Viljar (18) plays professional hockey while attending a folk high school

“I’ve been playing ice hockey since I was two years old. It’s always been a passion for me,” said Viljar Waardal McGee (18) of London, Ontario, Canada.

He plays hockey for the Stavanger Oilers in the U20 Elite Series. He’s also studying “Life Changing Fitness” at Solborg Folkehøgskole in Stavanger.

“I enrolled in the programme because it could help me build strength and learn more about the body and exercise, alongside my hockey playing,” says Viljar.

High professional level

“Going in, I didn’t know much about adult education college, other than that it seemed exciting. It’s a cool concept that we don’t have in Canada,” says Viljar.

Viljar’s mother is originally from Bergen, but now lives in Canada. His sister has also attended a folk high school in Norway.

He describes his first year at Solborg as very rewarding.

“It’s been really fun so far. We do a lot of different things, we go for walks and try different sports.”

He considers the academic level of the folk high school to be very high.

“I’ve learned a lot about exercise and nutrition. Nowadays, you learn a lot about nutrition through social media, but the teaching here seems more reliable,” says Viljar.

Adapts to everyday life

“My days are hectic, with both coursework and hockey training and various sports activities,” says Viljar.

He has both daytime and evening training sessions with the Stavanger Oilers, as well as games on weekends.

“The school adapts its teaching to my needs. There’s always food ready and waiting when I’m back from training – even outside of the regular mealtimes,” says Viljar.

In addition to regular training sessions, Viljar enjoys many social activities at the high school.

“I’m very extroverted, and that helps,” he says of life in a shared dormitory room.

Unsure about the future

“Attending a folk high school helps you to figure out what you want to do next in life,” says Viljar.

He is still not sure what he wants to do after his year at Solborg. It depends on whether he can continue playing for the Oilers. He is considering attending a university in Norway or Canada, or possibly becoming a scholarship student at Solborg.

“I don’t want to rush into student life. Attending a folk high school gives me time to consider how a career in ice hockey might feel, as well as to think about my future decisions,” says Viljar.