Surrounded by cactus plants and a hacienda themed stage, UNF student Teal Kane spun the big wheel on America’s game show “Wheel of Fortune” on April 26. Although Kane didn’t place first at the end of the show, she earned a pretty penny with a final prize of $10,650.

Kane, who’s a senior studying child psychology, won most of her money during the first round of Wheel of Fortune’s “Desert Oasis” show. But once the Mystery Round commenced after a commercial break, Kane lost the big wheel’s favor. She, as well as another contestant, landed on bankrupt several times, slimming their chances of raking in more money.

At the end of the night, a total of $40,000+ in prize money was earned, with Kane taking home nearly one fourth of it.

Kane’s appearance on the famous game show started last year in November, when she and her mother stopped by the WheelMobile at the annual Jacksonville Fair. After applying to be on the show, she got a callback three weeks later.

The application process was fairly involved. Kane had to complete a writing exam as well as several preliminary word games. Once the screening process was out of the way, Kane took a flight out to participate on the show in Culver, California last spring break.

As for what she plans to do with her gameshow spoils, Kane intends to use some of the money to pay off her student debt and possibly purchase a new car.

The experience was exhilarating for Kane. In a previous interview with Spinnaker, Kane said that all in all, being on the show was so much fun.

“I just wanted to be up there all day,” Kane said. “Even with Pat standing right next to you and talking to you. It didn’t phase me.”  

All of Kane’s hard work paid off, metaphorically, and, of course, literally.

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