NBC.com

Age: 26
Hometown: Sonoma, CA
Occupation: Public Relations Professional

A vibrant, no-nonsense woman who will go to extreme lengths in her quest for love. She once even ran a marathon just to win a box from Tiffany's. Fun and athletic - the guys will be sprinting to be with her.

Heather's afterthoughts August 17th

Who did you feel most connected to during the competition?
Miles of course. :) I also felt really close to Jess D. and Brandee, like they were old friends from home and I could confide in them.

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
I was completely shocked by Steele's departure.

Any fun anecdotes or run-ins with nature you'd like to share?
Cabin 6 was the Bat Cave! There was a bat that would randomly fly around the room, not so fun when you want to sleep - I quickly realized I was terrified of bats.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
I learned that I have to keep my heart open, walls down and just let go. Life's a lot less stressful when you just enjoy the ride rather than try to control it. I also discovered I'm much stronger than I think; I just need to follow my intuition because it's usually right!

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
It seemed like it was an amazing chance to do something completely spontaneous, travel, make new friends and possibly find love. What's not to like about that?

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
I absolutely love to be outside and on the water but I'm not so keen on a chance meeting with wild animals or bugs.

What is your biggest fear or phobia?
Heights get me a little nervous and I have a newly discovered bat phobia... thank you Love in the Wild. I also hate feet, they freak me out! I have strict policy not to be touched by feet and don't like people even putting them near me.

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
Everything! Trekking through the Costa Rican jungle is not something I do on a regular basis or ever but I was taken aback by the beauty and gorgeous views when I wasn't huffing and puffing my way through it. Lots of wildlife, rough terrain, plush greenery and HOT and HUMID weather.

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
It was hard to be without my family, I see and talk to them frequently but I know they were sending their love and encouragement. I also was dying for some SUSHI and Japanese food, I eat it at least once a week.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
I think my best friend would say I'm very loyal, nurturing, honest (sometimes too honest) and always trying to have a positive outlook.

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
I don't know if I could nail down one... but I would say it's the worst when five minutes in, you know it's just not going to work and you have to sit through a drink or dinner with this person when you would really like to just get up and call it quits.

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
Genuine, sense of humor, family values and kind.

Describe your ideal date.
A perfect real date for me would be to go for a picnic. Get some good food, wine and chill out in the sun at the park or the beach.

What was it like sharing a cabin with a total stranger?
Awkward! I had no idea we would be sharing a cabin with our partners, but it was a good way to get to know someone very quickly.

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