What happened when you found out you were going to be a contestant?
Well, actually, the night before try-outs I was in a play, and so that ended at maybe 9:30, so we had to drive all night, go up to Nashville where I was trying out. Checked into a hotel room at 4 AM, then we went to the testing place, I took the test, and of course whenever anything good happens to me, my mother goes crazy. So when she found out that I was going to be in the next round, she: [hands-in-the-air, mouth wide gesture]. And they said to expect a response around August, and they had a teen show on in August, so I thought, you know, "Probably not going to be on it. That's okay, it was a fun experience," and then I got an envelope in the mail, and I was home sick when I got it. So I'm sleeping, trying to get rest, my mother comes into the room, "Open it, open it, it's so exciting!" And, so I'm just feeling absolutely awful, and yet I'm so happy that I'm going to be on Jeopardy!
What are you most excited about today?
Well I have to say, I'm most excited about meeting Alex. He's been one of my favorite people for a while because I love the show.
If you had a "dream Jeopardy! category," what would it be?
Well, I studied a lot of presidents. I'd like to see PRESIDENTS category. I'd like to see a MYTHOLOGY category, and I watch The Simpsons religiously, so I could go for that too.
How did you prepare for today?
Well, I read my world almanac to prepare--of course everyone did. Watched the show religiously, as I usually do. And I got turned on to an excellent book by my friend Caine, it's called The Incomplete Education. Hi Caine!
Did you study Ken Jennings' technique?
I don't know how he does it. I would have loved to, but I can't figure out his magic touch.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Ten years from now I'd like to be working on my masters. If I could, I'd like to be working on it overseas. I'm interested in going to Oxford or Cambridge.
Do you have a particular role model?
A role model of mine would have to be Ken Jennings. Everybody loves Ken Jennings. But, more for life, actually one of my close friends, Daniel; he's a Quaker; he's a really good person; I'd like to be like him. |
