On this week’s edition of Meet the Cast Monday, we would love for you to meet one of our newest gap year travelers, Bertil from Denmark!

What is your name, where are you from, and what semester is this for you?

“Hey! My name is Bertil Vestergård Laier. I am 19-years-old and come from a small village that goes under the amazing name of Kvols. It’s right between two big cities called Viborg and Skive. I have lived there my whole life. This is my first semester traveling in Up with People.”

What are some of your hobbies back at home?

“I do a lot of different things back home. I am really bad at sticking to one hobby so I always have many small projects going at once. I do a lot of sailing as a live near the ocean. I used to spend a lot of time swimming. Whenever I get the chance to do something with music, I do it. I play the bass guitar, piano, guitar and ukulele. I have also studied musical theory in high school. I love everything about singing in choirs. I’m interested in both religious and pop choir music, as I find it very exciting to break it down piece by piece and learn what makes genres what they are. I am also a true gamer, who is both interested in studying “Meme History” as well as just playing various video games both alone and with friends.”

What are you most excited for this semester?

“Definitely the traveling itself. I love spreading an awesome message while traveling, but my main focus for this semester is to broadening my horizon in cultural understanding, and getting to see more of the world. I also see this as a great opportunity to try new and interesting things. I’m excited to learn about admissions and getting to know a lot more about how technical sound works, as that ties perfectly in with my hobbies.”

What are you most nervous for this semester?

“I think what was mostly on my mind when I left home was leaving everyone else behind. I have never been afraid of meeting new people. After the amazing amount of support that was given out on the first day, I have never felt nervous since then. Accept for when I have to do my “hope moments” on piano. That was kind of spine chilling.”

What has taken you by surprise this semester?

“The amount of opportunity the program provides has been very surprising. I have to admit that I just kind of jumped into the whole experience. I just said yes to joining the program, and everything else has come as a surprise. When I landed in Denver, I pretty much knew nothing about the program except what I had seen in the show. But holy moly, a lot of things have surprised me. The people, the opportunities, the volunteering, the long days, and so much more.”

Is this your first time in Colorado? 

“This is my first time in America. This is also my first time leaving my home for longer then a week.”

What are some differences you have seen between Colorado and back at home in Denmark?

“Well, I have absolutely no idea where all the water went. I am so use to having water all around me. When I order food here, even though it’s called a “small portion” there is still food for two. I am slowly getting use to not eating everything on the plate, but in the beginning I would almost explode after every meal. Colorado’s elevation was also new to me. Denmark is at sea level so having huge mountains around me is super cool, and I never get bored of just staring at them.”

What is one thing that you have learned in Up with People that you really want other people to know?

“Up with People is not just an opportunity for change, but also an opportunity to be yourself. The good thing about being so many different people in one space, is that there will always be a friend for you.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“Honestly, I have no idea. Wherever the wind will bring me. I try to live one day at a time and just enjoy the moment as much as possible no matter the situation that I am in. I would love to do some kind of business involving people. Maybe catering, a teaching job, or perhaps a speaker of some sort. I really don’t know just yet.”

What do you want people to know about you?

“I feel like a pretty open and ordinary guy. I love to talk about everything, and love to really go full nerd in some subjects. Whether that’s music, video games or other weird things, it does not matter. I love being social, but I also enjoy my alone time. I like overthinking things and feeling prepared. I love nature just as much as a love my computer. So come talk to me! I love telling stories and hearing them. OH! and I love you all too!”

“Come on let’s do it now, we wanna make you smile
Let Up with People bring the party all around the world
Don’t matter that you frown, the walls we bring ‘em down
Hey everybody let’s party all around the world.”

Party ‘Round The World © Up with People

On this week’s Meet the Cast Monday, get to know Merel, a second semester traveler in the Up with People gap year from from the Netherlands!

What are some of your hobbies back home?

“My biggest hobby is dance. Besides dancing, I love to write and make videos, but I enjoy spending time with my friends the most.”

What are you most excited for this semester?

“I am most excited to travel again. I can’t wait to meet new people, get to know more cultures, and to make new connections. I am also very excited to impact each new community that we’re visiting.”

What are you most nervous for this semester?

“Honestly, I was a little bit nervous for traveling with a new cast. In such a short amount of time, I got so close with the people I traveled with. I miss the people from my first semester, but nevertheless I am also very excited to get to know this cast better!”

