Age: 29
Hometown: Winthrop, MA
Current Residence: Winthrop, MA
Occupation: Pizzeria Manager
3 Words to Describe You: Compassionate, hard-working, resilient.
Why do you want to be part of Survivor? Survivor has been a family passion for over 2 decades. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and I want to put my education, life experience, and preparation to the ultimate test!
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? Believe it or not, working at Luigi’s! (our family restaurant). We’re graced everyday with customers who hail from every corner of the globe! No two people are alike in their tastes and preferences, but we always leave them feeling full and happy!
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like? I’ve always been a big fan of Tyson – he possesses a unique combination of intelligence, athleticism, wit, determination and humor (and hair! Can’t forget the hair!) If I can emulate even a fraction of his approach, I think I can make a deep run.
What will you value in an alliance partner? I really want to work with someone who we can bounce ideas off of. You’re out here in your own head, and just to have an outlet to talk strategy and advance both your games will be so useful.
Favorite Hobbies: Horse racing, listening to sports talk radio, and cooking (especially pizza!)
Pet Peeves: Not reusing / recycling something, pants without pockets (useless), people who interrupt someone when he/she is trying to make a point.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I was the youngest legislative aide in the history of the Massachusetts State House. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I just wanted to help my boss any way that I could. But looking back, it’s really awesome to have worked at the highest level of state politics as a teenager.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? That I have been a vegetarian for my entire life! I’ve always had a love for animals and never even had a temptation to try meat; however despite this dietary choice, I’m a lot stronger than I appear!
Who is your biggest inspiration and why? Without question, my mother. From having founded and grown our family restaurant over 40 years ago to having battled (and beaten) cancer three separate times, she’s been playing Survivor her whole life! Despite everything she’s been through, she never complains, still maintains a positive attitude, and keeps a great sense of humor.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? Because I never back down from anything I’ve done in my life. The word quit is not in my vocabulary! I don’t see that attitude changing on the island.