The Bachelor's Michelle Young came into the season late, but she became an instant favorite
for both fans and Matt James. Their connection was undeniable, and the more time they spent together,
the more they seemed to have in common. Here's what you may not know about Michelle Young.
The Bachelor is known for drama, petty fights, name calling, and an
"us versus them" mentality among the contestants. So it's no surprise that
Michelle got unfortunately caught up in some drama that she didn't ask for.
Michelle didn't arrive at the mansion for Matt's season of The Bachelor until week three.
She was among four other contestants who came to the competition after it was under way,
and that did not sit well with some of the women in the house. The phrase "varsity squad"
quickly popped up to describe the original women in the house versus the new additions.
"I'm hoping that it wasn't something that was made to cause drama. I'm hoping that
those women have just as much of a shot as the women that were there before have."
There were rumors circulated that one of the new contestants was a high-end call girl,
and some women simply went out of their way to ostracize the women that hadn't
been vying for Matt's heart since the first night.
Michelle did her best to avoid the drama, and she was clearly successful at winning Matt over,
because he invited her on a one-on-one date the very next day after her arrival.
You can probably guess how that decision went over with the other contestants.
If you're a true Bachelor fan, you know that the funniest clips of the show
play after the credits. And if you really paid attention, you would've noticed that
the cameras caught Michelle doing push-ups before a toast to make sure her arms were popping. Yes,
she was wearing a formal dress that looked like it was pageant-ready. Yes,
she performed said push-ups in front of Matt and her fellow contestants. That may have come
as a shock, but it's not surprising when you look into Michelle's athletic career.
As noted by Marie Claire, Michelle played Division 1 college basketball at Bradley University.
Not only was she the 13th highest scorer in the university's athletic history,
but she was also a standout student. She was placed on the Bradley Athletic Director's Honor
Roll every semester of college, she was a scholar-athlete of the week four times,
she received her university commissioner's academic excellence award twice, and she earned
the Presidents Council Academic Award, according to her athletic profile from Bradley University.
Viewers see some really... interesting dates on The Bachelor.
Some are downright uncomfortable — we still can't forgive Matt James
for taking a group of women to a farm for a "romantic" day of fun. It doesn't seem
like the contestants often get to do what they really like to do for fun while on the show,
which is a shame because Michelle's favorite activities would make great dates.
As noted by her official ABC bio, Michelle's favorite things to do
when she's not working include hiking with friends or going wine tasting.
Say it loud for The Bachelor producers: Both activities would make GREAT dates.
Michelle's bio also noted that she is a real foodie, but with a twist. While most people
often choose a favorite restaurant, Michelle's go-to for a great meal is a local food truck.
A huge aspect of Michelle's life — a part she made a point to highlight while on The Bachelor – is
her profession. As noted by her official ABC bio, Michelle works as an elementary school teacher
and is dedicated to "preparing her students to be the next generation of community leaders."
She got her degree in elementary education at Bradley University, and she has formed an
extra special bond with her students. During her hometown date with Matt James, some of Michelle's
students hopped on a video call with the couple, making for a really touching moment on the show.
But outside of The Bachelor world, Michelle has been working in her classroom amid the
coronavirus pandemic. In February 2021, she took to Instagram to share her experience as a teacher
during the public health crisis, showing herself in full protective gear. She wrote,
"Thousands of teachers are heading back into the classroom partially vaccinated or not vaccinated
at all. So proud of my fellow teachers who have continued to persevere and provide both
academic and emotional stability/support for our students! Teachers...WE'VE GOT THIS!!"
If one show thrives off spoilers, it's The Bachelor. From the beginning of each season,
we usually know who wins courtesy of Bachelor blogger Reality Steve.
And it's no different this time around. Warning: Potential spoilers ahead!
Steve's spoilers are almost always spot-on, and according to him, Michelle Young comes in second
on Matt James' season. Matt reportedly ultimately picks Rachael Kirkconnell,
but unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Rachael has come under intense fire
since the season was filmed due to past racist behavior. So although Matt and Rachael leave
the season as a couple, it doesn't look like things stay all roses in their lives together.
According to Reality Steve,
"Matt and Rachael are broken up, there will be no reconciliation happening at
the [After the Final Rose episode], nor will anything happen with Bri or Michelle either."
To top off a sad ending to a historic season, Steve says,
"Matt seems to be content on leaving this thing as a single man,
and frankly, seems to be done with this franchise."
Here's hoping that Matt pulls an Arie Luyendyk and goes after Michelle after his season wraps.
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