By: Kaylie Shadburn
Monday nights at Point Loma Nazarene University have undergone a transformation that’s turning community spaces into hotbeds of drama, romance and everything in between. Forget prepping for the week ahead or playing a little ping pong; now it’s all about navigating the highs and lows of love, heartbreak and the occasional petty squabble. Why? Because ABC’s “Bachelor” Mondays are back in full swing, and the student body is invested.
The return of the notorious reality television series has sparked a sense of camaraderie among students, bringing them together to share laughs, gasps and maybe even a few tears. It seems that Monday nights may not just be about watching, but about building connections that transcend the screen.
Infamously known for the show’s over-dramatized perception of love and romantic relationships, the show hasn’t always been a fan favorite for many. However, it has become an excuse for roommates and friends to gather together once a week and share in each other’s company.
Fourth-year applied health science major Mackenzie Hustead is one student who has found herself in this very situation.
“My roommates and I aren’t really the biggest fans of ‘The Bachelor,’ but we love to have a show to watch together,” said Hustead. “It’s been fun and entertaining to watch and talk about it together.”
Kendra Phillips, a third-year applied health science major, can also relate.
“I judged the show for the longest time,” said Phillips. “I always thought it was wrong for one man to be dating so many women at the same time, but now it’s become something fun to do with my roommates and I actually really like watching.”
This evolution into what is socially referred to as “bachelor nation” seems to be a common experience among the female student population. Third-year sociology student Kate Moulton shares that it was her friends that got her into the show in the first place.
“I had to be convinced to watch, but now there’s no going back,” said Moulton.
When questioned about the show’s captivating nature, Moulton noted that it wasn’t even the content of the show itself, but the camaraderie it promotes.
“Together, we all laugh and yell at the screen,” said Moulton. “I’ve never loved watching a reality show more.”
Moulton has also noticed that this scheduled, weekly event has given her something to look forward to during her busy schedule. She knows that every Monday night she can invite close and mutual friends into her apartment to enjoy the company and engage in lively discussions about the latest “Bachelor” episode.
“Even if we don’t always pay attention, we’re still spilling about our days, homework or stress,” said Moulton. “It has become my new favorite day of the week.”
As another “Bachelor” Monday comes to a close, it’s clear that these gatherings have evolved beyond television entertainment. What began as a casual activity, has transformed into a recurring event that fosters connections and shared experiences among students.
