We arrived in Iceland at 6:40 AM when we deboarded the plane from Boston. It was a long and dark drive to Sólheimar, a drive through which many of us slept with faces pressed against the van windows. The entire first day was a blur to all of us who were trying to combat the power of jetlag. It was hard to get any kind of idea of the environment we would be living in for the next three months. From what we could tell, Sólheimar looked like a quaint community with only kind people all around. We were all in bed by 9 PM, trying to get some rest.
The next day proved to show us the real deal; the big scoop; the reason why we were all here. We had some of the afternoon to take time for ourselves. Generally curious about the country I would live in that I had seen so little of, I went on a small trek up the ridge behind Sólheimar with a few group members: Veronica, Ben, Caroline, and Michelle.
The hike took a bit of scrambling over rocks, but once we reached the fence at the top of the ridge, there was not an “average” sight to be seen. Everywhere around us was something magical. Below us there rests the village of Sólheimar, every colorful building and the surrounding fields, and all around us are mountains far off in the distance that lead down to wide open valleys that act as the picture-perfect definition of rugged and barren natural beauty. The scenery looks unforgiving but welcoming, and powerful yet soft and beautiful. The landscape contradicts itself in so many aspects and leaves us bewildered and emotional.
It was at this moment I realized the full impact of what this experience is all about. We are building something special; we are building a community. This community is not only our teaching and learning group, it also provides us with a model for how we should go back to our own worlds and try to make change. Accomplishing large tasks like behavioral change proves difficult when attempted by an individual. It takes a passionate group of people who not only share a common goal, but are also considerate of each other’s wellbeing. Supportive and tight-knit communities serve as the most successful communities. I was on a hike with the people that will be the most supportive people during my time in Iceland but also the people who will challenge me the most, both mentally and emotionally. I am here to understand building communities to create the most effective impact. Here is the community. Now it is our job as students to build it up and make the most of our time here.