Fans of reality television have been taken by surprise and admiration upon discovering the current pursuits of Alana Thompson, once known as the viral sensation from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, over a decade after her television debut on TLC.
At the age of just seven, Thompson was the central figure in her own reality series, which followed her journey as a young beauty pageant participant.
The show aired for two seasons before concluding in 2013, but even 12 years later, enthusiasm for updates on Thompson’s life remains strong among fans.
Fortunately, Thompson provided an update during a new interview with People, released this week. In the interview, she reflected on her time as a child star and shared details about her life as a 19-year-old woman.
In the discussion, Thompson acknowledged that although many might think they know her, there’s much more happening ‘behind the scenes.’
She expressed gratitude for her television career, noting it offered numerous opportunities. While she wishes some aspects of her life had remained private, she appreciates the connection people feel with her.
Thompson then disclosed her current pursuits, sharing that she has embarked on a journey into the medical field.
She stated, “I really do like being able to be the person of like, ‘Oh well her life is just like mine’. Like ‘Honey Boo is just like me’. That’s so crazy and I like for people not to feel alone.”
“Right now I am a nursing student in college in Denver. I’m 19, I’m just living my best life and like, I’m just chilling, you know.”
Thompson, who has ‘always wanted to be a nurse,’ mentioned she dedicates a lot of time to studying, often either at home or in the library, adding, “Literally my whole life is study, study, study.”
“To be a college student means a lot to me,” she continued. “When I graduate college I will be the first one in our family to have an actual college degree.”
Thompson’s update has been met with applause from viewers, with one commenting, “When she said she’ll be the first one to have a college degree in her family really moved me. So happy for her. We’re all cheering you on, girl.”
Another remarked, “She seems kind, forgiving, hard-working, and determined. She’s gonna be an amazing nurse.”
Thompson’s interview coincides with her preparations to share her story in the new Lifetime biopic I Was Honey Boo Boo, set to premiere on May 17.