Eric P.

When I found out I made it on to the show, my stomach instantly went into knots; and for the days leading up to it, I could not sleep. Even though I worked as a fireman for a long time, with that, I knew what I was doing! On the show, I was just hoping I didn't trip walking on and off the stage, let alone answer anything incoherently. What I learned through this experience was that as in a lot of situations, people get nervous, but when you realize that the people WANT you to do well and are on your side, it makes it so much easier. I mean, when me and my wife were walking out of the studio, the people that were in the audience actually applauded me! That felt so nice.

With regard to puzzles and spins that surprised me, I would say landing on an express slot was surreal; and then to actually fill in all of the letters and win a trip was mind blowing. After that, it was like the words were popping up before the letters showed up. There was a [toss up] puzzle that I think I solved after three letters and then the second one, I answered after the first letter; I couldn't believe I had a chance to get all three and win $10,000. In all honesty, I have no idea how I knew the answers so fast. Lastly, on the final spin puzzle, after calling a previously called letter, I looked up and knew the answer and all I could do was hope the other two missed it, which they did, so after being shut out for the first two segments, I managed to answer 4 out of the last 5 and take home a really nice package of prizes.

I have to give credit to the people that prepped us, as they beat it in to our heads to not give up until the last answer was given. That's what I did, and it paid off. The final bonus round didn't go too well as I had a really difficult puzzle, but by that point it didn't really matter as much as one would think. I did my best, I won some great things, and I had an amazing experience and met some of the nicest people I've met in ages. It may not mean much to some, but I love meeting nice people that are sincere, and they seemed to be that.

Next year we will be taking the trip I won and celebrating my 65th birthday in Europe. Unbelievable!! I will say [Wheel of Fortune] means a lot more now due to the experience, but also being able to share in such an iconic season with it being Pat's last year. Being able to talk with him and Vanna and see that they are just so nice and genuine will resonate with me forever.