What has made your second semester experience different from your first semester experience?

“I missed the first two weeks of preparation for the tour in my first semester, so the past two weeks were also kind of new for me. One difference is that I recognize or know most of the dances and songs and topics we’re talking about in workshops. However, some things are definitely still new for me because I have a better understanding since my English improved throughout my first semester.”

From your time in Denver this semester, what are some differences you have seen between The Netherlands and Colorado?

“First of all, the altitude. The Netherlands is 50% below sea level and now I am in ‘The Mile High City.’

Another difference I’ve experienced is that it is ‘easier’ or much more common to go out for dinner.

The last difference I noticed is the weather. One day it’s hot and the next day it is literally snowing. We don’t experience those extreme weather changes in such a short amount of time in The Netherlands.”

What is one thing that you have learned in Up with People that you really want other people to know?

“I’ve become more aware of global issues and I’ve met and seen so many different people, cultures, and communities. That really made me look at the world differently. I can look through different perspectives now and I have realized that I have become more open-minded than before.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“I am someone who likes to follow things that cross my path. In 10 years, I hope to have traveled a lot more and to have finished studying in a program that fits me well.”

“The heart’s still beating,
The fire’s still burning.
We may be feeling
That the wind is turning
And the pain is healing,
Though the mem’ries may be long.
The heart’s still beating,
The heart’s still beating,
The heart’s still beating strong.”

Heart’s Still Beating © Up with People

This week on Meet the Cast Monday, we would like for you to meet Marie Sandnes, a second semester traveler in the Up with People program from Bergen, Norway!

What was arrival day like for you?

“My arrival day was exciting! I had a very long travel day so I didn’t get the opportunity to meet too many people.”

What are some of your hobbies back at home?

“I play handball, which is a mix of soccer and basketball. I have played for nine years. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and family.”

What are you most excited for this semester?

“I am most excited to challenge myself more than I did my first semester. I didn’t take all the opportunities that I could have to learn about myself and other people. For example, I wanted to apply for an internship where I would shadow a staff member for a month and learn more about their job. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do as well as I thought I could do, but coming in this semester I am really excited to take advantage of this opportunity.”

What are you most nervous for this semester?

“Coming back as a second semester in Up with People, it has been very strange being in a familiar program, but with a lot of different people. I am nervous that I won’t be able to branch out and meet new people. However, the people that I have met so far have been wonderful so maybe that will change.”

What has made your second semester experience different from your first semester experience?

“I have been a lot more comfortable during these first few weeks as we get ready for the tour. I think this allows me to have a much calmer approach to everything, and I really get to learn about different parts of the program that I missed last semester. Even though some of the workshops that we are doing are the same, I have found that I have an entirely new perspective on them because of my experiences last semester.”

What advice would you give to a 1st time traveler in Up with People?

“Take the chances you’re given! They are only going to happen once, so be sure to talk to and get to know as many people on the way!”

From your time in Denver this semester, what are some differences you have seen between Norway and Colorado?

“In Colorado, people tend to be very open and upfront. In Norway, people tend to be a bit more reserved. It is interesting to see the difference in lifestyles. I also have had a variety of new foods here which has been nice!”

What is one place you want to travel to and why?

“I am excited to travel to Canada. We went there last semester as well and I noticed several similarities between Norwegian and Canadian culture. It’s also a place that I have wanted to visit for long time.”

“Time for the music to play,
Time for the band to start.
Time for the music to play,
Time for us all today.”

Time For The Music © Up with People

Meet the Cast Monday: Meet Luke from South Dakota, United States.

Luke traveled in Up with People for his first time last semester. Now, he has come back as the Dance Captain for Up with People for the upcoming tour! Learn more about Luke and what his experience has been like so far!

What is your role in Up with People?

“I am a Dance Captain for Up with People. My job includes empowering participants through the performing arts to help them discover things they did not know they were capable of doing, along with providing the best show possible for all of our audiences.”

What was arrival day like for you?

“Arrival day for me was actually so fun. I love meeting new people, and I cannot wait to get to know this cast throughout this tour.”

What are you most excited for this semester?

“I’m most excited to use dance and the show as a way for participants to express themselves and unlock potential they may not even know exists.”

