SUU Student Competes on Wheel of Fortune College Edition
Published: June 15, 2023 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 3 minutes
While many students focus on the opportunities that await following graduation, there are plenty of life-changing experiences during college. Kira Paskett, a sophomore at Southern Utah University, was recently featured on the College Edition of the popular game show, Wheel of Fortune–which resulted in her winning the entire competition and a cash prize of nearly $15,000.
Getting her degree in musical theater with a minor in early child development, Paskett plans to balance her performance life with life as an elementary school theater teacher. She originally started college as an elementary education major, but it didn’t take her long to realize that her heart was in the performing arts.
“I’ve always loved performing; I’ve been dancing since I was 3 and in middle school, I really fell in love with theater,” said Paskett. “It wasn’t until high school that I realized theater was more than just a passion–it was something I wanted to do for my whole life.”
When Paskett saw an ad on Instagram for Wheel of Fortune: College Edition, she saw it as an opportunity. After filling out the application and participating in several interviews, she was chosen to represent SUU on live television.
“I’d seen the show a few times before I applied, so I had some basic background knowledge,” said Paskett. “It’s one of those things that’s on TV just kind of in the background, but I really came to love it after I was chosen to be on the show.”
Before long, Paskett was headed to Sony Picture Studios in California for filming. She offers her gratitude to her mother for coming with her and supporting her. The filming process itself was an excellent experience for Paskett.
"The crew, hosts, and other contestants were all so nice,” said Paskett. “My main goal was to get along with everyone, and Pat Sajak even said I was the most smiley contestant, which was amazing.”
Not only did she form friendships with other players, but she was able to see people with interests similar to her own in positions of success.
“There were so many people with such amazing stories,” said Paskett. “One of the cameramen was even from West Valley, Utah, and went to SUU! It really goes to show you that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything no matter what education you may have.”
Her favorite moment from her time on the show was when she was able to get a question that someone else had missed and she got it correct. In the end, Paskett won the entire competition and earned a cash prize, which has been used to support her summer plans of working at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida this year.
Paskett thanks the cast, crew, and hosts for their kindness and friendship. She is also grateful for her opportunity to have represented SUU on live television and is grateful to professors, advisors, and friends that encourage her every day.
To those who wish to get their foot in the door of the entertainment industry, Paskett offers her advice.
“Apply for everything; you never know what opportunities are going to open up, even when you least expect it. You never know what you’re good at until you try everything. The universe has such a wonderful plan for you!”
Paskett’s episode of Wheel of Fortune is now available for streaming and has been broadcasted on cable.
Tags: College of Education and Human Development College of Performing and Visual Arts