Laryn N.

Imagine receiving an email to say you’re invited to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune — it’s surreal! I was excited and skeptical all wrapped up in one. I thought back to all the times I used to sit on the couch with my grandmothers, and we’d watch people spin the Wheel. And then I started dreaming of what it would be like when it was me up there. 

Once I confirmed that no, this was not a scam, and yes, I was actually going to be a contestant, I became obsessed with watching old shows on YouTube and online. I recorded shows and rewatched them to practice, and I decided that my “move” would be to always call an “N”. Not to mention, I was always on the WOF app any free chance I had — walking down the halls, in the bathroom, before going to bed. Everyday, all day.

But nothing can really prepare you for the moment you walk on stage for your own show! I was assigned the first position, right next to Pat Sajak. When the show started and he walked out, my stomach went straight down like a ride on the steepest roller coaster. The whole show I felt like I was having this total out-of-body experience. During the Prize Puzzle round, I didn’t know the answer to the puzzle, but I had to keep guessing letters because I landed on the Express wedge. Once I chose a “W” the light went off and bam I had it: “The complete works of William Shakespeare”. Because of that puzzle, I won and went to the Bonus Round. Of course, THAT puzzle stumped me because it started with a vowel. I screamed with disappointment!