Laura Nichols

I dream of visiting Yosemite National Park as there is so much you can do in this one park. You can hike, camp, white water raft, climb, and see so many beautiful sites. I feel this park would push me out of my comfort zone and make me a better person. I would also love to visit Katmai and Denali National Parks as Alaska is the true last frontier that I would love to learn more about and learn more about the culture and beauty of that state.

My favorite adventure thus far is when I solo camped through South Dakota in the Badlands National Park and in Colorado. It really pushed and challenged me. At times I was unsure if I could do it but I was capable of so much more than I thought possible all on my own. I hiked many many miles, did some of the most difficult white water courses, and camped alone in nature. I learned so much about myself and hope to create many more memories and adventures similar to that one.

The $10k would allow me the opportunity to take time away from work to travel, see the true beauty this country has to offer, and work on my mental health. As a nurse, after caring for patients throughout the pandemic until now, I would really benefit from a sabbatical to work on myself and grow. A trip around the country’s national parks would help me return to work ready to care for my patients. It would also allow me to get some gear of my own so I can stop borrowing from all my friends!