- Every single person I met, everything I was lucky enough to be a part of, everything I learned and experienced - when I think back on that year, I envision a big splash of colors with vibrant and beautiful shades! I believe this metaphor describes EVERYTHING about that year. First of all, it contains the beautiful nature of Valdres; the green leaves of late summer and the sparkling blue lake, not to mention the nearly always blue and cloudless sky. Then there are the red, green and yellow leaves of autumn, painting the canvas in new colors. Even the white winter is colorful in its own way: On the slopes we glided through breathtaking sunsets with powder snow under our skis, dressed in ski jackets and pants in all the colors of the rainbow.
- So many wonderful and diverse people gathered under one roof was like a big bouquet of flowers, where each blossom could flourish in the direction it desired.
- Transitioning from the concrete to the slightly more abstract, the colors also represent the diversity in activities, excursions and everyday life at school. And finally, the most important aspect, which is the sense of unity, security, love and respect. So many wonderful and diverse people gathered under one roof was like a big bouquet of flowers, where each blossom could flourish in the direction it desired. For me, it all comes together to form the world’s most beautiful and colorful painting, a joy to behold and with so many fantastic stories to tell. Each story depends on where you choose to look. But what they all have in common is action, high energy and a lot of enthusiasm, a desire to share, a constant hunger to learn and to experience more. In a few words - what a GREAT atmosphere!
- The word of the day and the daily encouragements we received from the community undoubtedly led me, big or small, to challenge myself in at least 100 more ways than I might have otherwise. Encouragement and feedback form part of the basis for personal growth! For me, it created a sense of security, of being understood, and a desire to try. Even as i kept falling, again and again, my desire to get up never left.
Thank you for an absolutely wonderful time! Warm hugs from Kjersti Rishovd