Since English teacher Kyle Goodwin was 10, he has been an avid fan of the CBS game show “Survivor.” He first applied to be a contestant when he was 18, and has applied every 1-2 years since.
“I want to go [on the show], first and foremost, because I love adventure,” Goodwin said. “I also love being around people, and ‘Survivor’ is the greatest social experiment ever, in my opinion. You not only have to be around people 24/7 for 6-7 weeks, but you also have to work with them to literally survive and stay alive. It sounds like an awesome adventure. Plus, the winner receives a check for $1,000,000, so that’s cool, too.”
CBS suggested Goodwin “blow up” social media to demonstrate that he would have a following if he got on the show. Goodwin then created a Facebook group which has since accumulated over 2,500 followers. He also created a Twitter account that has over 100 followers.
“My students—former and current—have been super supportive of my effort,” Goodwin said. “Even if this doesn’t work out and I don’t get a chance to play, it’s been an awesome reminder for me, my family and friends, and my students that chasing a dream, no matter how crazy, is well worth it.”
Goodwin says that, while he does not watch much TV, he has watched each of Survivor’s 33 seasons at least 3-4 times, and considers himself a “student of the game.” He has also prepared for the game by hiking, camping, traveling around the world and exposing himself to different experiences and people.