Pain and Self-Discovery

My Year at Folk High School: A Journey of Pain and Self-Discovery

I had dreamed of attending a folk high school ever since my mother shared her experiences. I imagined myself reliving the same joy and adventure she had, hoping to create my own unforgettable memories.

But what I encountered was beyond anything I had expected…

I applied to three outdoor adventure programs in Northern Norway:

• Vefsn Toppen FHS

• 69 Degrees North FHS

• Pasvik FHS

I was accepted into the first one, which, as it turned out, had a variety of different courses that would eventually become my advantage.

I had high ambitions for this year. I trained physically, believing that strength was the only thing that mattered. I broke in my hiking boots, practiced carrying my “home on my back,” and prepared for long treks. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was a new teacher whose idea of outdoor life leaned more toward extreme sports rather than the classic