Heather Clarke

 is a contestant from Survivor: Mauritius.

Profile
Name (Age): Heather Clarke (38)

Tribe Designation: Le Morne

Current Residence: Salt Lake City, UT

Occupation: Band Director

Claim to Fame: I have two. (laughs) My first is that the local band that I direct won a competition out of a ton of youth bands throughout Utah. My second is that I’m the first LGBT+ woman to direct a band that has won that competition. Getting my band together to win that competition was a two-in-one combo of accomplishments for me.

Inspiration in Life: My dad! He taught me how to play the flute and the piano when I was a little girl, and that plus watching him play is what inspired me to become a musician and, eventually, a band director as I got older. He opened up the magical world of music to me, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. He’s so resilient, too, never giving up at any challenge and always putting me and my mom over himself.

Hobbies: Playing the flute, running, and hitting the gym. Although I’m nice, I also like to be intimidating so people don’t try to push me around, and plus, lifting weights is fun.

Pet Peeves: Some of my interests are more “manly”, but it annoys me when people say I’m “one of the boys.” Most of my friends are guys and I like going to the gym… that doesn’t make me any more of a “man” than any other woman. Is it supposed to be a compliment? Some people say this and when I tell them not to, they get defensive. It’s so strange.

3 Words to Describe You: Strong, detail-oriented, & expressive

If you could bring 3 things on the island with you, what would they be and why?: My flute, obviously, so I don’t completely lose my mind out here, a manual on how to make a fire if the tribe gets stuck, and a mirror. I’m worried I’ll get to Ponderosa at the end of the game, see my face, and scream out of fear, so if I have a mirror with me the whole time, the transformation won’t be as bad. (laughs)

SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Terri McMullen! I’m not going to lie, she’s definitely more kickass and unapologetic than I could ever dream of being. I care a little bit too much about what people think of me. (laughs) Still, she and I are both strong women who are not only physical threats, but strategic threats as well. Seeing her pitfalls will help me avoid falling into them when I play, too, so I think I might do better than she did.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This show has always been on my bucket list. I grew up watching it with my parents, and although I’m not as crazy about it as I used to be, it was always a dream of mine to at least try the adventure out. Plus, I’m pretty strong physically, so I can probably do some damage and put my skills to the test.

Why you will be the Sole Survivor: I have the strength and the work ethic to get myself to the end. I can win immunity challenges when I need to in order to survive, and I can beat pretty much any man in a brute strength competition. I’m also pretty familiar with the game and I can see myself forming a tight, loyal alliance to get myself to the end. I’m not a flip-flopper and I give off a trustworthy - if sometimes intimidating - vibe, which should help me get the numbers on my side.