The season 32 champ gets candid about losing confidence after criticism of her win.
It’s a little bit of redemption for me."
Read on for one of my favoriteSurvivorinterviews ever.
I think it’s been four years now.
I’ve grown up, and I’m an adult.
I have a stable job in the travel industry, so new Michele, new and improved.
You won the game last time.
Now you’re a little older, a little wiser.
An interesting thing is, at 24 I thought I knew everything.
I’m interested to see what I can bring out this season.
So I’ve grown exponentially from the experience in ways that I didn’t necessarily think that I would.
But it was so much more than that.
That’s really interesting.
I may be misunderstanding you, but are you saying that from watching your season back youlostconfidence at first?
So tell me about that.
And so it’s sad to say that that really impacted my experience, but it did.
It’s a little bit of redemption for me.
Meaning how are you going to watch season 40?
I don’t want that at all.
No, but you’re being really open and honest, which I appreciate.Yeah, absolutely.
It was just part of my journey.
Everybody has a different obstacle that they have to overcome to come out of theSurvivorexperience better.
And to hear a winner say, “I’ve got something to prove,” is refreshing.
To hear you say, “I’m not satisfied with just that.”
Most people are satisfied.
No matter how it happened, they’re satisfied.
As for my friends and family, they’re like, “Goddamn, Michele.
Can’t you just take it?
Take life as it is and be happy?”
I’m like, “No, I want more.
I want to do more, want to be better, and I want to be the best.”
And this is giving me an opportunity to strive for that, so I’m excited.
Was there any hesitation about coming…No.
None?Not even a second.
I didn’t even let you finish the question.
I never even hesitated.
You’ve been here with nine other women before the game.
But for every pro to one of those players, there’s a con.
Or do I take out the elephant?
It’s hard to know really which way you’re supposed to go until you’re there.
I’m playing it really adaptable, really flexible.
Adaptability is always the key in this game.Absolutely.
I was the last person to walk up to this group of girls, the last one.
And Sandra’s there; I’m like, “Oh my God.
What have I gotten myself into?
I think you have the wrong girl.”
But it’s really incredible.
I’m so honored.
I’m just proud to be part of it.
It’s a very exclusive club.
And I’m sure you’re making your evaluation of other players.
But how do you think others see you?
That would be in an ideal world.
But if you’re looking at everybody’s resume, I’m probably one of the lesser threats.
I’m hoping that I’m perceived a little bit less threatening.
This is season 40, so you know it’s going to be huge.All-Starswas the first massive season.
So it is interesting what you say.Yes.
And that’s a fear of mine though.
What is your biggest weakness?
Because we always talk about why returning players do so well in this game.
because they’ve experienced it before, and they know certain cues.
It’s a great point.
I feel like a winner just being back out here.
I’m so freaking honored, and I want to do this season justice, so I’m ready.
I’m feisty, and I’m ready to go.
