Student gets $10,000 on ‘Millionaire’

“You’ve been selected to be a contestant on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire.’”
That’s what University at Albany senior Stephanie Ferreira heard on the other end of the line when a call interrupted her Friday morning classes. Ferreira quickly excused herself from class. She paced back and forth outside the Science Library listening to what the voice had to say.
“I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it. I was told to arrive at ABC studios in New York City on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 for the taping,” said Ferreira.
She had many reasons to be excited. The process of getting to this point wasn’t an easy one.
In June, Ferreira made her way to ABC studios to audition for the first round to be a contestant on the game show. She was given a test which would ensure a future interview if she passed.
“I was given a Scantron test of random questions. They were similar to what you see on the game show. I had 10 minutes to complete 30 questions. I failed the test. I went and tried my best but it didn’t work, I was disappointed,” she said.
She may have been disappointed but it didn’t stop her determination. She frequently checked the ABC Web site for more audition opportunities. 
Two months later, she stumbled upon another chance to be on her dream game show.
“One day while I checked the Web site, I came across a sweepstakes. I had to upload a video telling the producers of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” what I would do with a million dollars.  I decided to take my chances and enter.
“With a million dollars, I said I’d buy a house, go to Paris, have a wedding, a honeymoon…If I won, it would qualify me to take an online test to become a contestant,” Ferreira said.
Shortly after, she received a letter from ABC studios. The producers liked her video. Her fate now depended on the successful completion of an online test. She was now one step closer to her hopes.
“I had 30 minutes to do 60 questions on the online test. Yet, I had technical difficulties. The test would not work. Luckily, I had the chance to take it over. I accomplished it in the time allotted,” Ferreira said.
The third time proved to be the charm. Despite all the setbacks she landed as a contestant. However, the hardest part was not over yet.
“It’s like being thrown into a sand pit. I only had two weeks to prepare. I wasn’t given any formal study guide. I read up on every subject, from history to art, to mythology and music. I even studied on the train ride there,” she said.
She arrived at 7:30 a.m. and was given a tour, filled out routine paperwork and even got a chance to practice her moment to shine.
“We actually got a chance to sit in the hot seat. I think it prepared me. If I didn’t get the chance I’d probably been more nervous than I was,” said Ferreira.
It was now time.
As she made it to the set, she sat amongst the audience and the other contestants. They waited for the continuation of a taping from the previous day to end. She had been the first to practice in the hot seat. Now she was being called first to face her moment of truth.
“I had my parents and boyfriend in the audience. Everyone said I looked so confident,” she said.
She remembered the first question vividly.
“I was asked what the states in United States of America was changed from. I instantly knew that it used to be called United Colony of America. I passed on and moved onto the next level,” said Ferreira.
With only 15 seconds to answer each question she moved at a steady yet successful pace. She continually repeated her strategy to remain calm.
After advancing, she faced a tough question.
“The category was gadgets. It was a $10,000 question. It said, which of the following gadgets are supra-aural? The options were headphones, toothbrushes, remotes or a computer mouse. I felt I knew the answer but I was unsure. I decided to use a lifeline as ‘ask the expert.’ We came to a consensus to pick the option ‘headphones,’” Ferreira said.
The next question would put an end to her run at a million dollars.
“The question was ‘A regular on MTV’s ‘The Hills,’ Brody Jenner is the son of a famous Olympian who won a gold medal for what sport?’ The name seemed familiar but I couldn’t remember the exact sport. I already used two lifelines. Instead of taking the chance, I chose to walk away,” she said.
Ferreira walked off with $10,000 and an experience that she would never forget.
On Jan. 25, she finally got to relive the moment again. This time it was in the comfort of her home. She was no longer yearning to be on her favorite show. She actually did it.
“Watching myself on camera wasn’t so bad. Watching the show, I had so many regrets like using lifelines at certain times. I caught the host Meredith giving me a hint. She gave me a keyword. Yet, I didn’t catch it. I used a lifeline instead,” she said.
Now, $10,000 richer, Ferreira keeps the same dreams she had before. She still plans to put a down payment on a house and brush up on her foreign languages with Rosetta Stone. She also hopes to purchase a new couch.
Having the chance to go on “Who Wants to be Millionaire” only fueled Ferreira’s passion for game shows. She plans to be a contestant on more shows. She’s looking into Deal or no Deal, which is another favorite game show of hers.