What are you most nervous for this semester?

“Something I am nervous about is not having enough time to enjoy everything and having it all zip by me in no time.”

What previous performing arts experience do you have?

“Within the performing arts, I have done a variety of dance including tap, jazz, musical theater, clogging and been a part of theater since I was six.”

What advice would you give to a 1st time traveler in Up with People?

“The advice I would give for someone traveling for their first semester is to live in the moment and learn as much as possible, including host family interactions, the education curriculum, and the volunteer sites.”

What is your favorite experience from last semester?

“One of my favorite experiences I had last semester was being able to stay at a monastery in Agrigento, Italy. Being hosted with people from different parts of the world with a friar for a host dad provided such a fun learning experience, and one that will stick with me forever!”

What is one place you want to travel to and why?

“Two places I have on my bucket list to visit include Ireland and Scotland because of the natural beauty that is found there.”

Anything else you would like to add that you think would be important for others to know about Up with People or yourself?

“One really cool thing about Up with People is that a person can join for one aspect of the program, whether it is performance, or volunteering, or traveling, and gain so much more out of it than they ever thought was possible. Be the change you want to see in the world!”

“Out in the country, down in the street,
Everybody’s in the band.
You can hear it happen, like thunder clappin’.
The beat is in our hands.”

Beat Of The Future © Up with People

Why did you decide to travel in Up with People?

What was it like arriving in Italy for the first time?

How did you hear about Up with People?

What were you most excited or nervous about when starting the Up with People program?

What do you hope to gain through this experience traveling and performing?

What was it like meeting your Italian host family for the first time?

Why are programs like Up with People important for others to experience?

“Makin’ music, makin’ a song,
Makin’ love a little easier,
Takin’ a feelin’, makin’ it strong,
Takin’ life and makin’ a song.”

Makin’ Music © Up with People

On this week’s Meet the Cast Monday, meet Aiyonna from Colorado! At 19-years-old and fresh out of high school, Aiyonna is excited to travel the world and start her journey of self discovery.

Interests and Passions: Painting, drawing, sculpting, and writing

Why did you decide to travel in Up with People?

“I want people to know that they are being listened to, understood, and that they are cared for. That’s pretty much what Up With People stands for. The travel aspect was also very interesting to me.”

What was arrival day in Ottawa like for you?

“Cold! Staying in hot and humid 90+ degrees Fahrenheit in Louisiana to cold 30 degree weather was such a shock to the body.”

How have the first couple weeks in Canada been?

“Very familiar. I was expecting Canada to have moose everywhere and maple syrup in every corner (Y’know the stereotype), but it’s just like the United States except with colorful money and more recycling bins.”

How did you hear about Up with People?

“They came to my school with a booth. I talked to the admissions representative named Rilee for almost an hour and then I was late for my next class because I was so excited!”

What were you most nervous about at the beginning of the semester?

“Just getting comfortable with people. I’m usually really good at interacting with new people, but I think the fact that everyone is from a different part of the world really intimidated me at first.”

What were you most excited about at the beginning of the semester?

“Traveling! I’ve never been out of the U.S, or even on a plane, before traveling in Up with People.”

What do you hope to gain out of your experience in UWP?

“I hope to figure out who I really am outside of a school setting. I just graduated high school and I want to figure out what type of person I want to be before college and entering into the real world.”

Why do you think a program like Up with People is important?

“This program allows people to really understand that they share this world with everyone. There is no time for hate, judgement, or ignorance. It makes you realize that as you are reading this, there is someone across the world doing something completely different at this exact time. You’ll never know what it is that they are doing, but you appreciate how there are different lifestyles and cultures.”

What is something you have learned about yourself while on the road?

“I’ve learned that I’m a good listener and I give pretty good advice. I’ve been told that a lot throughout the trip and it never came to my mind before.”

What has been your biggest challenge on the road?

“Mustering the energy to keep going even when I’m tired. After long days, and sometimes long nights, it’s really tempting to just quit and take a nap, but that’s not possible. I really learned how to become energetic during my most tiring times. Also, the times when I push myself are when I really found that I have grown and learned the most. ”

“Sometimes we only hear what we want to
Find comfort with voices we know
But it takes all the others to make harmony
And find a song of peace.”

Voices © Up with People