Board Thread:Character submissions/@comment-37615783-20190717000626/@comment-26485526-20190717043450

Name (Age): Elias Barwinsky (28)

Tribe Designation: Chữa lành (Healers)

Current Residence: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Occupation: Music Therapist

Claim to Fame: In my senior year of high school, I was one of three people to direct our band class for about two weeks, and basically was the substitute teacher because the dildo they brought in knew nothing about music. I'm pretty sure they just brought in that sub because they had to bring in a sub, and he admitted that first day that he didn't know what we were doing and just told us to play our instruments for the whole class with zero direction. Well, the school concert was coming up, we were all taking a class anyway about how to compose music, so we decided "Why the hell not make our time here useful?" So yeah, at various points through the two weeks, the three of us took turns standing at the front and directing the band through practicing the songs.

Inspiration in Life: The Simple Plan song "Untitled." It's such a sad and powerful song because the singer is expressing his grief and sorrow about his friend that passed away, and I later found out that one of their friends did die as a result of a drunk driver and it was a tribute to them. On top of the obvious message of "Don't drink and drive," it really got me thinking about how therapeutic music really is. I've heard people say that the song reminded them of someone that tried to commit suicide, which made me think about how the same words can speak to people in different ways, yet still connect us. That's what inspired me to start writing my own music and taking it more seriously in general, and now I've made a career out of it.

Hobbies: Playing and writing music, karaoke, hanging with friends, playing soccer, watching movies

Pet Peeves: Those "my way or the highway" type people. The ones that don't care to get to know people or consider their perspective on any particular situation. We're all unique, we all have different experiences and varying points of view, and we all deserve to be heard. Don't get me wrong, there are some mindbogglingly stupid people in this world that make you wonder how they even got dressed in the morning, and the stuff that comes out of their mouths can be fun to laugh about. But even they deserve to at least be listened to because it does hurt to feel ignored and made to feel like you or your opinion doesn't matter. I also have zero respect for people that are rude to those in the service industry. Chances are, those people are working all damn day and getting paid minimum wage, or close to it, to serve your entitled ass, so the least you can do is be nice.

3 Words to Describe You: Musical, Caring, Fun

If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why: Definitely my acoustic guitar. It is my go-to when I'm treating a client at a hospital or nursing home, and I find that it's a nice, easy way to relieve stress. Second would be a pocket knife because it is a practical tool that could really come in handy out there. For the third thing, probably my tablet with Skype and an internet connection so I can video chat my girlfriend during the game

Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: I'm a fan of the show and really excited for the adventure. I'd love the money as well, but I'm always up for a new challenge, and it is the thrill of being out here and playing the game that I am most excited for.

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR: Survivor is a social game, and I know how to talk to and connect with all kinds of people. I think I'm athletic enough to do well in challenges, but my strength will be my social game. I'm loyal, but if I think someone's coming after me, I'm totally fine with turning the tables on them first. Hopefully by the time Final Tribal rolls around, I'll have enough friends on the jury that'll want to give me the win.