Eric R.

I'd like to buy a vowel... WHOOOOOO! When I found out I made the show, I couldn't believe it! This was a dream of mine since I was 6 years old (I would watch every night with my Grandma Kathy) and now, 30 years later, this dream became a reality! Finding out it was Halloween Week was even more exciting, because I love Halloween! I couldn't wait to share the news with my family, especially my three boys who were the reason I decided to apply!

I first practiced my speech with Pat. What would I say? What did I want to say? How would I be able to express my love for Wheel while also expressing how proud I was to be representing my family, friends and community! I was thankful for the opportunity to share about my family. My husband and I were foster parents and met three amazing boys. We knew immediately that they were meant to be a part of our forever family, we went from a family of 2 to 5 overnight! My boys were the reason why I decided to apply. We watch Wheel of Fortune every night, and they told me, "Daddy E, you need to apply!" So I did... and the rest is history! I practiced the puzzles by watching previous shows every night! I found out only a week before my taping date, so I had to make sure I used my time wisely!

What I learned from this experience is that Wheel of Fortune is so much more than just a show, it's an experience of a lifetime! All the other contestants on the show were amazing, their energy and love for Wheel made us quick friends. I can't tell you how kind every person was, from hair and makeup to the producers, every employee at Wheel was incredible. They made the experience ever more memorable! It was one of the best experiences of my life, something I will always remember and cherish. I can't wait to share my experience with others! Pat said it best in my episode about the wheel, "More tricks than treats!" But I had the BEST time! The bankrupt was a bummer, but who gets to say, "I was on America's Game?!"

My family and friends all had watch parties across America! From NYC to Los Angeles, I had family and friends in every time zone watching! It was so much fun seeing the texts come in during the night of the show. Seeing my family and friends take selfies with me in the background was amazing! Being a principal, I made sure to include my school community. I sent out a message the night of the show to watch Mr. Romero take the stage on Wheel of Fortune! I had so many students tell me the next day, "Mr. Romero, I saw YOU on TV!" We had a whole school watch party the next day, where students watched the episode. From the cheers to the "ah mans!" (Bankrupt!) it is a memory I will always cherish!

This is what Wheel means to me... Community! A community of friends and family who came together to support me on the show. The amount of love and support I felt from my friends and family is indescribable. I was excited to share my story with America, about who I am, my family, my job and my passion for Wheel because it's why I am the person I am today. To be able to share my story is something I will forever be grateful for, thank you Wheel!