Theme 6
Time required: approx. 2–3 lessons (2–3 × 45 minutes)
Three Essays
Time required: approx. 2–3 lessons (2–3 × 45 minutes)
Three essays
You have now worked with young people’s lives, dreams and identity in Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark. Now you will read three essays written by young people about growing up in the three countries. After reading them, it is your turn to write your own essay.
Growing up in Greenland
My name is Malik, and I am 15 years old. I live in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Some people think Greenland is only ice and snow – but that is not true. I live in a town with a school, shops and friends – a bit like many other young people around the world. My everyday life is similar in many ways to others. I go to school, hang out with my friends and use my phone quite a lot. We play games, watch videos and text each other. At the same time, there are also things that are different. Nature is close. If I go a little outside the town, there are mountains and the sea. In summer, it is light almost all the time, and in winter it is dark for many hours. That affects how you live. Winter can feel long, but then it becomes extra cosy to be with friends and family. My family means a lot to me. We often eat together, and sometimes we go out into Nature. My father fishes, and I have joined him several times. It is not something I do every day, but it is still part of my life. It feels like something that connects me to Greenland. Language is also part of who I am. I speak both Greenlandic and Danish. Sometimes I think in Greenlandic, other times in Danish. It depends on who I am with. I also know young people who do not speak much Greenlandic. That can sometimes be difficult, because language means a lot to many people.
I also think about my future. Some of my friends want to stay in Greenland, while others dream about going to Denmark or another country. I am not sure yet. Maybe I want to go out and experience something – but I also think I will return. For me, growing up in Greenland is both ordinary and special at the same time. I live a life that is similar to many others, but I am also close to a Nature and a culture that are very unique. I think the most important things for me are the same as for many other young people: my friends, my family and the feeling of belonging somewhere.
Growing up – and being young today in the Faroe Islands
My name is Halla, and I am 16 years old. Growing up as a child was safe and calm. The town is small, and most people know each other. As a child, I could move around freely because my parents knew it was safe. I have spent a lot of time outdoors, especially in the nature around the town. We made up our own games with friends. There are also sports and shared activities that bring us together. Growing up here has shaped who I am today, because community means so much. In my everyday life, I attend 10th grade. My days start early, because I commute about 45 minutes by bus to school. After school, I take the bus home and spend some time relaxing before the rest of the day begins.
Volleyball is a big part of my life right now. I train a lot because we have been preparing for the European Championship qualification with the National team. Recently, we competed in Ireland and finished second. That means we qualified for another round, which I am very proud of. I have also been to Norway to watch the Faroese men’s national handball team play. There were about 6,000–7,000 Faroese supporters there – around 10% of the entire population. It was an amazing experience. When I am not at school or training, I enjoy being with my family and friends. I am a social person and really value community. What has shaped me the most are the experiences and the people around me. Growing up in a small town has taught me how important it is to support each other. I have also grown up going camping in nature with my family. We spend a whole week together, talking, sharing experiences and being present. This has taught me the value of community.
When I think about the future, I just hope to be happy and have good people around me. I dream of having a good job, a family and a life where I feel safe and content. I take things as they come – one step at a time. If I could say one thing to young people in Greenland, the Faroe Islands or Denmark, it would be: You do not have to have everything figured out right away. It is okay to be unsure. Community and the people around you matter more than perfect plans. What is often misunderstood about the Faroe Islands is that it is a small and closed place. For me, it is a place with strong Nature, culture and traditions that shape who you are.
Being young in Denmark today
My name is Philip, I am 14 years old and I live in Denmark. I do not often think about what it is like to be young in Denmark – it is just what I am used to. I live in a small town near Copenhagen. I go to the local school just around the corner. I have lived here my whole life, and I think it is a great place to grow up. We have a cosy street leading down to the harbour. In the summer, you can enjoy an ice cream or eat at a restaurant while looking at the sea. This town means a lot to me, and I have many memories from here. In my free time, I like being active. I play football and go to the gym almost every day. But sometimes it is difficult to balance school, friends and sports. My days are quite similar. I wake up around 7, have breakfast, get ready and cycle to school. School is usually from 8 to 14:30. I like my class, and I find the lessons interesting. Some days are easier than others, but when people say school is the worst, I do not agree. However, I do think school days can be long. When you get home, the day is almost over – and if you have sports as well, it can feel stressful. Even so, I do not take it for granted that I live in a country where education is available.
I often hear the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut or something exciting. Now I am more unsure. Do I need to be famous to be happy? Or are other things more important? For now, I am still thinking about my future. Maybe it is better not to have everything planned. Most young people worry about the future – not just here, but everywhere in the world. The future can feel scary, but maybe that is also what makes life interesting. If you knew everything that would happen, would life not be boring? No one knows what the future brings. Maybe we should just take it step by step.
Everyday life and life paths
Young people in Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark have many similarities in their everyday lives. They go to school, spend time with friends and use their free time on interests such as sports and social media. At the same time, there are differences. Some live in small communities where everyone knows each other. Others live in bigger cities with more opportunities. Everyday life depends both on where you live – and on the choices you make.
Future and thoughts
Many young people think about their future – both what they want and who they want to be. Some have clear plans. Others are unsure – and that is completely normal. Choosing education and finding out what matters in life can be difficult. Expectations from family, school and society can make it even harder. The future can feel both exciting and uncertain.
Talk together
- Did you learn something new?
- What do community, nature and the future mean to the three young people?
- How is it similar to – or different from – your own life?
- Why do you think young people experience life differently depending on where they live?
Write an essay
Write an essay where you tell about yourself. Describe the place you live, your everyday life and the people who are particularly important to you. What is important in your life? What makes you happy? Write approx. one A4 page. Enjoy!
ESSAY
ESSAY
Future, imagination & fantasy
Once you have finished your essay, move on to the next two tasks
Theme 6 – Task – Your Future
Task – Your Future
Remember to save your answers