Naman Shrestha
The 47th season of the long-running survival show, CBS’ ‘Survivor,’ acquainted us with 18 competent survivalists with different personalities. As they competed against each other in a game of survival, Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo was one of the few participants who impressed the audience with their resilience and wit through different challenges despite being one of the youngest of the lot. Giving tough competition to the rest of the castaways, they made a lasting impression on many viewers.
Participating in Survivor Was Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo’s Childhood Dream
At a very young age, Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo was introduced to ‘Survivor’ by their mother, and they were hooked right away. In an interview with Rutgers, they opened up, “The first time I saw the show I was just obsessed with the social politics and how strangers have to make alliances and deals. I’ve always been extremely outgoing and social, and I thought, ‘What they are doing in Survivor is what I’m doing in fifth grade!’ I know how to scheme and get people to like me and tell me their crushes.”
Ever since then, they felt that competing in the show was their calling. So, when they finally broke into the show’s 47th edition, they could not believe it. The dream that they had manifested for about two decades of their life finally came true when they finally stepped out of the boat and met the other survivalists. Proud of their sexuality, they were upfront about it with their castmates and told them that they were not attached to any specific pronoun, and they were fine with “she,” “they,” or “he.”
Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo is Focused on Becoming a Published Writer Today
As a student of Southern Regional High School, Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo participated in theater and was a member of the Key Club. After graduating as the President of the Class of 2018, they pursued Public Relations/Image Management at the University of Rhode Island, where they also served as a Campus Tour Guide. From 2019 to 2022, they attended Rutgers University and studied Communications. Apart from being the Assistant Director of Marketing for Rutgers University Programming Association, they also served as the college’s Conference Development and Promotional Planning Intern.
Looking back at their time at Rutgers, they stated, “The very first week I spent at Rutgers, I felt a sense of community that I’ve never experienced. The New Brunswick College Avenue campus is a village, a diverse group of undergrads who are so smart and so cool. There’s so much going on there. I could walk to any of my classes and friends’ houses. It was this little heart of the city. I just love Rutgers.” In order to support their education, Teeny also worked part-time as a server at The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, until August 2021.
After being employed at Talon Professional Services as a Technical Recruiter for a few months in 2022, they switched to CDI LLC, where they started out as a Business Development Representative and then became the Associate Solutions Architect. Given their impressive work as an Associate Solutions Architect, they were hired by AHEAD for the same position. In April 2024, they quit their job and decided to focus on their ambitions. After fulfilling their dream of being featured in ‘Survivor,’ Teeny decided to focus on another dream — to become a published author. Working as a freelance writer based in the New York City Metropolitan Area, they are currently working on writing a memoir or a personal collection of essays revolving around their experiences and challenges as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo is an Avid Traveler
Born on August 28, 2000, Christine “Teeny” Chirichillo had an active childhood. In fifth grade, they completed an 18-mile unicycle race. Many of their early days were also spent by the sea as they were a trained junior lifeguard around Long Beach Island. When asked about their source of inspiration, they told Entertainment Weekly, “I always read these and kinda yawn at the basic ‘mom, ‘dad’ answers, but I’m adding to the dogpile. My mom. She is the most capable, caring, one-of-a-kind woman. Without her, I’d never have gotten here.”
In their spare time, they have a lot of hobbies to turn to, including reading nonfiction, surfing the internet, thrifting, writing, and more. As of today, Teeny resides in Manahawkin, New Jersey. As they hold their friends close, they ensure that they spend a lot of quality time with them, traveling out of town and exploring other cities, such as San Diego. Around January 2024, they visited London and felt right at home. Being a proud member of the community, they attended the 2024 New York City Pride March.
Read More: Rachel LaMont: Where is Survivor 47 Contestant Now?
