Jenn Tran opens up about her search for lasting love on The Bachelorette.
Tran, who was named the first Asian American lead on The Bachelorette, opened up about People about her experiences on the show and admitted that she is “very happy” with the end of her season.
“I’m really happy with the ending and I’m really happy with the way everything turned out,” she told the outlet. “I learned so much every day that I was there. [to find out] about myself and what I wanted in a relationship. There was so much growth.’
During filming, Tran, 26, also redefined what she ultimately wanted to get out of the show.
“I feel like when you start the journey, you’re so hopeful for an engagement,” she explained. “And then as you go through the journey, it’s like, what [does] an engagement really means to you? Is it just a ring, or is it a commitment?
Jenn Tran opens up about her search for long-lasting love on The Bachelorette; pictured arriving at Good Morning America in New York on Monday
“I was mainly looking for a partner who would last. I think my definition of that has changed over the course of the journey,” she added.
During her interview, Tran also revealed the racism she faced after being named the first-ever Asian American lead on The Bachelorette.
“I won’t say it’s all positive because racism still exists,” she told People.
However, Tran has also received positive feedback from people who were “grateful” to see her on their TV screens.
“I’ve gotten a lot of hate mail, but then I have so many people who are so grateful to see someone like me on their screen. I feel so grateful and honored that I get to do that for people, because growing up, I never had that. I get to be the role model that I always wanted to be when I was a little girl.”
Tran wasn’t aware of the extent of the racism until she logged back on her phone after filming The Bachelorette and saw the hateful comments from internet trolls.
“I got announced and then I went straight to filming. I didn’t have my phone with me the whole time, so I had no idea what the world was saying until I got back from this amazing experience. I was so excited and hopeful, and then I went online and read a billion people’s opinions about everything. It was really disappointing,” she explained.
Although it was difficult for Tran to read the racist comments, she remains positive and optimistic: “I feel so honored to be the first Asian American lead. I know I inspire so many people to embrace their differences.
Tran has made history as the franchise’s first-ever Asian American lead
Tran wore a bright pink dress and strappy metallic heels
“I really think my story comes from the fact that I’ve felt different my whole life. I hope people can see that you shouldn’t try to be normal, you should embrace what makes you, you.”
Tran studied to become a medical assistant, but postponed her education to find love through reality TV, People reports.
Tran was announced as the next Bachelorette after unsuccessfully competing for Joey Graziadei’s heart on his season of The Bachelor.
“Tran is a sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant,” her bio reads. “The bilingual Vietnamese beauty currently lives in Miami and is ready to find love with a man who is as trustworthy and caring as she is. When she’s not studying, Tran enjoys reading, paddle boarding, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.”
Jenn, who is Vietnamese-American, said it felt “honestly incredible” to be chosen as the next star of The Bachelorette.
“I feel so grateful and honored to be the first Asian single lady in this franchise,” she said when she was announced.
Tran sported a head of loose curls, along with silver earrings and black sunglasses
She joined The Bachelor franchise as a contestant on Joey Graziadei’s season
“Tran is a kind and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant,” her bio reads.
Her new role as The Bachelorette was also a solution to the lack of Asians on TV when she was younger.
“Growing up, I always wanted to see Asian representation on TV. And I feel like it was really scarce,” she admitted. “Anytime Asians were in media, it was to be a supporting character, to fulfill some kind of stereotype, and I felt really boxed in by that because I was like, ‘I don’t see myself on screen. I don’t see myself as a lead character.’
Jenn looked stunning as she promoted her new season ahead of tonight’s premiere.
She couldn’t have looked happier as she arrived on Good Morning America, wearing a bright pink dress and flashing a big smile.
Jenn slipped her feet into metallic heels and rocked a head of loose waves for her moment in the spotlight.
Season 21 of The Bachelorette premieres tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC.