Amanda Mershon

What do you love about being over 40?

I love being over 40 because I have a deeper understanding of myself and I am more comfortable in my own skin. In the past, I refused to wear shorts because I did not like my legs, but now I have loved to love myself and I have the understanding that I will always judge myself more harshly than others, so wear the dang shorts! I also now have more wisdom and experience that I am able to share. I love being able to answer my daughter's questions with real life experiences and stories.

How do you stay fabulous?

I believe that I stay fabulous because I keep trying to learn and discover new experiences. I got my MBA later in life and think that we can always continue to learn at every age. I also just got my open water diver certification at 40. I love diving and hiking and learning more about the vast world we live in. I changed my life when I lost weight and starting living lift to the fullest and there is no going back. My 40's are starting as some of the best years of my life!

What would you do with the $40,000?

If I were lucky enough to win, my first thought would be of my daughter. I would use the prize to help secure her future by putting it toward her college education. There's nothing more important to me than supporting her dreams and watching her grow into the amazing young woman she's becoming. Helping her pursue her education would be the greatest gift I could give.