Houston OT student has three reasons to celebrate

April 17, 2024 – DENTON – It’s not every day that someone gets to celebrate a life event. Saigim Garcia, a Texas Woman’s occupational therapy doctoral student, is having a trifecta of life events in a short span. 

First, she got engaged. Next, she won $25,000 on the NBC game show “Password.” And, finally, she will graduate from Texas Woman’s Houston campus in May with a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. 

Viewers tuned in on April 16 to the reboot of the 1960s game show as Garcia won the grand prize. The Houston student was the clue giver in the bonus round and actress Laverne Cox had to guess the 10 passwords in 30 seconds. As time ran out, Cox correctly guessed ukulele after Garcia offered the clue, “guitar.” 

“Being on a game show, let alone one where I get to play with celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Laverne Cox, is such a surreal experience,” said Garcia. “It's taken so much time for it to sink in so I'm glad it's all finally coming out for everyone to see. It was so much fun and something I will never forget.”

After graduation, Garcia may be going on an extra special honeymoon. 

After “Password” host Keke Palmer asked what she would do if she won, Garcia said she always had a dream of going to Australia. 

“This year already had big things in store for me like my wedding and graduation, and the game show is just the cherry on top of it all,” said Garcia. “It's given me a lot of time to reflect on how fortunate I am and how many blessings I have experienced in my life. Winning a game show gives me the opportunity to enter these new chapters of my life with so much appreciation and gratitude!”

Click to view Garcia's winning bonus round

Page last updated 4:13 PM, April 17, 2024