Bachelor In Paradise’s Serena Chew Talks Matt James, New York Living, And New Beginning

The Bachelor’s fashionista is in the house!

Serena Chew was the perfect person for reality tv. From season 25 of the Bachelor to the new and loved Season 7 of Bachelors in Paradise, she has always been quick to capture our attention.

We had the absolute honor of talking with Serena on her favorite flight trips, her new relationship, and if she would ever join the Bachelor again.

Q: Before being on ‘ ‘The Bachelor” what was life like for you? 

S: “Furloughs were inevitably going to happen in the aviation industry, due to the lack of business in aviation following COVID-19. So I decided to take a leave from being a flight attendant, so that I could figure out what my next move was. Quarantine had taken a toll on my mental health, the anxiety of not knowing whether I would get my job back loomed over me. Before applying to be on Matt James’ season, I was in the process of moving from NYC back to San Francisco.”

Q: What has been the biggest change in your life thus far after being on “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor In Paradise?” 

S: “The biggest change, post filming, has been my quality of life living in New York. Prior to the show I had moved here pretty much on my own and I didn’t have a core group of friends. Since moving back to New York, I have been blessed with a tight circle of friends, as well as many new opportunities that have allowed me to experience New York fully. And of course, being recognized in public…sometimes they catch me in my humblest form HAHA.”

Q: How do you feel about the bullying allegations that lead you to be sent home by Matt James? 

S: “I don’t think I was sent home because of bullying allegations, I believe I was sent home because Matt and I simply didn’t have a strong enough connection! As for the said allegations, each and every viewer has a right to their own opinion but what they see on screen is only bits and pieces of a conversation with many other parts that did not make the cut. Every woman on season25 are strong-minded, confident, and brave individuals who were in an environment where expressing feelings and ALL emotions were imperative to trusting the process. So when it comes to sharing a man it would be impossible for us to all get along 24/7 especially when intentions are questioned.”

Q: How is the relationship between you and some of the girls on the show? Do you guys still keep in contact? 

S: “Yes! I love so many of the girls, and the fact that a bunch of them moved to NYC has really been the highlight of my year. TBH it’s hard making friends after leaving college, and the show really blessed me with some amazing women whom I learn so much from. There’s always someone who is down for brunch, social events, shopping, and venting. But also, having new friends in different cities just makes being a flight attendant that much more fun as well.”

Q: How is your dating life now? Are you dating anyone? 

S: “It’s been a real hit or miss LOL! Since the show I haven’t struggled with meeting people, I just haven’t met any keepers. As of right now, I am dating and I’m excited about this one. Definitely has been more promising than the previous suitors. It’s still early but I’m enjoying his company. “

Q: Knowing what you know now about being on the bachelor, is there anything you would have done differently? 

S: “No, I went onto the show being 100% authentically myself, and I wouldn’t change that if given the opportunity again.”

Q: How do you feel about the couples who are engaged from “ Bachelor In paradise?” Did you see it coming? 

S: “I am so HAPPY for them, they are some of the sweetest girls and they deserve to be treated like queens! I left the first week of Paradise so I didn’t know whether or not those connections would last! But nevertheless they did, and I am so glad the show brought them into each other’s lives.”

Q: What does “ Serena’s day in life” look like being a flight attendant? 

S: “Every day is a whirlwind of events, but typically it starts with VERY early mornings, I’m talking about 3am alarms, not knowing my layover city until 3 hours prior (when I’m on call), and dealing with over 200 new faces every day of working. On the plus side, making my job worth it, is ending in places like Puerto Rico, my hometown, or somewhere abroad! I’ve always enjoyed living spontaneously so this job feeds my adventurous side fully. I’ve met so many fans from the show, both on and off duty, and all of them have been nothing but nice.”

Q: Where has been your favorite place you traveled and why? 

S: “Out of the three years of being a flight attendant, my favorite layovers have been Barcelona, Puerto Rico, and Vegas. Barcelona because it was my first time there and I got to experience everything I needed to in 24 hours—beaches, tapas, and of course, shopping! I loved Puerto Rico because it was my most recent and unexpected layover and it was a much needed tropical escape from the dropping temperatures of NYC fall. Vegas is always an unpredictable layover for me, but it’s a favorite because I gambled there for the first time (roulette) and I won big! Always bet on black (Might’ve been beginners luck).”

Q: Knowing your time was short on “ bachelor In Paradise” would you consider ever going again?

S: “Probably not, I had a great time, don’t get me wrong, but if I plan on dating anyone in bachelor nation I think I’d have better luck sliding into the DMs or meeting under real time circumstances.”

Interview Conducted By: Bryana Medina

Edited By: Je’Kayla Crawford

Photo Credit: ABC’s Bachelor Nation