Student taking a spin on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Published 11:03 pm Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TaLesa J. Harris, an anchor for Trojan Vision, will leave today for Culver City, California where she will be a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” on Friday.

“This is one of the most exciting things that has happened to me,” Harris said. “I have tried several times to get on the show because it’s my favorite game show and I’m pretty good at it. I think I’ll have a chance to win.”

To audition for the popular television game show, Harris had to send in a video that showcased her personality.

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“Three weeks ago, I was invited to come to Atlanta for an interview,” she said. “Just being asked to come for the interview was exciting. I thought I had a chance to get on the show because they were looking for people with personality and those that wouldn’t freeze up on television. I’m used to being on television so I wouldn’t have to worry about that.”

Even though Harris thought she had a good chance to be selected for “the Wheel,” she was still a little more than surprised when she heard the words, “you’re on.”

“I’ve got personality and I’ve got bills,” Harris said, laughing. “That’s why I think I got chosen.”

Harris said she plays “the Wheel” every night and there aren’t many puzzles she can’t solve.

“I won’t be nervous and I think that will help me concentrate,” she said. “Even if I don’t win, I’ll have a good time.”

Harris said the show that she tapes on Friday will be aired in late winter or early spring.

“Of course, I’ll know the outcome but I can’t say a word,” she said. “I had to sign a contract that says I can’t talk about the show and I won’t.”

Harris was born in Montgomery but moved to Troy with her family when she was 12 years old.

While in high school, Harris excelled both on the court and on the stage. She played volleyball and basketball and was active in theater. Harris was also crowned homecoming queen her senior year. She graduated from Charles Henderson High School in 2007.

She enrolled at Troy University but she knew that modeling was in her future.

“During the summer of my freshman year at Troy, I began pursuing modeling and started in Atlanta,” she said. “I entered a competition with Fresh Faces Magazine and placed as a top finalists in the competition and was featured in Fresh Faces Magazine.

During Harris’ sophomore year of college, things started picking up sooner than she expected. She decided to take a break from college to pursue her goals in modeling and acting. Many opportunities came her way, including a photo shoot at a top online magazine, Explore Fashions. Her pictures are featured the magazine.

She has worked on many other projects such as Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne.”

Harris is in the process of producing/directing her first short film, “Reality Check,” which is a Bob Marley-type story and a video, “Second Chances,” a love story.

She and a friend are writing and producing a play for teens that will be performed at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University in January.

“I am working with my friend on a project to feed the homeless this Christmas,” she said. “I have so many things that I want to do and, hopefully, I will have the time and talent to accomplish them. I know that all things are possible with the help of God. I believe that God will always make a way.”