My experience with the community here at Sólheimar can be described as both productive and impactful. In the time that I have spent here, I have already formed relationships with a number of individuals. I have learned more than I could have imagined from these relationships. For example, I will oftentimes sit with Reynír (a resident of Sólheimar) during lunch. Our conversations will normally involve discussing mathematics, numbers, and the universe/multiverse. I am very thankful for this relationship in particular. I am also certain that I will share lifelong friendships with all of the other students studying here this semester.
Besides spending time with residents here, I try to visit the volunteers as often as I can on my free time. I love attending ‘game nights’ with the other CELL students precisely because we get to spend time with the volunteers. I will often find or create more opportunities to spend time with Piotr, Caroline, and Matti (the volunteers). I visit them often to play card games or to watch movies with them. I will oftentimes go to the gym with Piotr even though I am tired because we help motivate each other. He gave me a workout routine and in return I am pushing him to increase his pull-up count and I am teaching him some Spanish too!
A significant aspect of the CELL experience is the development of the emotional self. In the time that I have spent here in Iceland, I have opened up to a multitude of experiences and ideas that I had not previously encountered. I could never have imagined that I would have formed so many bonds in such a short window of time. I have the privilege of spending the rest of this semester with a group of highly motivated and passionate individuals that I know will remain my friends for life.
Alec Z Drachenberg Mora
At the hill near Sólheimar
