Former contestant on The Bachelor Jill Chin celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May by sharing her family's compelling story and explaining what Bachelor Nation fans can do to support to the AAPI community. Earlier this year, Jill, a 26-year-old architectural historian from Scituate, Rhode Island, was a contestant on Clayton Echard's season of The Bachelor. She joined the cast of the show because she was tired of being the only single one in her group of friends and wanted to find a man who had a kind heart and who was emotionally mature.
Although Jill did not have much of a connection with Clayton, she made quite an impression on Bachelor Nation. Her limo entrance on The Bachelor was one of the most memorable, as she jokingly presented Clayton with an urn of her ex-boyfriend's ashes. In a season full of drama among the women, Jill mostly tried to stay out of it, and was not known as one of the prominent instigators such as Cassidy Timbrooks, Shanae Ankney and Mara Agrait. Jill was eliminated in week 4 of the competition, and Clayton found love with his current girlfriend, Susie Evans.
In an interview with Bachelor Nation, Jill discussed why it is so important to support the AAPI community during AAPI Heritage Month, and shared her family's history. Jill said that AAPI Heritage Month "is a time to educate people on the complex history of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of fellow AAPI." Jill said that she is so proud of her grandfather, Yeye, "for immigrating to the U.S., serving in WWII to fight for our country and the freedom he was seeking, raising a family of 11 children, and truly exemplifying the American Dream." When asked if there were any prominent AAPI leaders or mentors who inspired her while she was growing up, former Bachelor contestant Jill named figure skater Michelle Kwan as someone she has always looked up to. She said that seeing an Asian American represent the United States on the Olympic stage really inspired her to follow her own dreams.
After her time on Clayton Echard's season of The Bachelor, Jill became a member of the AAPI community that other people can look up to. When asked what that means to her, Jill said, "It is such an honor to be able to represent the Asian community and show young women and girls that they are beautiful, strong, and worthy of love and respect." Jill went on to say that Bachelor Nation fans can support the AAPI community during AAPI Heritage Month and all year long in many ways. She suggested that they could support their local Asian-run businesses, learn about Asian history, and "engage with AAPI friends to gain a deeper insight on their lives and their culture!"
Throughout her time on The Bachelor, Jill presented herself with grace and dignity. She has great pride in her family and her heritage. Her dedication to bringing awareness and support to AAPI community during AAPI Heritage Month is admirable. Jill is a great role model to not just the AAPI community, but to everyone.
Source: Bachelor Nation