December 5, 2011
Journalism School student Ben Teitelbaum bought an "A" -- but luckily, grades had nothing to do with it.
Teitelbaum was a contestant on the game show “Wheel of Fortune” on Tuesday, Nov. 29, solving the first three puzzles of the show and ultimately taking home more than $8,000.
“‘Wheel of Fortune’ was really fun, and one of the most productive half hours of my life,” Teitelbaum said. “The game is not as easy as it seems from your couch. In the studio, under the lights, things just seem to move faster.”
Host Pat Sajak’s memory took a spin when introducing Teitelbaum: He momentarily forgot that he had already asked Ben about his studies at the J-School. Accordingly, Teitelbaum had the opportunity to repeat, and firmly establish, his connection to the profession. Sajak and Teitelbaum joked about the slip throughout the show.
Despite his early solving spree, Teitelbaum did not make it to the bonus round -- although it was a tight match at the end, with all three contestants within $1,500 of each other.
“I will have nightmares about Purple Paisley Pajamas for the rest of my life," Teitelbaum said. "That was the phrase that tripped me up and ultimately led to my downfall."
Watch Teitelbaum’s appearance
Read more news from the Journalism School
