Loyola student recounts experience as a contestant on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'
Tony Levero
Issue date: 1/19/10 Section: News
While most Loyola students crammed for midterms last November 11, Megan Toth flew to the upper West Side of New York City, spent the night at the notoriously ritzy Lucerne Hotel, had her hair and makeup professionally done and was written a check as compensation for her "troubles."
No, this was not an awesome Project Mexico Auction prize you somehow missed bidding on. This sophomore psychology major was a contestant on the game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionare," hosted by Meredith Vieira.
How much did she win, and how can you be her friend? As for her winnings, Megan's lips are contractually sealed not to reveal until the episode airs on April 20, but she is quick to assure that "[She] definitely won something. You'll have to watch."
What began as an impulse led to her competing on one of the most recognizable television shows of the past decade. Megan and her mother, residents of Long Island and longtime fans of the quiz show, had already decided to participate as members of the studio audience for that episode. On a whim, Megan submitted an audition video using her Mac webcam. That Friday, ABC sent her an email containing a timed quiz using questions she would encounter on the show.
Over time, the application was pushed to the back of her mind until she received a phone call in class. "I tried to silence it, but it just kept vibrating. Then I noticed it was a 212 number from New York. At that point I thought I should take it and asked to be excused."
Luckily for Toth, an understanding professor let her take the call. Representatives of the show informed her that she had passed the screening process and would compete on her birthday.
She told very few people outside her family in the month leading up to the big day as she quietly prepared for the show.
"I bought the book, Don't Know Much About Anything, and studied that. It has all sorts of facts on different subjects. It was hard because I still had all of my schoolwork to do. I had to study way harder for it than most tests, and it was almost time for finals."
No, this was not an awesome Project Mexico Auction prize you somehow missed bidding on. This sophomore psychology major was a contestant on the game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionare," hosted by Meredith Vieira.
How much did she win, and how can you be her friend? As for her winnings, Megan's lips are contractually sealed not to reveal until the episode airs on April 20, but she is quick to assure that "[She] definitely won something. You'll have to watch."
What began as an impulse led to her competing on one of the most recognizable television shows of the past decade. Megan and her mother, residents of Long Island and longtime fans of the quiz show, had already decided to participate as members of the studio audience for that episode. On a whim, Megan submitted an audition video using her Mac webcam. That Friday, ABC sent her an email containing a timed quiz using questions she would encounter on the show.
Over time, the application was pushed to the back of her mind until she received a phone call in class. "I tried to silence it, but it just kept vibrating. Then I noticed it was a 212 number from New York. At that point I thought I should take it and asked to be excused."
Luckily for Toth, an understanding professor let her take the call. Representatives of the show informed her that she had passed the screening process and would compete on her birthday.
She told very few people outside her family in the month leading up to the big day as she quietly prepared for the show.
"I bought the book, Don't Know Much About Anything, and studied that. It has all sorts of facts on different subjects. It was hard because I still had all of my schoolwork to do. I had to study way harder for it than most tests, and it was almost time for finals."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
don toth
posted 1/20/10 @ 10:27 AM EST
what a great story! it took a lot of courage to go in
front of so many people and to still be able to concentrate and answer questions correctly. she must be
proud of herself. (Continued…)
Las Vegas Movers | Las Vegas Moving Company
posted 1/25/10 @ 5:49 PM EST
Quote:
"I bought the book, Don't Know Much About Anything, and studied that. It has all sorts of facts on different subjects. It was hard because I still had all of my schoolwork to do. (Continued…)
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