Ever since kindergarten, I've wanted to compete on Jeopardy!  For as long as I can remember, my family has been tuning in at 7:30 to watch the show.  (Over the years, the number of my correct answers has increased, if not my level of maturity.)  During my first semester here at Harvard, my mom called and told me the date and time of the online College Jeopardy! test.  I tried out last year, but didn't make it; this time, I guess I got lucky!

I'm currently a sophomore at Harvard College.  Where I am now is a long way from sunny southern California where I grew up.  I'm majoring (or "concentrating," as we insist on calling it) in history, and I hope to pursue a career in politics or public service someday.  

I clearly remember when I got that fateful phone call informing me that I was picked for the show, even if the circumstances were, shall we say, less than ideal. I was barely recovering from a terrible stomach virus, and was lying prostrate on my bed when the phone rang.  I recognized the voice immediately as being that of Robert, one of the Jeopardy! officials from the tryout in New York City.  He didn't start by saying that I was on the show; instead, he asked some questions about my college attendance and other things.  As the call continued, I got the feeling that this was no ordinary conversation, and finally he asked me the question: "How would you like to compete on College Jeopardy!?"  Suddenly, my stomach wasn't bothering me too much anymore!

The first person I called was my mom, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and proud Badger.  Even though she was in a public place, she let out a yelp of glee that made me jump.  She went outside so she could continue her joyful screaming.  I had the feeling that by the time she was done, everyone in that restaurant knew I was going to be on the show.  My mom has been quite the publicist; everyone from our mailman to our dentist (or whomever she makes eye contact with) is eagerly awaiting the show!  

Since then I've been preparing for the big day. I've gone to a few trivia nights and have continued memorizing college mascots (which has been a little disheartening, as Harvard doesn't really have a mascot).  For the finishing touch, I went out and bought a brand new sweatshirt to wear on the air!