Age: 29
Hometown: Port Coquitlam, Canada
Current Residence: Vancouver, Canada
Occupation: Software Sales
3 Words to Describe You: Charismatic, opportunistic, golden retriever.
Why do you want to be part of Survivor? I remember laughing with my mom at the pathetic, crying Survivors on TV. She'd always say she couldn't wait to watch me out there, so it'll be meaningful to close that chapter. Also, $1 million USD goes even further in Canada.
What's one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? Lifeguarding at 17 to start a painting business. I ran this business throughout university to pay for school. I've been failing lots all my life, but I have the life and street skills to bring to Survivor.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like? I'd love to say Tony, but out of respect I won't.
What will you value in an alliance partner? Someone who can control their emotions and who has relationships and can gather information from other members of the tribe, so we can build the most complete picture possible.
Favorite Hobbies: Basketball, travel, trying things for the first time, friend-related activities, trouble.
Pet Peeves: People with no sense of humor. People who talk about wanting things but won't do anything about it.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I work for a marketing company that partners with businesses to educate their communities about choosing conservative healthcare (physical therapy, chiro, etc) over addictive medication and invasive surgery. It's a mission I'm passionate about. Over the past five-plus years I've generated [millions] in sales, which means I'm helping thousands of patients and hundreds of local businesses.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I've worked remotely since 2017 and have lived in 27 countries. Fiji is 28.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why? My dad, who never graduated high school and was in jail five years (one and a half in Ethiopia, three and a half in Somalia), yet has a degree from Russia, along with his nursing degree. My parents have sacrificed a lot for their kids to have opportunities to do better and experience more, which pushes me every day.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? I've never been qualified for anything I've done, so why not me? Whether getting my first job at 13 [by] lying and saying I was 16, to slinging pizzas, starting a painting biz having never picked up a brush, or working in software sales, I've never had the "resume" but I always figure it out and bring my entire personality, and I expect the best in Survivor.