Age: 30
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio
Current Residence: Toledo, Ohio
Occupation: Wedding Photographer
3 Words to Describe You: Empathetic. Determined. And energetic. (my family’s nickname for me is NENERGY)
Why do you want to be part of Survivor?: WHERE TO BEGIN? For starters – it’s my lifelong dream. I’ve watched with my fam since I was 7 years old. I was the kid begging my parents to let me stay up to watch the finale past my bedtime (literally negotiated by making up my own immunity challenge – a 1 min, long handstand – that I finally accomplished after hours of trying). But more than that – Survivor is all about putting yourself outside your comfort zone and seeing who you become when you do. That is why I want to play this game.
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?: Being a wedding photographer! I have the best job ever – but it’s easy to write me off as “the cute little wedding photographer” -- when in reality what I do takes grit, stamina, and mental toughness. When it comes to wedding days – the name of the game is ADAPTABILITY. It’s about being able to perform and create when the stakes are high and the pressure is on....just like Survivor.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like?: I honestly hope to be a combo of Charlie and Kenzie (both players I look up to!) Kenzie for her social skills and ability to be everyone’s buddy. Charlie – for his intentional game play focused on keeping options open and letting himself be underestimated by others – when really, he had his finger on the pulse of the game.
What will you value in an alliance partner?: Honestly – vibes. I want to work with people I genuinely connect with on a human level. Also, green flags if they are a safe space to chat through various strategic options before deciding on the right course of action.
Favorite hobbies: I love writing! Mostly I write poetry – and love reading poetry as well. I also love to run and I’m always down for an adventurous hike.
Pet Peeves: Can’t think of many, but catch me after 26 days on the island and I’m sure I’ll have a few.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?: Building my business! I’m honestly living out my dream and frequently pinch myself getting to do this job. When I was 15 years old – I saved up all my babysitting money and bought my first camera. At 18 someone took a chance on me and I photographed my first wedding. I have put so many hours of BELIEF into my photography dream – and I feel so proud of the way 15-year-old Jenna followed her passion to start it all.
What is something we would never know from looking at you?: I think I give off “sweet, bubbly, artistic girl”... but I’ve got a savvy strategic side to me! In fact: in all the wedding contracts I’ve sent out over the last 5 years, I’ve included a ‘Survivor Clause’ because I did, in fact, know this was my destiny.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?: Gotta be my mom and my dad. My dad because he reminds me – anything is possible. He is constantly finding adventures in everyday life and can seemingly troubleshoot any obstacle through creative thinking and hard work. My mom because for all the ways I want to reach into the world and accomplish things, she reminds me that there is nothing I need to prove.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?: So – back before I ever heard anything from Survivor – I wrote this little poem inspired by my dream to play. It says, “I can’t wait for you to look back at all these times you believed in it believe it was visible!” But then I had an idea – what if I could give this poem to anyone who wants them, but in exchange – they have to tell me their dream. I gave away 154 poems. I will be the Sole Survivor because I have an army of people who are believing in it with me. I’m playing for them.