NBC.com

Age: 25
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Mental Health Specialist

Unlucky in love with numerous bad dating stories that are guaranteed to trump anything viewers have been through. The guys will want to turn the tables for this southern sweetheart and give her a fairy-tale romance story.

Brandee's afterthoughts August 3rd

Who did you feel most connected to during the competition?
I felt very connected to Heather and Jess D. on a friendship level. Also, I had some kinda connection with Ben. Even though there wasn't much romance, I did like him because he made me laugh, and we had a good time together most of the time. It may not seem like it, but I feel like we bonded in a different way than the other couples did. I felt somewhat close to him.

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
Actually I was really surprised at how normal and nice everyone seemed to be. I was expecting some crazy people that would probably be hard to get along with, but it wasn't like that at all.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
First, I learned how OUT OF SHAPE I am! I was so confident in my athletic ability and toughness until I got out in the jungle and thought I was going to die from exhaustion about halfway through EVERY RACE. Guess I'm not as tough, strong or fast as I used to be. Also, I learned how easily I can lose my confidence and let my insecurities ruin my fun. I wish I had not been so worried about little things and not held back my true personality.

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
I took part in the show because I felt like it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet hot, single, successful guys and experience Costa Rica at the same time. It sounded like the adventure of a lifetime.

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
Yes, I would call myself a somewhat outdoorsy person. I enjoy doing things outside like hiking, going to the lake/beach, camping, playing sand volleyball, etc. Nothing too hardcore, but I like being outdoors.

What is your biggest fear or phobia?
Actually, this might sound silly, but my biggest fear is public speaking, which is probably why I had such a difficult time in front of the cameras. I also hate being in tight spaces, which I had almost forgotten about until we had to go through those caves.

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
I never knew there were bats in the jungle!

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
I missed my family and friends the most out of everything.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
Other people would say my outgoing personality, kindness, sense of humor, and humility are my best qualities.

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
The worst date I've ever been on was when I had to pick the guy up from work for our "date"and take him to Walmart to buy a plain white t-shirt to wear on our "date." Then we went downtown to a bar, where he left me sitting for 45 minutes while he interviewed for a job. As if that's not bad enough, he actually started the job right then, which happened to be bartending. When I said I had to go, he then asked me to drive him home, also asking me to make several stops along the way. And to top it off, he had me drop him off at the end of his street instead of his actual house because the mother of his children/his girlfriend (which I knew nothing about) was home waiting for him. WOW! Still can't believe that happened to me!

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
It is important for my partner to believe in God, be humble, loyal/faithful, honest, confident (but not cocky), and a leader. Also, it's very important that he is funny and witty. I need a guy who is fun to be around and can make me laugh. Of course being tall, good-looking, and successful are bonuses too!

Describe your ideal date.
My ideal date would be with someone who makes me laugh and who is not constantly looking around to check other women out. On a date, I want someone who is satisfied with me and genuinely interested in what I have to say.

What was it like sharing a cabin with a total stranger?
At first, sharing a cabin with a stranger was really awkward, but I got used to it pretty quickly because we spent so much time together. Honestly I don't think my partner and I would have bonded as much if we hadn't shared the cabin.

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