Kelsey Malloy

 is a contestant from Survivor: Mentawai.

Survivor: Mentawai
Age: 34

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Current residence: Richmond, VA

Occupation: Teacher

Hobbies: Running helps me clear my thoughts.

Pet peeves: Stubborn people. If you aren't gonna listen to other people's viewpoints on a particular thing or even entertain the idea that you might be wrong, I'm gonna have trouble dealing with you.

Three words to describe you: Committed, strong-willed, and strong.

What is your personal claim to fame? Coming out as bisexual to my parents took a LOT of strength on my part, but what I'm most proud of was how I was able to change their views on the subject of gay marriage. I mean, I'm not gonna pretend my parents were these hateful people who kicked me out of the house, but they weren't always supportive of "my lifestyle." They come from a conservative Christian background and just didn't know any LGBT people, so there would occasionally be comments that weren't the most educated on the subject. But I think they've finally come around, and they're very proud of me and my wife, Annie.

Who or what is your inspiration in life? Some of my students have faced some very real adversity. I had a girl in my class who was diagnosed with cancer. She fights super hard every day and takes nothing for granted. If I have the strength that that little girl has in her pinky finger, I'll be set for life. You know I've struggled with things in my life, but my struggles pale in comparison that some of the fifth graders I've taught have had to face, and I'm grateful for that.

If you could have three things on the island, what would they be and why? Video chat so I could talk to Annie when I'm feeling down, a bag just for collecting sands and shells, and matches.

Which Survivor contestant are you the most like? Kelley Wentworth. That girl had some guts the way she did. Her style of play was fantastic, and what I like most about her is that she's a woman who plays hard but plays smart and doesn't demand praise for it. She just does her thing. One of the best to never win for SURE.

What's your reason for being on Survivor? To win a million dollars! I'm not raising a family on this teacher salary!

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor? Though they can't really help me out here, I know my loved ones support me and believe in me. Their support is gonna help guide me through this game. But aside from that I'm a tough woman and I'm not gonna be afraid to make a big move or win a challenge to get myself out of a bind. And I'm not just gonna be some gamebot -- I'll have a social game that's nothing to shrug at as well. Watch out for Kelsey Malloy!