Age: 29
Hometown: Garland, Tex. and Midwest City, Okla.
Current Residence: Bloomington, Ind.
Occupation: Sociology Professor
3 Words to Describe You: Curious, multifaceted, and passionate
Why do you want to be part of Survivor?: Survivor has been a part of my family and life for as long as I can remember. It was my first exposure to the sociological questions and experiments that would later lead to an entire career. I want to play and win Survivor and experience it with the loved ones who introduced it to me while they’re still here.
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?: My journey to the PhD in Sociology has undoubtedly prepared me to win this game. From my interview and ethnographic observation training, to my critical thinking and analysis skills, my sociology background is my greatest weapon. As a young, Black woman in this field, I’ve already made a name for myself and will do the same in Survivor.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like?: The player I identify most with is Katurah Topps and the player I think I’ll play most like is Shan (S41), for better or worse.
What will you value in an alliance partner?: In an ally, I will value transparency and innovation. I want a ride or die who’s not afraid to brainstorm and risk-take, creatively, of course. Someone less ego-driven than myself with a good bit of sarcastic humor and Y.O.L.O energy BUT loyal like no other.
Favorite hobbies: Volleyball, running, writing, binge watching dystopian sci-fi series, debating, and rapping to myself in the mirror Issa Rae style.
Pet Peeves: I can’t stand overly boastful people, people who can brag about themselves all day, every day. I also can’t stand people with black and white thinking, who never question the norm or entertain alternative ideas/theories. People who don’t care to think outside of the box. I also don’t like loud eaters!
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?: I’m most proud of earning my PhD under the age of 30 and writing a dissertation I can be proud of and share with everyone in my community.
What is something we would never know from looking at you?: I once won most comedic mascot at mascot camp (yes, it’s a thing). I was Webber the Bear!
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?: My grandma, hands down! We’re talking about a woman who was queer in a time where you could be imprisoned, hospitalized, and even have your kids taken from you for loving who you love. A two-time breast cancer survivor and widow, who has dealt with every negative life can throw, but still leads with love and pours into every human she comes in to contact with. I would not be me without her.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?: Because I’m a driven, passionate, brainiac in an unsuspecting, beautifully wrapped package. Being a sociologist, I’m not only an expert on all things social but I’m literally trained to immerse myself in any environment and social dynamic, take what I need, and put it to good use. There’s nobody better equipped to win a social experiment that is Survivor than the sociologists who create them.