Spelman Student Walks Away With $22K Playing 'Wheel Of Fortune'

Earning a full-tuition paid scholarship to attend Spelman and being a fan of the big wheel, Olajide came across an opportunity to audition virtually and jumped on the chance. 

“I began my journey to appear on Wheel of Fortune in my first year of college. I was watching the show and saw an advertisement for the chance to audition virtually from home. Since I had been a longtime fan of the show, I decided to give it a try,” Olajide said. 

“I submitted an ‘about me’ video on the website and about a year and a half later they contacted me for a virtual audition. I was ecstatic that I was one step closer to possibly going on one of my favorite game shows. I completed the audition and waited to see if I was picked,” Olajide said.  

Tonight’s the big night! Miriam Olajide, C’2024, a third-year health sciences major, will appear on “Wheel of Fortune” at 7 p.m. EST, on NBC. She’s taking over the Spelman College Official Instagram page. Make sure to turn on your stories notifications. #Spelman @WheelofFortune pic.twitter.com/qOZshdAykB

— Spelman Lane (@spelmanlane) June 8, 2022

After waiting another three weeks, the game show contacted Olajide to congratulate her on being selected to join the show.

@WheelofFortune present America’s Game V June 8, 2022. Tonight’s contestants announce for college.

R: Miriam Olajide (Atlanta, GA):

Y: Morgan Healey (Chico State):

B: Aaron (LMU):

Stay tuned for more information. Wheel of Fortune update. #wheeloffortune #39thSeason pic.twitter.com/0YusRoHzDB

— Phi Ly (@phily498) June 8, 2022

“I was very excited! I was afforded an opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, California and my experience on Wheel of Fortune was nothing shy of amazing! All the college contestants, as well as the ones that I competed against, were really nice and we all bonded over our love of the show,” Olajide said.

Olajide was enamored with the behind-the-scenes and was surprised by the creation that goes into the show-especially the wheel.

What a stellar young lady! Miriam Olajide is @APSWashington’s 💙🐾 salutatorian headed to either @universityofga or @spelman! Wishing you huge success as a future health nutritionist! #APSGrad2020 is #worththewait! 🎓 pic.twitter.com/OeLh2RQVsn

— Meria Carstarphen (@CarstarphenMJ) May 7, 2020

“To my surprise, [the wheel] is heavier than I expected,” Olajide said.

Miriam Olajide earned a full ride to Spelman College!! Congratulations Miriam! 🥳🎊 pic.twitter.com/QGtTxJH2qa

— GSU Early College (@GSUEarlyCollege) May 27, 2020

“Nonetheless, filming and getting the opportunity to compete as a contestant, as well as represent Spelman College, was an unforgettable part of my college experience that I am forever grateful to have been given,” she said.

There has been no word of what Olajide will do with her dough.