Spring Break
The Daily OrangeZohn assists AIDS victims
'Survivor' star speaks about charitable work
By Pat Malacaro
Posted: 9/28/04, 1:36 AM EST Section: Pulp
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"Hello, my name is Eliza Orlins," joked Ethan Zohn, winner of the "Survivor: Africa" season and cast member from "Survivor: All-Stars."
Zohn, spoke about his time on the hit reality show "Survivor: Africa," but focused more on how his college experiences helped him in the real world. The speech was sponsored by the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning Orientation & Transitions Services and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Zohn combined stories about his more humorous moments while competing in the reality show with the more serious problem of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa, which he is working to curb.
After introducing himself, Zohn showed a series of clips from his two "Survivor" experiences set to an entertaining soundtrack, starting with his celebration after winning "Survivor: Africa."
After speaking about his 15 minutes of fame, which included a celebrity dodgeball game between the cast of "Survivor" and the cast of "Friends," Zohn delved into more important matters.
He proposed a new class at SU: Ethan Life Class 101. In this class, Zohn asked the audience what it is that makes them who they are today. Also, he told the audience members to take a look at their own lives and ask themselves, "Am I making a difference in others' lives?"
Zohn then focused on his post-"Survivor" life, which included taking a portion of his $1 million prize from "Survivor" to start Grassroots Soccer, an organization that works with children in Africa to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Grassroots Soccer educates soccer players in Africa about HIV and AIDS over several weeks. At the end of the program, the players go into schools and teach children about the epidemic that has claimed the lives of so many in the impoverished continent.
The "Survivor" star said he was influenced to start the organization even before appearing on the show. While playing soccer in Zimbabwe in 1999, he said, he was blown away after driving by a cemetery for HIV victims, where the crosses had piled up for those taken by the virus.
"I am excited about the work he is doing," said Tendai Machingaidze, a senior biochemistry major from Zimbabwe. "Especially in the poorer parts."
Zohn's organization has gained notoriety over the past year. He showed a feature news story done by "NewsNight with Aaron Brown" last year on World AIDS day, which showed Grassroots Soccer at work.
The clip showed the audience soccer players interacting with school children, using flash cards and soccer balls to educate the children on the different ways to contract HIV/AIDS and about the common misconceptions about contracting the virus.
To end his speech, Zohn challenged the audience to get out and do something in the community, saying that even without a $1 million prize, people can still help.
"I thought Ethan is an inspiration," said Ari Schantz, a graduate student in the School of Management. "I just wish I had as much motivation as he does."
