Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
Why is Tommy stepping away?
Make way for the teacher, becauseSurvivorschool is back in session!
Tommy Sheehan on ‘Survivor: Island of Idols’.Robert Voets/CBS
Nicole was totally surprised to see me at the spot that we first met down on one knee.
Then I returned to the classroom to continue doing what I love, teaching.
Getting to hang out with my fourth-graders everyday was a blast.
Tommy Sheehan on ‘Survivor: Island of Idols’.Robert Voets/CBS
I feel like I’m one of the few people that get to say they love what they do.
I also finished my administration degree, so I can one day become a principal.
Shortly after mySurvivorwin in December 2019, the world shut down due to COVID.
Janet Carbin, Dean Kowalski, Lauren Beck, Tommy Sheehan and Noura Salman on ‘Survivor: Island of Idols’.CBS
I spent a lot of time with my family and close friends.
Lastly, I got another once in a lifetime opportunity to go on MTV’sThe Challenge.
I got to compete in some of the coolest challenges and felt like I was in an action movie.
The Challenge: Spies, Lies and Alliespremieres Aug. 11 on MTV.
Everyone should tune in to watch me and two otherSurvivoralums!
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
I have two really proud moments fromSurvivor.
My second-proudest moment was the day I returned to school after my win.
My co-workers and the Floral Park community put together one the greatest surprises overnight.
They had huge banners, a red carpet, and tons of homemade signs.
The students, teachers, and community all gathered to celebrate my win.
It brought me to tears.
you’re free to see pictures and watch a videoon my Instagram.
I’m dressed up as the Grinch because it was right before winter break!
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperience?
The night before was the night Noura hid Dean’s shoes and they got into a blowout fight.
So I obviously had to pick Dean and Noura to join me for the spa reward.
On this reward, there was plenty of beverages being passed around, Dean drinking most of them.
My advice to any futureSurvivorplayers: verify you get the massage before you eat.
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
We all know what we signed up for going on a reality TV show.
The producers are going to air and edit the footage to tell the best story for the viewers.
That being said, I loved my edit.
Thursdays at school, the best part of the day was going over my gameplay with my class.
I loved hearing their take on each episode and advice for what I had to win.
It was a blast to relive my experience through their eyes.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
Immediately after the final Tribal when we returned to Ponderosa, I was still locked in game mode.
I also felt a little PTSD every time it rained.
People at home may not realize that the rain is one of the hardest aspects ofSurvivor.
Aside from those things, returning home was a fairly easy process for me.
I live by the motto “build your life resume,” so absolutely not.
I want to encourage people to do as many cool things they can along the way.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your season?
I probably talk to Dean,Jason,Lauren, Janet, Jack,Chelsea, andElainethe most.
Janet will always be my second mom, and Lauren will always be my annoying sister #WhatAFam.
But I can easily say I walked away fromSurvivorwith two of my best friends, Dean and Jason.
Dean is one of the most genuine and caring people I know.
Let’s just say, between Mr. Kowalski and my dad, things got a bit rowdy.
Jason is someone I talk to daily, and rarely ever aboutSurvivor.
It’s mostly about stupid things or the Mets or the Jets.
I love getting together with him and his wife.
They just had a gorgeous little baby girl that I can’t wait to spoil.
Be sure to follow @jasonsnacks on TikTok for the best snack reviews.
Sorry, guys, you’re stuck with me for life.
Yes, I’ve always watchedSurvivorand will always continue to.
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
I would love to play withMichele Fitzgerald.
She is someone I know I can trust 1000 percent.
Her social game is similar to mine, and I know we would have a blast playing together.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor, what would it be and why?
I love the survival aspect ofSurvivor.
For example, we got to see the contestants catching fish and finding food.
I think the best players shine when the going gets tough.
CBS should do a “back to the basics” season without any idols or advantages.
I mean, I think I would do pretty well.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
However, right now I’m taking my talents to the classroom.
I love my life and career too much to leave again.
This is where I officially announce my retirement from your television screens.
