NBC.com

Age: 24
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Self-Employed/Songwriter Management

Once accused of being a gold digger, there's more to this ugly duckling turned swan than meets the eye. A fiercely private person, it will take the right guy to help her let her guard down.

Erica's afterthoughts August 3rd

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
How open and real everyone was... Most were there to enjoy an amazing trip with great company! I've never laughed so hard in my life!

Who did you feel most connected to during the competition?
You'll see very quickly... I connected most with those who were there to just have fun and not take things too seriously!

Any fun anecdotes or run-ins with nature you'd like to share?
A belt was lying on the floor one night, and I was so paranoid of seeing a snake that I was screaming that it was alive, trying to kill it and get it out of the cabin... yep.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
Everything! For me the true reward from the show was how much I learned about myself through it all... The physical and emotional challenges forced me to self-evaluate my personality, primarily how I react to situations and how I treat others. It's no joke; cameras are on you 24/7!!! You can't run or hide... Not even from yourself!

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
I was surrounded by people who told me I shouldn't do the show.  Even though it's an opportunity of a lifetime, I was unsure if I wanted to do it or not until I stepped on the plane out of Nashville! Turns out I wouldn't have traded my decision for anything! It may have been a selfish move, but I learned so much about myself and am so thankful for every opportunity I had in Costa Rica.

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
Ha, I thought I was...

What is your biggest fear or phobia?
Snakes, spiders, the whole deal... it's amazing how fast you can overcome your fears when there's a finish line in front of you!

What surprised you most about being in the jungle? 
That I survived it. I now completely understand the expression "be careful, it's a jungle out there!"

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
Music

What would other people say are your best qualities?
I finally learned not to listen to what other people say!

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
It was so bad I up and left the restaurant mid-conversation, I think I called him to say "bye."

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
By far... humor and humility.

Describe your ideal date
I adore a man who can cook!!!

What was it like sharing a cabin with a total stranger?
Hmmm I was shocked that was part of the deal!! None of us expected it but when it came to killing critters it was handy to have someone else around. However, sharing a cabin also means sharing a bathroom... you learn too much about a person when you share a bathroom.

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