What made you choose this particular folk high school?

The reason was actually that I used the website where you can find all the folk high schools in Norway. There you can filter the search by interests, and then I found several schools that seemed interesting. I think I applied to five to seven different ones. Many had, for example, parachute training and similar offers.

What made me choose Elverum was that everyday life seemed better here. Many schools had relatively similar offerings, but here it felt like the days would be more balanced. In addition, Elverum is only an hour and a half from Oslo, where I live, and I also have a cabin in Trysil. Therefore, Elverum is a familiar place for me, which felt safe.

Why did you choose your line?

I wanted to do something physical and active. I was first introduced to folk high school through my German cousin, who had attended folk high school in Alta. I find active things really fun, so I filtered my search by line first, and then compared different schools.

Were you nervous before you came here, and how did you experience the start?

I wouldn't say nervous is the right word. I'm a person who takes things a bit as they come, and I was really just betting that this was going to go well. There was a little tingle, but nothing more than that.

The start of the school year was very good, but also a bit demanding. Everyone was very keen to get to know each other, and you were a bit afraid of missing out on situations where you could get to know people better. It could be a bit tiring. At the same time, it was relatively quick to get to know many people. It took a little longer to get completely comfortable, but after a month or two I felt really safe. By then I had found my friends and the gang

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Everyday life and community

How would you describe the environment at school and in the classroom?

I think the environment at school is very good. I like that you make good friends in class, but also across lines. As long as you offer yourself a little, say hello to people in the hallways and strike up a conversation in the cafeteria, it can quickly develop into friendship. People around you are generally very friendly.

The environment in the class is also very good and fun. There is surprisingly little that feels small. For example, we had an open stage yesterday, and people really showed off. Social situations are generally much easier here than elsewhere. It's not a crisis if you make a mistake, and there is a lot of openness for everyone to come up with ideas and suggestions.

What “rooms” or activities at school have become “your places”?

Hannah's room is a place I often hang out with other people, and there are cool decorations and lights and just a general vibe that I like. Otherwise, I spend a lot of time in the library and in the fireplace room. I also spend a lot of time in my own room, in the rooms where I have electives, and not least in and in the gym of course.

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Dividends and personal development

What have you learned about yourself so far?

I've learned that I can get better at coming up with suggestions and ideas that actually move things forward. In the past, I've often been someone who helps out, but not necessarily participates much in the actual idea development.

I've also realized that it's important for me to take more initiative and invite others. Before, I often waited to be invited myself, but now I try to be more proactive. It doesn't have to be something fancy - it can be as simple as asking if someone wants to play a game.

Has the stay given you more self-confidence or security? In what way?

Yes and no. I have noticed that sometimes I can feel more insecurity in myself than I thought I had, but here I always dare to try to let it come out. Then I can start to understand myself so that I can start to break it down. Instead of it affecting me little by little without me doing anything about them.

What do you feel you get here that you wouldn't get in a regular school year?

I get better friendships, more social experiences and generally more fun. I also make more friends and learn a lot about myself in a shorter time than I would otherwise. It makes me better equipped to study later. I think folk high school is a very good transition, because you learn to live more independently without the transition being too abrupt.

What would you say to someone who is considering applying but is unsure?

It depends on why they are unsure, but in general I would just say: do it. Many people think that they should just start studying, but I think most people would have a lot left to do a year at folk high school first. You will become more independent, gain more self-confidence and many good social relationships.

How do you think this year will affect the path forward for you?

I believe I will have a better quality of life. I will have more good relationships and be happier with them, both new ones and the ones I already have. I will also dare to be more honest about myself to others.

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On the other side of what feels uncomfortable, there are often very big gains.

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Backpacker / Extreme sports

Which adrenaline rush do you remember best so far?

It must have been when we jumped from a bridge into the Sjoa River. We were there to go rafting with the class, and one day we went to a bridge. Five were standing on the bridge and ten were standing below. We put on a harness and jumped out. Afterwards we had to pull up the person who had jumped.

On this trip we had dinner together at a long table outside, and it was incredibly nice. After the trip, which was early in the school year, it felt like the ice had been broken between the entire class.

How do you work with safety, mastery and unity?

We cheer each other on and applaud each other, whether it's in class or when someone is on stage performing. Unity is not something we consciously work on all the time, but it comes very naturally as a consequence of what we do together.

What trips or activities are you most looking forward to?

I'm most looking forward to the ski trip to Austria and the trip to Spain/Portugal. I'm also really looking forward to all the ski trips in Trysil and kiting. We'll be going to Trysil twice a week throughout the winter season.

What challenges have you overcome so far?

It's a lot about daring to do things I wouldn't normally have dared to do. When we were canyoning, I jumped from nine meters, and later I jumped from ten meters backwards. I also said yes almost immediately when someone asked if I wanted to dance on stage. I generally try to say yes more often now. On the other side of what feels uncomfortable, there are often very big gains.

I generally try to say yes more often now. On the other side of what feels uncomfortable, there are often very big gains.