joleen diaz

When Joleen Diaz walked onto Netflix's Age of Attraction, millions of viewers wondered the same thing: Would she find love? By the end of the season, the answer was no. Instead, she walked away with something even more valuable—a clearer understanding of what she wants and, just as importantly, what she's not willing to settle for. While the internet knows her for her youthful appearance and social media fame, that's only one chapter of her story. Spend a few minutes talking to Joleen, and you'll quickly realize she'd much rather talk about her students, her family, and living a life with purpose. In this conversation with Akilis World, she opens up about what really happened behind the scenes on Age of Attraction, why she's never left the classroom, and the values that continue to guide her long after the cameras stopped rolling.

You've become known around the world through social media and television, but who is Joleen away from the spotlight?

I think I'm someone who's passionate about what I do. I feel incredibly blessed to have a career that I'd honestly do for free. I'm also a mom to two amazing children, and watching them grow into kind, good people has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

You could have become a full-time content creator years ago. Why stay in teaching?

Because teaching is part of who I am. I truly believe I was meant to mentor children and help raise good humans. I love helping students through challenges and celebrating their successes. If I wasn't teaching, I honestly don't think I'd be as happy. When I was younger, I worked in Silicon Valley and spent years searching for fulfillment through things like shopping, traveling, and chasing what I thought would make me happy. Looking back, I realize I wasn't living my purpose. Teaching gave me that purpose.

Your youthful appearance first made you famous. How did overnight fame affect your life?

It was actually really overwhelming. I cried a lot in the beginning because I was a very private person. Within just a few days, people knew where I lived, that I was a teacher, that I had children, literally everything. I wasn't prepared for that level of attention. I also think people sometimes exaggerate the whole "looking young" story. I think living a healthy lifestyle helps, but I also believe happiness and purpose make a difference.

People often ask about your skincare routine, but what do you think has really helped you stay youthful?

I think it's more about mindset than people realize. There was a period in my twenties when I constantly felt like something was missing. I tried filling that emptiness with material things and always staying busy. Eventually I realized everyone has a purpose, and once I found mine, everything changed. I also spend time outside every day. Nature helps me reset. Losing family members to cancer also changed my perspective. It reminded me how precious life is and how important it is to appreciate every day instead of focusing on things that don't really matter.

What was the biggest surprise about filming?

Reality television was nothing like I expected. Nothing was scripted, but almost everything was controlled. Our phones were taken away, and even simple things required someone from production to accompany us. I also think viewers only saw one side of me. I'm actually a funny person, and West and I laughed a lot together, but those moments never made it into the show. Instead, it looked like I was constantly focused on age, which really wasn't the full story. The best part, though, was the friendships. I became genuinely close with some of the women in the show, and we still keep in touch today.

You and West decided not to continue your relationship after the show. What ultimately made you realize he wasn't your person?

West is genuinely a wonderful person, and we stayed friends after filming. For me, it wasn't simply about the age difference. It was about where we were in life. I'm looking for someone who's already built a life and has a strong sense of direction. He's still figuring out his path, and that's completely okay, we were just in different stages.

How has being in the public eye affected your family?

I intentionally keep my family out of social media. My son doesn't really like being online, and my daughter has her own life. I also don't share much about where I live because I value my privacy. The attention was a difficult adjustment, especially in the first few years. Even parents at school would recognize me from Instagram. Everyone has always been supportive, but I work hard to make sure my online life never interferes with the trust families place in me as a teacher.

Has Age of Attraction changed your life?

It has definitely opened doors. I've been invited to community events, judging local competitions, and collaborating with brands. But it's also made me more careful. For example, people often ask me what supplements I take or exactly what I do, and I'm always hesitant because I'm not a nutritionist or a doctor. I never want someone to take my advice and end up getting hurt. I think that's the teacher in me, I always feel responsible for the people listening.

What's one thing people misunderstand about you?

Probably that I'm obsessed with myself. Social media makes it look like my whole world revolves around me because I'm the person in the photos. But that's not who I am. I'm actually much more interested in helping other people than talking about myself. That's probably why I'm so inconsistent online. When school starts, I often disappear for months because my students need my full attention, and that's where my heart is.

What's next for you?

I know my future will still be in education. I'm exploring different opportunities, possibly within school leadership or district administration, while still finding ways to make an impact on students. Personally, I'd also love to find my person someday. I'm happy with my life as it is, but it would be wonderful to share it with someone who shares the same values and outlook. If that happens, great. If it doesn't, I'm still grateful for the life I have.