Carylee C.

The Wheel of Fortune experience was amazing from start to finish. Finding out that I was going to be a contestant was a welcome surprise. I had just had my last court hearing from a very long, and hard, divorce. My sons and I were having our Friday movie night and I just happened to check my email. I was so shocked that I screamed and fell off the couch! My boys were so worried and ran over to me. When I was able to stop shaking and catch my breath, I re-read the email. It took a few minutes to really process what it all meant.

My sons were going to a week-long camp, but for sure we were going to Wheel of Fortune as a family. I was so excited: Finally, my decades of being a Wheel Watcher was going to pay off. To be honest, we almost didn't make it, because in my excitement I went to the wrong airport! We made it all the way to security before someone said, “Ma'am, you're at the wrong airport.” Luckily I was early enough. My sons and I ran through the airport, hopped in a cab and made it all the way from Reagan National to Dulles and made it to our gate in time for the final boarding call. But even with scary moments like those, it was all worth it. To step on the set of Wheel of Fortune and stand next to Pat Sajak and meet Vanna White? They’d come into my living room almost every night ever since I emigrated to the U.S., and here I am playing America's Game with my sons in the audience.

From the moment I stepped onto the Sony lot, the day was filled with excitement. From meeting my fellow contestants to saying my final goodbyes to the staff and crew, it was all surreal. The feeling was like, “Is this really happening?” The weight of the Wheel was the one thing that surprised me — I sure got my workout 😅. It wasn’t until I spun the wheel that it really sunk in that I was going to be on Wheel of Fortune.

Though I didn't make it all the way to the Bonus Round, I will remember the puzzle because it has a special connection for me and my sons. The Bonus Round puzzle was FLUFFY BUNNY which is our only family member left back home, our bunny Chino.

My sons had their own amazing experience winning prizes as audience members as well. Everyone was so kind to them and our friends. I certainly felt like a star. This experience is one that was needed for my boys and I. We can't thank everyone enough for being so dang awesome and making our Summer.