Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
Mama C answers all that and more!
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: First off, give the update as to what youve been up to since appearing onSurvivor.
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
CAROLYN RIVERA: I cant believe it has been six years since I was on the show.
So much has happened in that timeframe.
I quit my job right after the show because I wanted to be able to play on season 31.
Well, we all know how that played out.
Come on people, you better vote me back onSurvivor!Ha-ha.
But, I moved back to Florida, which was great because we were close to family.
I loved working with all different types of companies.
I also did a TEDx called Turning Challenges into Opportunities.
Its on YouTube so check it out!
I had some family challenges.
My husband was sick and recently passed away which was very difficult considering we were together for 43 years.
But I know that he is constantly looking over me, so I feel very blessed.
So, things are great.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
This is a very tough question, because I had so many things that made my experience fabulous.
When you are a fan, you know that there are certain goals that you have.
I personally had six milestones that I wanted to achieve.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperience?
Well, when I think of this question, I am not sure I have any regrets.
I had a greatSurvivorexperience.
That doesnt mean that I played the best game that I could have.
I would definitely change some of the things that I did.
I was given this experience, and, quite frankly, it was life changing.
It was fascinating listening to other perceptions and why they felt that way.
So, I took it as a learning experience.
Listen, I know I am a loud New Yorker who is highly competitive.
So, no regrets, just learning that I took away from mySurvivorexperience.
I put it in my bra.
As soon as we got to camp, she cornered me to show her the clue.
But I knew it wasnt a clue.
But I played it off.
Well, Max and Shirin were shocked.
And none of us knew anything about a crab trap and we never caught one crab….
Note to self, read the damn directions first before throwing them into the fire!!
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
I think I got a great edit.
I was incredibly pleased with what they showed.
Any thoughts would really be helpful.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
I got home on Friday.
So, when I got back fromSurvivor, I had two days and then the movers were coming.
We moved to Kansas City that week.
I had to jump right into real life.
No time to digest what I went through and then right back to work.
People knew what aSurvivorfan I was, and speculated that I was on the show.
It was so hard to keep quiet.
As far as any health issues, I had none.
Some people from my cast had parasites or stomach issues, but I was lucky.
I never had a regret for playingSurvivor.I do, however, remember the first week of the game.
I was definitely struggling with the stupid shoes that I had.
I lost 3 toe nails the first week, because my feet were always wet.
The White Collar beach was so bad.
That was hard to get used to.
And I got through it pretty quickly.
The only thing I can say I did regret is not knowing how to make a fire!!
Yeah, probably should have at least tried to start one before the show.
I watched every season, I figured someone on my tribe would know how.
And this is how my mind worked.
I saw Jane Bright make a fire with her reading glasses.
I figured how hard can it be?
She made a fire in, like, 2 minutes!
So, people, you’re gonna wanna know how to make a fire.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your season?
Well, I talk to most people from my season.
We were a very tight season.
But if I name names, will that out my future alliances?
Come on, Dalton, I cannot reveal that.
Do you still watchSurvivor,and if so, whats your favorite season you were not on and why?
I remember when I went through casting and I was talking to the director.
Yes, maybe I just dont have a great memory.
Maybe I didnt like that person on the show.
My favorite season that is a tough one.
I think thatWinners at Warwas a great season.
I didnt love the twist with Edge of Extinction, but the season was great.
To me, its always about the people and how they interact with others.
Pretty much like life!
Whos one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
I would love to play with Cirie Fields.
I think she has a great strategic mind for the game and great social skills.
Two powerful women working together can rule the world.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor,what would it be and why?
I like the fact thatSurvivorkeeps changing it up and you never know what to expect.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Would I play again, let me think about that for a minute.
Yes, of course I would play again!
I may even attempt to learn how to make fire!
