Survivor Polska

Age: 34
Hometown: Lincoln, R.I.
Current Residence: Windsor Locks, Conn.
Occupation: Mental Health Counselor
3 Words to Describe You: Animated, charismatic, empathic
Why do you want to be part of Survivor?: As someone who loves people and learning about what makes people tick, Survivor is the ultimate celebration of the human experience. It’s a game that breaks people down to build them back up into stronger people, and it’s the ultimate adventure for those looking to grow and test themselves to see who they truly are. For a guy like me who’s always willing to step outside their comfort zone and face themselves to evolve, I just want to be a part of that adventure and celebration regardless of the outcome.
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?: Being involved in community theater has definitely prepared me for Survivor. In each show I’m in, I’m thrown into a new group of people that are all different ages, backgrounds, and skill sets. It leads us to form strong bonds very quickly which helps us in being able to work effectively and successfully in putting on a phenomenal show. I often leave each show with a new, close friendship, and I feel this will translate perfectly once I’m dropped off in a new tribe where I’ll have to make quick bonds with a diverse group of strangers.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like?: When I saw Dominick Abbate on Ghost Island, it felt like I was looking into a mirror and seeing where I’ll be in a few years. He’s a charming, slightly sassy East Coast Italian American like me, and his game is definitely forming a strong bond with a pal that got him to the end and almost the win. He was also honest and upfront with his feelings, which I also plan on being with others as I go far in the game. Like Dom, I also plan on taking calculated risks that will advance me and get me to where I need to go.
What will you value in an alliance partner?: Someone that will display with continuous trust and loyalty, that I can joke and laugh with, that will be open-minded and non-judgmental, and that I can confide in and talk to if/when I’m feeling down. Ultimately, I value an alliance-mate that can also be a confidant and best friend in-and-out of the game.
Favorite hobbies: Community theater, jamming on the electric guitar, going on adventures with my fiancé, watching horror movies, swimming, playing board games with friends, and petting my cats.
Pet Peeves: People with low emotional intelligence/maturity, people who take themselves too seriously, super machismo type guys, reckless drivers, and bad grammar.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?: Aside from meeting and becoming engaged to the love of my life? In that case, I’d say passing my licensing exam is something I take a lot of pride in. The LMHC exam is no joke, and it was something I had to continuously study for over and over again since it notoriously takes multiple attempts to pass. Despite my frustrations and doubt, I didn’t give up and kept trying until I passed on my 4th attempt. Whenever I find myself doubting my skills, I remind myself of that accomplishment so that I can be mindful that I can overcome tough things.
What is something we would never know from looking at you?: You probably couldn’t guess that I’m trained in Muay Thai kickboxing, and that I used to be a competitive swimmer from age 8 up until my senior year of college. I don’t present as the athletic type, so it does throw some people off when they learn about my athletic history.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?: My fiancé, Gina DeVito, continually inspires me every day to work hard, grow, and be there for myself and for our relationship. She’s a self-starter that had to work extremely hard to overcome her own adversities to be the successful, strong woman she is today, and does so with class, bravery, and unconditional love. She’s always there for me in the highest highs and lowest lows, and her love inspires me to show up and work just as hard not only because she deserves it, but I deserve it too. She’s the epitome of a soulmate, and I’m always in awe of how much we’ve accomplished since the first day I met her.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?: I’m an emotionally intelligent person who can form close bonds in a short amount of time and will adapt to whatever a person needs in order to maintain trust. I’m able to read people successfully and convince others to shift their perspectives as needed, all while having enough self-awareness and control to know when to lead or when to follow. I can also be in touch with my own feelings and self-regulate so that the stress and anxiety I face will not hold me back from making tough game decisions.