Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Ashley E.
| Theme: | Wheel Loves N.Y. |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Reston, VA |
| Week of: | 11-23-2011 |
POSTED 11-23
Ever since I can remember, Wheel of Fortune was a favorite TV show of mine. However, it wasn't until college that I began to incorporate the show into my normal daily routine. As the readings, presentations, and other work began to pile up, I started to use Wheel of Fortune as an escape; it was a set thirty minutes of relaxation, fun, and excitement that I looked forward to every day. As my love for the game continued to grow, I decided to put "Wheel of Fortune contestant" on my bucket list and was determined to be on College Week. Even though I didn't make it on that specific week, I would have never guessed that I'd actually make it on the show!
As more and more time passed, I began to wonder if I should apply to be a contestant again. Much to my surprise, literally the day after I checked the website for the first time since I had applied, I received an email with the subject line, "WHEEL OF FORTUNE CONTESTANT AUDITIONS (BY INVITATION ONLY)!" To say I was shocked was an understatement. I could NOT believe my eyes! Not a minute passed before I was on the phone reserving my space. I thought only a certain number of invites were sent out, and audition spots would be on a first-come first-serve basis. I found out later that was not the case, but at the time I HAD to secure my seat! This was a once in a lifetime opportunity! After I used all of my cell phone minutes for the month by calling everyone in the world, I finally sat back in my chair and let everything sink in. I was going to audition to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune!
The two weeks before my audition went by very slowly. I tried to keep my mind occupied, but every thought led right back to Wheel of Fortune. Once it was finally audition day, I had an unexpected surprise: my friend was also auditioning at the same site! What are the chances of that happening!? I was beyond shocked but incredibly happy for the both of us! It was really great to have someone I knew by my side.
During the first half of the audition, Contestant Coordinators called our names one-by-one and watched us "play" a round of Wheel of Fortune. There was a puzzle displayed at the front of the room that we tried to solve from our seats. A fake wheel was spun and we even won prizes if we solved the puzzle. After everyone had their chance to speak, we took a written test consisting of 16 puzzles. We were given a few letters in each puzzle and were told to solve as many as we could in five minutes. Those five minutes went by so quickly. It was definitely harder than it sounded. Once the five minutes had expired, the Contestant Coordinators deliberated and returned with results. About half of the room was eliminated, and we proceeded to round two.
During the second half of the audition, we played a mock round of Wheel of Fortune, where four of us stood at the front of the room and pretended to be on the show. We introduced ourselves, spun a fake wheel, and practically acted as if we were on the show. It was during that time that I really started to understand how people could stumble, repeat a previously guessed letter, or say silly things on television. There's a lot to focus on!
Once everyone had the chance to play, the Contestant Coordinators told us that those who qualified to be a contestant would receive a letter in the mail within the next two weeks. I just couldn't wait! After a few days passed, I was going crazy. Time was passing even slower than they did before the auditions even took place!
However, exactly one week after the auditions, I received a phone call from a phone number with a 310 area code. Unsure of who it was, I let the phone ring. Much to my surprise, it was Wheel of Fortune! They had selected ME to be a contestant!! I guarantee that everyone in my apartment complex could hear me cheering, and that I used up all of the texts and minutes for my cell phone that month. I was going to be on Wheel of Fortune my dream had come true! I absolutely could NOT believe this was happening. Watch me spin on Friday, November 25th!