Age: 24
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Occupation: Wedding Planner

Sweet, smart and put together. Not only are the guys going to go for her big time, she's the one that viewers may fall in love with too.

Samantha's afterthoughts August 17th

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
I expected more cattiness from the girls, but I was pleasantly surprised when most of us actually enjoyed each other's company.

Who did you feel most connected to during the competition?
Mike, from day one.

Any fun anecdotes or run-ins with nature you'd like to share?
All I can say is... howler monkeys!

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
I learned how resilient human beings are. I was thrown into a jungle without anything I would usually consider necessary for my life - no connection to the outside world, no friends and no family. It's amazing that not only did I survive, but I actually was able to make friends and enjoy myself. It was like making a new life.

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
My New Year's resolution this year is to be more spontaneous.  When this opportunity presented itself in early Feburary, I couldn't pass it up!

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
Absolutely not.  Although I was raised in an outdoorsy family, camping is not my thing. I prefer showers and air-conditioning.

What is your biggest fear or phobia?
In one word, failure.

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
I was most surprised at how serene the jungle actually was.  If I wasn't manically running through it competing, I could imagine it to be very calming.

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
The news.  I felt so disconnected from the world without CNN.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
I am a very loyal and responsible friend, usually taking on a mom role.

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
I went on a blind date with a friend of a friend.  He forgot to mention that his friend is a complete alcoholic.  Overdrinking is never a good idea on a first date (especially if you were expected to drive).  I put him in a cab and sent him on his way.

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner? Respectful, hard working, family man.

Describe your ideal date.
An unexpected lunch date involving a park, wine and good conversation.

What was it like sharing a cabin with a total stranger?
As one would expect, it was extremely awkward sharing a cabin with a stranger at first.  The most uncomfortable part was getting ready for bed - brushing your teeth next to a stranger, sharing a shower... etc.

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