Amanda on assignment in Norway
As part of our 2023 Scholarship, Amanda traveled to Norway aboard a Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express voyage, with mentoring from award-winning creatives Dan and Zora Avila.
Amanda's assignment was to capture the essence of Norway through a 60-second video, photography, and a photo essay. Check out her scholarship experience below.
Watch Amanda's scholarship experience in Norway
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View Amanda's trip photography
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia 
Photo credit: Amanda Garcia
Read Amanda's photo essay
Chasing the northern lights: a life journey through the Norwegian Coast
What was supposed to be another Wednesday of school ended up being a day of running through airports and eating airplane food. Then I found myself sailing through the spectacular, snowy Norwegian coast for nine days. “I can’t believe this is happening”, I thought as I was boarding the ship that would take me on the invigorating journey of discovering life, purpose, adventure, and falling in love with it.
Three months ago, I entered World Nomads’ 2023 Travel Photo and Film Scholarship contest I discovered through Instagram. “I don’t lose anything by entering,” I said, not knowing a month later I’d receive an email, in the middle of the night (because different time zones) saying I made it to the top 10 of the participants. After an online interview, a few days of nervousness mixed with excitement and little sleep, I woke up to the most thrilling news: I’ve won!?!
My scholarship experience begins
On October 18th, I left Monterrey and finally landed in Bergen. After a few hours of wandering around, still a bit jet lagged, along with Meme and Les, my fellow winners, I entered the Bryggeloftet & Stuene restaurant. Dan and Zora, our mentors, quickly stood up to greet us. There are no words to describe how I felt at that moment. It was like a dream, but with people being able to understand just exactly how you feel, as they’re experiencing the same. Collective dreaming I’d name it. After a lovely night full of enriching conversation, I knew this week was going to change my life.
The next eight days were full of adventure. My eyes contemplated out-of-a-film landscapes (literally -- we went to Molde, where they filmed scenes for No Time To Die), my feet felt the snow for the first time in my life, my lungs breathed the freshest air they’ve ever felt, and my heart warmed up as the weather got colder. Crossing the Atlantic Road, sailing to a three-inhabitant island, getting ice cold water poured on us as part of the Arctic Circle ritual, fishing at -5 degrees, dog sledding at sunset, road tripping to the North Cape. Each day just kept getting better and better. “Best day yet!” we’d say each night at the dinner table, while sharing our thoughts and stories of the experiences we’d just lived. One moment we were running alongside sheep on the back of a quad bike and the next, we’re drinking aperol at the fancy ship bar. We really got to experience the best of both worlds.
An epiphany in Lødingen
Half a week in, while fishing in Lødingen, I had what could be called an epiphany. I was sitting on the fishing boat, photographing a flock of birds that was flying over us, mesmerized by the landscape, the freedom in the air, and the connective energy of the group. Cold air blew my hair as the boat sailed through a river. “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life”… “This is how life is supposed to feel” --joyful thoughts flooded my mind and spilled out in the form of a massive smile and laughter.
My mission is to explore earth, wander through its spiraling path with a journal and a camera and capture its phenomena, while forming connections with humans and nature, all to share my discoveries with the rest of the world.
Like many other people, I suppose, contemplating the northern lights is one of the many things I have on my bucket list. I’m thrilled to say, at 22 years of age, I checked that one off.
After spending the day in Alta, already on board, a happy forecast was announced – Northern lights incoming! I sprinted to the front of the ship with my tripod and my camera, and as soon as I walked out the door, I saw the dancing green lights in the sky. I stood in awe. Faded voices of excitement in the background was all I could hear as my body processed what I was witnessing.
Hours later they were back again. This time with more vibrant colors. They filled the whole sky. Now, on deck nine with the whole team together, we got to capture them on camera. We were so happy we hugged, as we shared a tear or two.
I came here with no expectations but two goals: Learn about photography/filmmaking and witness the aurora borealis phenomenon. I assure you I left Norway achieving both and a thousand more I hadn’t thought of yet: The journey is the goal. The drive is the destination.
Strangers are kind. Nature speaks to us. Meaningful connections occur where least expected. I’m forever grateful I got to experience this voyage accompanied by amazing, warm-hearted, inspiring people. I’ll endlessly cherish everything I learned. And some advice for whoever is reading this: get dirt on your hands, wind in your face, and fire in your soul.
