There are memorable points in each person’s life – timeswhen a personis so excited, or happy when something impressionablehappened, he or she can hardly believe it. Though my appearance on”The Price is Right” was nearly two years ago, it will always hold aspecial place in my memory.
From the time I heard the Living Learning Center was planning atrip to “The Price is Right,” I was determined to go. Not only was Ibent on going to the taping, I was determined to be a contestant andwin. Before I even signed up to get a place on the bus, I told myfamily and friends that I would be a contestant, so there wasn’t adoubt in my mind that I would be unsuccessful. Some people believedin me, while others warned me not to get my hopes up.
I did everything possible to prepare for the show. I camped out inthe lobby of the LLC the night before sign-ups to ensure my positionon the bus. I watched the show incessantly to familiarize myself withas many games as I could. After speaking with people who had been toprevious tapings, I prepared and practiced the answers I would giveto the producers during my interview. There was really nothing leftto do except make the drive to Hollywood.
I think the part of my interview that guaranteed my place on theshow was when I recited my middle names. I have nine of them, so theyalways provoke a long list of inquiring questions. When paired withmy maniacal performance of “Please pick me, I will sing and dance andgo crazy,” I think I was an easy choice for the producers.
When I was called to “come on down” by the infamous Rod Roddy, mymind was a swirl of exhilaration and nausea as I ran down the aisleto “Contestants Row.” Bidding on items is a rather blurryrecollection, but getting on stage is most definitely not.
I almost tripped while running up the stage to maul Bob Barker.And before I knew it, I won a 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Though I was alittle worried Bob’s tangerine-orange makeup coating wouldpermanently stain my lips, I gave him a big kiss anyway, thenbear-hugged that big Barker beauty.
It is often a little embarrassing to look back on the video of myperformance, because I acted more than a touch over the top with allof my jumping, dancing and stomach flashing (I had written a specialmessage to Bob). Even though I was frightening at times, I do notregret acting so berserk because it made the experience truly my own.Even though I acted like a nutcase, I provided an accuraterepresentation of how insane I sometimes am.
Unfortunately I lost my showcase, but it was pretty cool to evenmake it to the showcase showdown. My opponent was a man who had beento 36 tapings before being chosen as a contestant. No matter how muchI had prepared beforehand, I could never compete with such a person.His “Price is Right” obsession was just a little stronger than mine,I suppose.
The strangest thing about being on “The Price is Right,” wasrealizing how many people actually watch the show. My taping aired onthe Monday before we all went back to school from winter break. Myguess is, more people than normal watched because of the break. Aftermy appearance, I had my share of 15 minutes of fame.
People recognized me in the bookstore, at parties, even a year anda half later at a hospital in Santa Cruz. Apparently the show’sreaches were far beyond what I had ever imagined. It was flatteringto have complete strangers know who I was, but it was a strangeexperience. I have a taste of what celebrities must think when theyare recognized. It is a bizarre phenomenon.
Though I feel I got on the show because I truly wanted it, I wouldencourage anyone to try out for it. If you prove you are an amazingperson and really stand out to the producers, you have a good chance.After all, Hollywood is only a short drive away.
– Chaley Zachmeier is a journalism junior and staff writer for TheDaily Aztec.
– This column does not necessarily reflect the views of The DailyAztec.
