GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. — Aaliyah Puglia, a Gloucester City native, took on one of television’s toughest challenges as a castaway on “Survivor 51.”
Puglia, 24, is a chef who currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island. She described herself as confident, wise and sporadic, qualities she hoped would help her navigate the unpredictable game of alliances, strategy and survival.
Puglia said her desire to compete on Survivor comes from the opportunity to test herself in a game where “the impossible happens” and everyday people can compete for the title.
A Life Built on Adaptability
Puglia believes her experiences growing up and moving around prepared her for the challenges of Survivor.
She went from living in a small town in New Jersey to moving to Miami at age 13 with little warning. Later, she moved to Rhode Island for college without knowing anyone and traveled solo while working in unfamiliar environments.
Those experiences, she said, taught her to be adaptable and flexible and comfortable when circumstances change unexpectedly.
That ability to adjust could prove valuable in a game where alliances can shift and plans can change from one day to the next.
Inspired by Survivor Favorites
When asked which former contestants she identified with, Puglia pointed to two memorable Survivor players.
She said she identifies most with Yam Yam, citing his natural sense of humor, willingness to be loud when necessary and calculated approach to the game.
However, she expected her own gameplay to more closely resemble Cirie.
Puglia described Cirie’s style as calm on the outside while working multiple angles behind the scenes, considering every option and strongly supporting her allies.
For Puglia, the ultimate goal was clear: adapt, strategize and make it to the end with a chance to claim the title of Sole Survivor.