery games I was always watching the show while waiting to see the evening number drawings which always appeared after the 2nd round on Wheel. I was hooked. Pat always gave me a chuckle. I didn't realize the importance of having a spin ID until years later. I got confused thinking I had to have a Sony Card but later learned I didn't have to. So this past November on a Saturday night I was watching an episode of wheel and had a thought. I said let me go apply again and I did. I knew the chances were slim but I said to myself I never been to California but if I am picked I am going.
This is Wheel of Fortune and no matter what I would be there. So I filled out the on line contestant application and noticed the upload a video option and I did telling whoever seen it a little about myself. Honestly I didn't know if I had a chance being I had action figures hanging up on the wall in the background. But I showed my Wheel of Fortune video game to say I am and always will be a fan. So I applied and a week later I got an e-mail inviting me to an audition in Brooklyn. I told my boss I will not be in that day and I went. I arrived about 10 am. I wanted to be earlier but the subway was playing with my destiny that day but I made it. I could feel the energy in that room upon entry. I had to contain my excitement because I didn't know what would happen. I was greeted by 1 of the sweetest Sony contestant coordinators and she instructed me on what to do.
The energy in the room began to rise. I got sucked in immediately. It was incredible. People were winning prizes already in the first audition. I was like oh wow! I want a Pat keychain. This is so awesome. Puzzles were being solved and I was getting more excited. Then the scary part came when we were told there will be a test. I said uh oh but I didn't panic. I almost did when I heard that nice guy from the contestant staff say "This test counts". So I took mine and did the best I could. It was collected and that's when nerves and nail biting begun in the whole room. When the nice staff returned the room went silent. Names were called and one of them was mine. I was so very happy. I had no idea how my dream was really coming true. We moved on to audition number 2 and I wasn't too sure of how I was doing or if I ever had a chance of appearing. At the end we were informed that if chosen you will be notified. So I thanked that wonderful staff. They were amazing and kind. I still had a lot of fun no matter the outcome.
I got home and all my Facebook friends asked how did it go? I told them it was a lot of fun but I don't know what will happen. Someone wrote on my wall that I was CRAZY! I told this person that we already know and laughed. So weeks went by and I began to think at least I tried and then a letter slipped under my door from the landlord and I saw the letterhead and started yelling saying YES YES YES!!! I was so happy I didn't even read past congratulations and all the other the other rules. I called my Sister first and she was happy. I wrote on Facebook and they didn't think I was CRAZY anymore. I stayed awake that night still in disbelief. I called my Girlfriend and she was totally amazed. But when the dust settled and I got myself together and read the rest of my letter. I realized that I still had to be chosen for a tape date. Then the nerves began again but I kept the faith. Week after week I looked at every call, e-mail and everything. Many weeks later I received another e-mail from another sweet and kind contestant coordinator telling me there's a tape date for me. I was out of my mind then. I was so excited that I forgot it's a different time change in California from New York and kept calling.
That was my goofy moment from being so excited. Finally when I spoke to her I said I still can't believe it. I kept leaving my OSHA safety class to speak with her. I didn't care. I was chosen to be a contestant on Wheel and nothing else in the world mattered. To know that Wheel is coming to New York at Madison Square Garden is huge and always will be in my heart an unforgettable and amazing experience in itself. To know I was going to see Pat & Vanna on the number 1 game show in America and be a part of it is incredible and history making in itself. It feels good that I have something to share with my son when he gets older and maybe 1 day he can try to become a contestant. I finally received my contestant package and my dream was now a reality I will never ever forget. I read absolutely everything this time. I didn't repeat my celebration until after I read and called that sweet contestant staff member to make sure I understood everything. After that I partied like I was already a winner.
Receiving this blessing I truly felt like a winner without spinning the wheel or buying a vowel. I LOVE WHEEL OF FORTUNE!
Watch me spin on Wednesday, May 22nd from NYC!