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VANESSA RAMIREZ

Age: 30
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

As a television host and in-game host for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Vanessa knows how a team should work and will bring that knowledge to her adventures in the wild. Other pluses for this extremely competitive lady are that she is in great shape and works out daily, which will help in navigating the wild terrain, although her fear of bugs may cause some problems. As far as the dating jungle goes, her last serious relationship was seven years long, and since then, she has yet to find "the one." Ramirez is looking for someone who is smart, ambitious, and an all-around great guy.

Ramirez is a graduate of Grand Canyon University.

Vanessa Ramirez

Whom did you feel most connected to during the competition?
I felt I connected most with my partner Jason. After I let my guard down, we connected and spent a lot of time together.

Ultimately, are you happy the additional contestants were brought in to mix it up?
Being that I was part of the additional contestants, yes I am happy! While I would have loved to join the group from the beginning, I'm happy to have just been a part of the experience.

What behavior surprised you the most from the other contestants?
I was surprised at how competitive most of the contestants were. Everyone was nice until it came time to compete in the adventures... then the fierce competitiveness came out!!

What was your favorite challenge and why?
My favorite challenge was the last one I participated in. Jason and I had a mishap with our map, but we didn't let it stop us and we still gave 100% and finished it! Not to mention how challenging that adventure was... I was very proud of our effort.

Was there anything off-screen that you feel the audience missed out on?
The day of the last adventure I forgot the bracelet that I wear for lung cancer awareness. The bracelet reminds me of my father and it really bothered me that I was not wearing it.

Any fun anecdotes or run-ins with nature you'd like to share?
There are so many... but sleeping in a tent was a first for me! And during one of the adventures a snake was right by foot and I was scared but didn't move my foot to prove to myself that I would be okay. Oh and walking over a waterfall was pretty awesome too!

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
It taught me to be open to any situation, like new adventures and opening up to a potential partner or just to others in general, being that I am reserved when it comes to my personal life. I'm very competitive but not super athletic, so completing the adventures and facing a fear of snakes and bugs was amazing! I'm very proud of myself!!

Why did you decide to take part in this show?
I had a recent life changing experience with losing my father to non-smokers lung cancer. It made me realize a lot about life and that it is too short. I needed to explore more in relationships and experience more adventure and traveling.

Would you call yourself an outdoorsy person? Why or why not?
I am not really the outdoorsy type. I mean I have never even been camping! I like to experience new things, but I'm a girlie girl and like to keep my nails and hair clean, ha ha!

What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of bugs and snakes! I'm sure most of them won't harm you, but they are just scary!

What surprised you most about being in the jungle?
What surprised me the most was how much the mosquitos loved me! I had bites all over!

What was the hardest thing for you to live without? What did you miss the most?
The hardest thing for me to live without was my phone! That thing is attached to me. And I missed my mom the most. We are really close and especially because we need each other more than ever now.

What would other people say are your best qualities?
I think people would say I am a genuine, ambitious and positive person.

Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
I went on date with a guy who lied straight to my face about having children! And he had more than one at that... who does that?!?!

What qualities do you find to be most important in your partner?
I feel that my partner should possess ambition so we can grow together. He should be loyal, honest and have good family values.

Describe your ideal date.
My ideal date would be to experience something new with my date whether it is a new restaurant or activity where we would have a lot to talk and laugh about!

Vanessa Ramirez

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Vanessa Ramirez

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