We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of our dearly beloved Sunday and Monday night obsession: Season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise. I’m sure you’ve all spent the past couple of weeks living vicariously through Jade and Tanner’s (Janner’s) adorable Instagram posts and obsessing over Ashley S.’s newly announced engagement. Thankfully there’s no need to wait until next season for more Bachelor-style entertainment because it’s easy to see that we’ve got our own little dose of Paradise right here at Emory. Here’s how:
- Drama
Who doesn’t love seeing their favorite ex-Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants come together for what is, according to Chris Harrison, “the most dramatic season yet”? The beauty of Bachelor in Paradise (BIP) is that you get to watch as cliques form, bromances develop, couples pair off, and people come and go, all from your own comfy couch. But you don’t actually have to go to ABC to experience this—just step onto Emory’s campus! Some lucky people find love, while others leave broken-hearted. Most are here to make friends and have a good time (along with a little bit of studying). Friend groups constantly change and develop, there is always a ton of drama, and every moment is spent interacting with other people. This makes not only for great reality TV, but also an entertaining and fun college experience!
2. Parties
Every night is a party. While we may not have Paradise’s hot tubs, sandy beaches, and unlimited supply of drinks, we do have an endless amount of things happening at Emory every night. Whether it’s a dance performance in Schwartz, a club meeting in Eagle’s Landing, or an exciting lecture, there is always something to do. And, while Emory is often chided for not being a “party school,” the nightlife isn’t too shabby. Unfortunately we don’t have Jorge to serve us delicious drinks and provide us with much-needed advice…guess we’ll have to settle for the frat stars at the next hall crawl.
3. Homesickness
Being away from your family and home friends can be a challenge, whether at school or in Paradise! Just like Lauren, the self-proclaimed mistress and short-lived contestant, sometimes we all just want to go home. Being surrounded by friends, roommates and classmates 24/7 can be exhausting, and at times it feels like the solution is to give up and leave. Thankfully, like Juelia and Jonathan, we do have the ability to call home and catch up with our loved ones. And, like in Paradise, your friends at school become your family. Stick it out and enjoy your time with your crew while you’re here—soon enough, you’ll be back at home sweet home!
4. Variety of Personalities
There are so many distinct personalities in Paradise that it can be hard to keep track of them all! You’ve got your crazies like Joe, the manipulative and universally hated country boy, and Ashley I., the chronic crier who was oddly obsessed with Jared. There are also the laid-back and cool kids like Tanner and Dan. You also can’t forget about the devil-turned-angel JJ, sweet and indecisive Amber, heartbreaker Kirk, and many more. Just like in Paradise, you’ll meet a variety of people with unique personalities, talents, backgrounds, and experiences here at Emory. Meeting new people is as easy as walking around Asbury Circle during Wonderful Wednesday or chatting up your fellow classmates after a lecture. Who doesn’t love to make new friends? After all, variety is the spice of life!
5. Focus on The Goal
In Paradise, all of the contestants are consumed by the idea of “finding love.” While this does happen for some and not others, (RIP Tenley and Joshua) this fantasy of love often prevents the contestants from enjoying their time there. Paradise is all about making it to the next rose ceremony and hopefully getting handed a date card. Likewise at Emory, most of the student body seems to be focused on the end goals—final exams, graduation, med school, etc.—and rarely stop to take in the view. Have you ever taken the time to truly appreciate our gorgeous campus? Whether the goal is finding love or just surviving midterms, we should all focus a little less on the reaching the destination and instead try to enjoy the ride. It’s time to, as Chris Harrison always reminds us, “let the journey begin!”