No matter where we go in the world, as Jamaicans, we are never afraid to try something new. The latest adventurer is MaryKay Mullally, a Jamaican who now lives in San Diego, California.

Survivor is a popular reality television show. In the show, contestants are isolated in the wilderness and compete for cash and other prizes. Contestants vote off a member of the tribe until only one remains and wins the title of 'Sole Survivor'.

Mullally became a life coach after she switched careers from head of a software development team. In 2008, she was one of the five winners in the ABC News and Prevention Magazine's Picture of Health Contest. So why Survivor?

Open audition

"I went to an open audition, that is anyone can show up and audition. It was held at a local casino called Barona Casino, where many people spent the night to have a chance to audition. I got there at 5 a.m and waited until 1 p.m. when I went in for my audition."

Mullally notes that it was a great experience for her. "I love the show and many of my friends have encouraged me to try out. I would want to go on the show to represent Jamaica and show people that you can be a strong contender and kick 'bootee' in your 40s and 50s, not just the 20s and 30s."

A sense of camaraderie also developed among her and other contestants. "I became friends with the other hopefuls in line and by the time we went into the audition room, it felt like I had known them for years."

Encouragement

While standing in line she got to meet Gillian Larson who was a contestant on Survivor Gabon. "She was voted off after six days but was sharing her experience with everyone in line and giving people tips on how to audition. She let us all smell the shirt she wore and had not washed since the show, to get an idea of what Survivor smells like! That was a hoot."

Mullally told Flair that there were persons who had auditioned up to 17 times. Will she make it? We hope so, but she was quick to note: "Thousands audition and the producers make no promises as to when or if they will get back to you."

Mullally expressed that the audition was a great experience for her. - Contributed