Amanda Wygant

I dream of visiting the beautiful North Cascades National Park. I want to rock climb and hike in the rugged mountains, drive the scenic North Cascades highway, and swim in the turquoise lakes. I yearn for the serenity provided by the great outdoors. I'd love to do a multi-day backpacking trip that can help me reconnect with nature and with myself.

One of the most incredible outdoor adventures I have had was while scuba diving in Koh Tao Thailand. I was deep in the warm waters having a fun dive with friends when all of the sudden they signaled for me to turn around. Passing right in front of my eyes was a massive baby whale shark. They were so close I could have reached out to touch them. It was a beautiful and rare moment towards the end of my time in Thailand and truly something I will never forget.

I would use the majority of the money to pay back debt I have accrued while going to college and that I used to pay for my dog Taku's TPLO surgery this past spring. The remainder I would invest into my small business, Northern Wind Creations. I would like to focus on creating healing products such as salves and tinctures. I also hope to one day turn my business into my full time job so that I can have the ability to work and live nomadically.