Bethesda Resident To Compete On 'Survivor'

BETHESDA, MD — Bethesda resident Julia Carter will compete on CBS' Emmy-award winning reality series "Survivor," which is set to premiere on Feb. 20.

The 25-year-old Rutgers University medical student will try to outlast 17 other castaways and win the $1 million prize in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji.

"It has been my dream to be on 'Survivor' since I started watching as a kid. It started after the passing of my father, and in a sense, it helped me 'survive' my own challenges," Carter said. "I want to prove to myself I can do this. To win a million dollars is also a huge motivation. I have many student loans and I want to be able to help my sister and mother."

Season 38 of "Survivor" will be different than previous seasons. This year's theme, "Edge of Extinction," features 18 castaways divided into two tribes: the Manu Tribe and the Kama Tribe. Four of the contestants are returning competitors.

"'Survivor' continues to reinvent itself with new energy, and this season we've added a new secret game-changing twist," said executive producer and host Jeff Probst. "After being voted out, players will be faced with a decision to either go home or go to the 'Edge of Extinction,' where they will be pushed further than ever before for a chance to get back in the game."

Carter believes she can outlast the other castaways.

"I am a team player and an excellent communicator," Carter said. "I have charm and wits and I am not afraid to make risky moves.

Season 38 of "Survivor" is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

Image via Robert Voets/CBS