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
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