Iceland's Literary Embrace: How a Teacher Shaped a Young Writer's Vocation

At 16, the author moved to Sauðárkrókur, Iceland, for a foreign student exchange, seeking respite from life decisions. Initially, the unfamiliar environment, characterized by challenging weather and the local language barrier, contributed to feelings of isolation. The author began writing as a way to process the new experiences and her sense of loneliness.

A Mentor's Insight

During an Icelandic class, the author's teacher, Geirlaugur, observed her writing poetry. Instead of a reprimand, the teacher provided an anthology of translated Icelandic nature poems, inscribed with an encouraging message, and stated that the author would eventually be published.

Instead of a reprimand, the teacher provided an anthology of translated Icelandic nature poems, inscribed with an encouraging message, and stated that the author would eventually be published.

Discovering a Literary Nation

This interaction marked a significant turning point in the author's perception of Iceland. She subsequently immersed herself in learning Icelandic and reading Icelandic literature, discovering a profound cultural appreciation for writers and poetry. The author noted Iceland's high per capita rate of published authors.

The author credits this year in Iceland, particularly the teacher's encouragement and the observed cultural value placed on literature, as instrumental in solidifying her confidence in writing as a vocation. Iceland continues to serve as an inspiration for her work.