Deidre Ryans

 is a contestant from Survivor: Mauritius.

Profile
Name (Age): Deidre Ryans (49)

Tribe Designation: Le Morne

Current Residence: Cleveland, OH

Occupation: Teacher

Claim to Fame: Managing to get all 214 of my seniors to pass my English class this past year. Every year that I’ve taught there since 1996, there’s always been one or two students that slip through the cracks and fail my class. I refused to let that happen this academic year, and I was able to whip even the most problematic kids into shape. That class had a 100% graduation rate, and I was so damn proud of each and every one of ‘em.

Inspiration in Life: My son! He’s living proof that nothing can stop you from greatness. When he was six, Jason was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, and I feared he would fall behind the other kids. Well, with a bit of motivation on my husband’s part and a lot of hard work from Jason, he graduated with honors from both high school and college! I’ve never been more proud, and whenever I have trouble with getting all my grades done, I remember how many sleepless nights Jason put in with his schooling and keep on truckin’.

Hobbies: Reading’s up there for sure, along with crocheting and croquet. My favorite part is when people can’t tell which one is which!

Pet Peeves: People who act all high and mighty are the worst! Like, what makes them so much better than everybody else that they can sit on their high horse and judge other people? I believe in live and let live, and judgemental people piss me off to no end.

3 Words to Describe You: Diligent, creative, & methodical

If you could bring 3 things on the island with you, what would they be and why?: My crocheting kit so that I can keep myself busy when it gets dull on the island, a croquet set for the same reason, but if I want to have fun with my tribemates, and my cat.

SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I’m most like Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien from Marquesas. We’re both older women who work hard around camp and will form bonds when we need to to take down big threats. She helped to take down the Rotu Four, and I’ll be just as able to get the upper hand on a dominant alliance before it’s too late.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: SURVIVOR is Jason’s favorite show in the whole world, but he’s too busy setting up his career and trying to find a steady job to be able to apply. I thought it’d mean the world to him if I went on the show in his honor. I know he’s going to love seeing me compete in his favorite game, and from the seasons of the show that I’ve seen, it looks like it’ll be quite the adventure.

Why you will be the Sole Survivor: I have the mental toughness needed to win a game like this. If I fall in a bad position, I’m not gonna cry about it, I’m gonna do what I can to turn things around! Also, if I can convince kids that care absolutely zero about the future to pass my English class, who says I can’t convince a couple of money-hungry castaways to spare the old lady and vote out a bigger threat? I’m unassuming, I’m perseverant, and most of all, I kick ass.