The Bachelor has aired its finale and we are shooketh, y'all!
Matt James, the first black "Bachelor" of the series, has officially selected Rachael Kirkconnell, leaving Michelle Young at the altar wondering what's next. And although the history-making James may have selected the lone racist girl on the show (allegedly), her disappointment didn't last long. Because our girl Michelle Young is slated to become one of the future bachelorettes, ABC officially announced.
If you're lost about what happened on 'The Bachelor' season finale, here's a brief rundown:
Matt narrowed his choices down to the final two ladies who could win his heart. Eventually, he selected Kirkconnell, who he didn't propose to, but instead said he didn't want to live without, thus making her his selected gal. This all took place prior to the surfacing controversy that surrounded her previous questionable behavior, which includes posing at a college plantation-themed party (yes, you read that right) and liking numerous pics of the confederate flag (a flag that historically has white supremecist undertones).
On the finale after show, a beard-ganged Matt told Kirkconnell he could no longer be with her due to her problematic past, and they broke up. Womp womp.
Soon after, it was announced that Michelle would be an upcoming 'Bachelorette', which we stannnnn because we loved her!
Michelle is a teacher and former basketball star from Minnesota, who is lowkey and beautiful inside and out. She is passionate about giving back to the community—and she's looking for a beau who feels the same way. Of Michelle, her ABC bio reads,
"Michelle has big dreams for the future and says she wants a man by her side that is supportive and driven to make the world a better place. She is looking for the superman to her superwoman and says that, together, she hopes that she and Matt can fall in love and change the world."
She may be new to social media and the fame that comes along with the show, but she isn't fazed. She truly is looking for love with her perfect guy. She writes on Instagram:
"And that's a wrap! My family and I have appreciated the overwhelming support that has been shown throughout the season. Thank you for accepting us with open arms. Time to relax, recharge, and trade in these gowns for sweatpants...! At least for a little while anyway [wink emoji]"
Young was a college athlete (like James, who played football for Wake Forest University) before starting her career as a teacher. She played Division 1 basketball at Bradley University. Currently, she works as an elementary school teacher and according to her ABC bio, the Bachelor contestant "focuses on preparing her students to be the next generation of community leaders." She even had her students video-call James on The Bachelor to grill him about his intentions, which is the absolute cutest.
During the "After the Final Rose" special, it was revealed that both Young, and Katie Thurston, a 30-year-old bank marketing manager from Washington state, will be looking for love on separate seasons of the dating competition show. Thurston's Season 17 of the show is set to air on ABC this summer while Young's Season 18 will air this fall.
We can't wait to watch her season, and see where this journey leads her! Congrats, Michelle!
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Featured image via Michelle Young/Instagram