In the flooded world of television entertainment, shows and icons come and go every year. It is rare when a television show lasts five years, and only the cream of the crop manages to surpass the ten-year mark. In American culture, there are few icons that have managed to bridge the generation gap, one of the longest-lasting being the hit television game show Wheel of Fortune.

Making its national debut in 1981, Wheel of Fortune has become one of the most successful game shows in history. Each year, millions of people apply to be contestants on the hangman-style puzzle solving, prize-winning show – of which only hundreds are chosen to compete. According to Jill Lansing, senior in civil engineering, the show has been one of her favorites since she was a child.

“I’ve probably been watching the show since I was five years old. I used to try to solve the puzzles with my family and I’ve always dreamed of being on it,” Lansing says.

Amazingly enough, Lansing’s dream came true. After progressing through a rigorous application process, Lansing was chosen to be a contestant on the show and flew to Los Angeles on Nov. 17 to film the episode. The episode, which airs Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC, is one of six that were filmed on the same day.

“I’ve applied to be a contestant on the show several times, but last spring Wheel of Fortune was in Ames having auditions for the Big 12 league episode and I tried out,” she says.

“I made it to the second round of mock auditions and they told me I would be put on a waiting list as a possible contestant.”

Lansing says she found out about becoming a contestant about two weeks before flying to Los Angeles to film.

“When I found out, I was really excited . my friends and family got really into it too,” Lansing says. “My roommates and I played the Wheel of Fortune board game a lot and they got me the electronic version to play with for practice.”

Lansing had to provide her own transportation and overnight accommodations during filming, but says it was worth it.

“It was an unforgettable experience. The morning consisted mostly of paperwork and getting familiar with the set,” she says. “We walked around the board and practiced spinning the wheel – it weighs like 3,000 pounds, so some people have trouble spinning it,” Lansing says.

She says one of the major highlights of the experience was meeting host Pat Sajack and his assistant Vanna White.

“Vanna came in while we were doing paperwork in her pajamas with no makeup on and said hello. She was just as tiny and pretty as when she’s all done up,” Lansing says.

She says that Pat Sajack was key in breaking the ice and helping the contestants feel comfortable on the set.

“Before I went on set I was kind of scared, but Pat was really nice to me and calmed me down. His jokes probably calmed me down the best,” she says.

Lansing says her favorite color is blue, but when the contestants drew balls to see where they would stand, she landed the red spot next to Sajack.

“It was really good to be standing by Pat. He asked me lots of questions about myself and about my involvement at Iowa State,” she says. Her friends and classmates at Iowa State say they are excited to watch the show.

Stephanie Brodersen, senior in civil engineering and friend of Lansing, says she and Lansing are both involved in Women in Science and Engineering and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Brodersen says Lansing was asked about her student involvement during the show and she thinks it will be great press for Iowa State.

“I think it’s awesome that she’s on the show. She’s really involved in tons of student organizations so it’s great publicity for us,” Brodersen says.

Michael Jones, junior in civil engineering and friend of Lansing, says he thinks she will make a great contestant.

“I’m excited that she got on the show because she’s a well-deserved person to be on it,” Jones says. “She’s a very smart girl and I think the show will be great exposure for the civil engineering department.”

Lansing says she’s both nervous and excited to see herself on television.

“It’s going to be weird to see myself on TV, but my family’s going to tape the show,’ she said. “Everybody knows Wheel of Fortune, and for me to be on it, it’s a big honor. It’s something I will tell my grandkids about someday.”