Though three months have passed, Scott Sakowitz still can't believe it.
Sakowitz, a UF zoology junior, won $19,400 on an episode of "Wheel of Fortune," which was shown on Wednesday night. The prize includes cash and a trip to Barbados for two.
The win came as a surprise to Sakowitz, who considered the prize just the icing on the cake to being on the show, which has a huge applicant pool, he said.
"I just spun this giant wheel," he said. "Many people don't stumble on that kind of money without working."
Sakowitz, who is also a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, said he plans to spend a large portion of the money on dental school tuition.
But, he said, he'll also use some of it for fun, adding he plans to throw a party and buy a new computer.
"I need to let myself enjoy it too," he said.
The money and vacation to Barbados will be available starting in August, and the trip expires next April, Sakowitz said. He doesn't know who he'll invite to come with him yet.
Sakowitz tried to keep his win a secret until the episode, which was taped on Dec. 15, was aired.
He said at first he wanted his win to be a surprise for everyone, but a lot of people began asking for the outcome, so he decided to share the secret with those who really wanted to know.
"I think it's all luck," he said of his win.
Sakowitz applied to be on the show during summer and was invited to audition in September.
"I tried not to get my hopes up, though," he said.
When he found out he was chosen to be on the show, he was excited to meet Pat Sajak, adding he's been a huge fan of the show for a while.
"When I was on the show I wasn't really occupied with winning money," he said. "I was just happy to be a part of it."
