Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra Ortega looked back at her time onLove Island USAin an Instagram post The reality star exited season 7 following resurfaced social media posts "This journey didn't end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love and growth in these moments," Cierra said Cierra Ortegais reflecting on herLove Island USAjourney. The 26-year-old reality star suddenly left the show last week, due to what was initially described as a "personal situation." Days later, Cierra addressed her exit with a video and written statement, in which sheissued an apologyover her past use of racial slurs in social media posts that recently resurfaced. Now, as shared a carousel post onInstagrambefore the season 7 finale on Sunday, July 13, Cierra reflected fondly on her time on the Peacock series, recalling the "people, moments and memories" that she'll "cherish forever." "This journey didn't end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love and growth in these moments," she added. "There's still so much more growing to do. And for that, I'll always be grateful." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra's post featured several snaps of the star and her fellow islanders, including Olandria Carthen,Chelley Bissainthe, Jeremiah Brown,Huda Mustafaand more. In the comments section, Cierra explained that she didn't tag Huda in her post because her Instagram wasn't "allowing tags." She said that Huda is her "SISTER," adding, "The love I have for her is infinite." Fans also commented under the post to point out that Cierra initially referred to Huda's fans as "HudRats," though it had since been edited. Cierra responded and said she was "slowly easing my way back online and genuinely thought this was the name of her fandom/supporters." "Too much info to absorb at once," Cierra continued. "My girl will get a giggle out of this when she sees." Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra also shared her thoughts on Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe, calling them "two people I care deeply for and absolutely adore." "I've always wanted nothing but happiness for each of them in this experience. that has never & will never change ❤️🩹," she added. During the July 6 episode ofLove Island USA, it was revealed that Cierra exited due to a "personal situation," shortly after past racist social media posts — including two that contained slurs offensive to Asian people — resurfaced on the internet. Days later, Cierra spoke out on Instagram. "I want to first start by addressing, not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community," she said at the time. "I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did, or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it. But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance." Cierra further explained that she was informed of the derogatory and "incredibly hurtful" language by an Instagram follower. She said she was "apologetic" and "immediately deleted the post," and Cierra called her comments "something that deserved punishment, and the punishment has absolutely been received." "My experience in the villa was nothing short of magical. The memories I made and the people I met are ones I'll cherish forever," Cierra wrote in a separate Instagram Stories statement. "While I'm heartbroken my journey had to be cut short, l understand that mistakes, especially ones like this, deserve consequences. Once again, to the Asian community, I am deeply sorry for my thoughtless mistake and the harm it caused." TheLove Island USAseason 7 finale airs on Peacock on Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Read the original article onPeople