12/17/2007

Just getting to the Final 4 of Survivor: China was enough for Courtney Yates ’03. So when she came in second place—and pocketing a cool $100,000 in the process—it was an unexpected bonus for the New York City waitress and model.

"I really didn’t think I had a shot at winning because (finalists) Todd (the eventual winner) and Amanda were such great players," she said while visiting her Melrose home for the holidays, just days after the December 16 finale. "When I first got [to the island], I figure I’d get three days in the woods, get kicked off, and then travel around China for the summer and not have to wait tables. I never even considered the fact that I wouldn’t be in 16th place, never mind getting to the finals."

She says she is proud of the 39 days she spent in the jungle, persevering in hot and rainy weather, eating such things as bugs, eels, and chicken fetuses, and going through the physical and mental gymnastics in a contest known for backbiting and skullduggery. "Everyone came in to this knowing it was just a game," she said, "and I don’t think people took it personally.

She and Todd hung around NYC together for a few days after the show’s end, where scores of people recognized them. "I had fun meeting my fans," she said, then paused. "I’m still shocked that I actually have fans!"

Now it’s back to waiting tables and continuing her modeling career as she decides what to do with her winnings. "I’ll probably pay off my loans, and then go from there."

 

 

 

 

 

Back to News »