"My experience on BIG BROTHER felt as though I had been in a dream for three months," recalls BB5 winner Drew Daniel, "and when I awoke, everyone knew everything I had dreamt." Returning home after he'd won was hardly a rude awakening, though. "It was an indescribable feeling to receive such a warm welcome from my family and friends in Ohio," he smiles. "After being in such an intense environment, simply being around people I could totally trust was liberating."

Drew spent some time in Ohio, then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. Remember how Drew prepared for his highly successful stint as a HouseGuest by studying books on strategy? He's taking a similar approach to his post-BB life. "I am continuing my education," he remarks. "I have been taking acting classes and workshops during the past year and learning the ropes of the entertainment industry." (For more news about Drew, check out his website at www.drewdanielonline.com.) But acting isn't Drew's only activity. "I've invested my winnings, and I spend time managing them," he declares, adding, "Also, I have completed the requirements to be a real estate agent in California and will be licensed soon."

Even though he's an avid student of life, it's certainly not all about work for Drew. He and his twin brother, Ben, have fully embraced their move from Ohio. "I enjoy hanging out with friends and spending time on the beach in Malibu," he remarks. "It's my weekend getaway from the fast-paced lifestyle of LA. I love taking weekend trips along the coast, exploring the unique beaches and taking advantage of everything California has to offer." Despite his busy schedule, Drew still makes time for his spiritual side: "I regularly attend a great church in Bel Air, where I have made some close friends and have met extraordinary individuals who have had a tremendous impact on my faith."

The future looks bright for Drew, especially since he has more than one career path available. "I am dedicated to my agency and my management team representing me in my acting pursuits," he notes. "If my goals eventually change to an industry beyond entertainment," he adds, "I could see myself continuing in the local real estate business. My acceptances to several law schools are still options as well."

Being on BIG BROTHER has changed Drew's life. "It opened some doors for me in the entertainment industries, which have accelerated opportunities for my acting career," he smiles. "Obviously, I had never envisioned winning $500,000 three months after graduating from college. I feel very lucky to have learned from experience at a young age that it's not the fortune or the fame that makes you happy, it's the relationships you have with people."

Drew keeps in touch with former housemates Cowboy, Scott, Diane and Lori, and still enjoys the celebrity status that comes with winning BIG BROTHER. "I really enjoy meeting strangers and listening to their stories. I'm the same person I've always been. The celebrity status from BB has helped me keep things in perspective as an actor. I've experienced being on television and having my picture in the magazines. I am not acting for the celebrity factor. I act because I enjoy the challenge of the craft."

For more news about Drew, check out his website at www.drewdanielonline.com.