When it comes to navigating life, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality student and Survivor season 46 contestant David Jelinsky knows how to play the game — both on and off the island. From developing strategic relationships to learning patience, the lessons he learned on the long-running reality show are shaping his experience as a student at UNLV.
“I went into Survivor thinking I was going to win. Obviously, that didn’t happen,” Jelinsky says. He confidently adds, “Do I think it will happen? Yes, eventually!”
This resilient mindset left a lasting impression on viewers and fellow contestants despite his short appearance and mirrors the approach he's taken at UNLV.
Born in Las Vegas, Jelinsky grew up immersed in the city's primary industry and chose to major in gaming management and international business. Along with his studies, he works as a slot machine sales specialist .
Through his work in slot machine sales, his time on Survivor, and his return to UNLV — Jelinsky has seen how the hospitality skills he honed helped him to build connections in every area of life. “Hospitality is all about service and making connections with people,” he says.
He also brings a new sense of patience and positivity back to campus. “I understand that life happens, and not everything is going to be perfect. You’ve just got to maintain a positive outlook,” he says.
For Jelinsky, UNLV is more than a place to earn a degree — it’s the source of a supportive network. His boss, his girlfriend, and her mother are all proud UNLV graduates who are eager to see him succeed. And he credits history professor A. B. Wilkinson for encouraging him during a tough semester: “[Wilkinson] was super motivating and knew how to break the wall down between professor and student.”
Jelinsky stays motivated through student resources like the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. “I go to the Rec very, very often, “ he says, “I love intramurals, specifically, because it gives kind of an outlet for me and all my buddies to decompress and have a bit of Rebel pride.”
Looking ahead, Jelinsky has big plans after graduation. While he’s excited to pursue a career in the hospitality and gaming industry, his ambitions extend into entertainment, content creation, and politics.
“I tell people my dreams, and they look at me [like I'm] crazy,” Jelinsky says. “But getting on Survivor was something on my bucket list, and I got to do it as soon as I turned 21. In both my college experience and on Survivor, things weren’t how I planned it to be, but it’s been everything I want it to be.”
