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JENNA GILLUND

Age: 23
Hometown: Chicago, IL; resides in Dallas, TX

As a former NBA team dancer, Jenna Gillund is tired of the dating scene in Dallas. Originally from Chicago, she describes herself as a Midwest girl who prefers a real man and appreciates a little spontaneity. Gillund is a fierce competitor and keeps her eye on the prize - finding herself a man and winning the show.

Gillund attended University of South Alabama and the University of North Texas and is involved in the NBA Cares organization.

Jenna Gillund

Whom did you feel most connected to during the competition?
My partner Ryan was such a great person. I really got to know him and I think we really gelled.

Ultimately, are you happy the additional contestants were brought in to mix it up?
Well, I was one, so YEAH! I do wish I could have gotten to know the other seven guys as well.

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
Cattiness.

What was your favorite challenge and why?
Them all! But the most memorable that I will never forget was the one Ryan and I almost won had we not carried so many BANANAS!!!

Was there anything off-screen that you feel the audience missed out on?
How all of us really became friends!

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
I learned that I need to let my guard down. I am too quick to judge and I don't need to be like that.

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
Taking time off with the NBA really gave me a chance to find myself. This show was an opportunity that I would not have been able to take before. I knew it would be a great learning experience and I was so flattered and excited that I was even considered to participate!

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
Before going on the show, I totally felt I could bum it in the wild with no problems. Now although I made it through the show, I know I would much prefer my bed, some A/C and access to the local mall!

What are you afraid of?
I'm afraid of not being happy in life. To most, it looks like I have accomplished a lot, but I am always looking to better myself. I am very happy but I am scared I will never reach that moment of complete satisfaction.

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
How beautiful life is with no distractions. I never stopped to think of what the world was like other than my own. It showed me just how small I am and that the world is a beautiful place.

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
My cell phone! I never realized how much I relied on that thing. My life is literally in my phone.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
Sincerity, honesty, a bit awkward and goofy.

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
I've had a few weird ones but none have been "bad." I'm a pretty easy going person; I can have just as much fun watching a movie as I can roughing it through the challenges.

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
Passion, compassion and loyalty.

Describe your ideal date.
Anything! As long as he is fun. :)

Jenna Gillund

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Jenna Gillund

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Jenna Gillund