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Featured Member: Diana A
It had been a while since the last time I watched
Wheel of Fortune, so when I started watching again and realized that
viewers could win the sake prizes the contestants win just by watching,
I was hooked more than ever! Immediately after the show I hopped onto
the Internet and signed up for a SPIN ID
As I was looking around the homepage I saw a link to become an actual contestant. I figured why not, it couldn’t hurt to try. I filled out the contestant application and came to the section asking about military status, I checked the United States Marine Corps (USMC) box and completed the rest of the application, not thinking anything of it.
A couple of weeks later, I received an email from the contestant department asking me to come to an audition in San Diego, which is only a 30 to 40 minute drive away from Camp Pendleton, where I work. I received permission from my Command and the next thing I knew I was arriving at the audition.
The audition was like nothing I expected. There were other service members also competing for a chance to spin the wheel. After we played a few rounds and were all given a chance to shout out a letter it was time to leave. Unfortunately, I did not end up solving a puzzle but I did receive a Wheel of Fortune pencil, one that I will always cherish. We were informed that if we were chosen to be an actual contestant, we would be contacted by mail. I left feeling confident.
As the weeks passed I checked my mailbox everyday. I finally received a large Fed-Ex envelope. As I raced to open the package I tried to make sense of everything that was happening. The day of my taping was February 8th, which also happens to be my mother’s birthday. She was able to accompany me to the taping to cheer me on. However, my husband was deployed in Iraq and was, unfortunately, unable to share in my experience.
When we arrived at Sony Pictures Studios it was so surreal. We could not believe that we were able to see where movies were actually made. When it was time, the contestants were greeted and escorted to the Wheel of Fortune studio, where we filled out the necessary paperwork. I was amazed how small the puzzleboard looked. It appears to be so much bigger on T.V. When the time came for me to take my spot near the wheel I wished the other service members “good luck,” said a quick prayer, and hoped for the best.
Watching Wheel of Fortune and becoming a contestant has been a remarkable experience and one that I will always cherish. As for me, I will forever be a Wheel Watchers Club member!
Diana A.
