Interview with Mikkel Ketil

Age

Hometown: Copenhagen, Denmark

What is your favorite food?

I can't say one particular meal, it really depends on my mood. Some days I hunger for a good and tasty chili con carne, Indian carry, green Thai carry or a tortilla. Really, every thing that is tasty and spicy.

My friends and I meet once or twice a year and have a gathering where we eat pancakes! We make a pile at least 20 inches high and eat until we can't move. That's great, we all love it!

What kind of music do you like?

Like with food it really depends on my mood. When I'm full of energy I like to listen to some music with a lot of energy in it like Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, Linking Park etc. But I do all so listen to Pop, Jazz, Classic, and New age.

Hobbies or interests.

My hobbies are kayak polo and white water kayaking! I have been white water kayaking for the last 12 years and also worked as a white water kayak instructor for some time. Now, I like to use kayak polo to keep me fit for the white water season. Denmark is a fairly flat country with no white water opportunities, so I have to travel to exercise my hobby. Most of the times I travel to Norway, which is one of the greatest countries in the world for white water kayaking.

I have a strong interest in nutrition-which in turn is connected to my interest for the environment, my health and my love for tasty food. I like to take good care of my body, since it is "my tool" for what ever I do, whether it is physical or intellectually. I have learned that how I perform depend on how I eat. When I eat healthy I'm actually better at reading and learning and I also get more energy to run for example. I try to use organic grown food, with lots of vitamins and nutrition in it, and with lots of taste. And as a major bonus, organic food is good for the environment!

Favorite classes or subjects in school?

Sport was my favorite because of how I love to exercise and use my body. So much, I actually had a hard time sitting still in classes; I'd rather be out side. I also found that in whether or not I would do good and really like a class, it really mattered if the teacher was fired up about the class themselves and wanted you to get into it!

Favorite childhood memories?

That must be summertime. I loved to snorkel by the rock cliffs for hours with a friend.

How did you choose your current career path? Who or what inspires you?

I didn't go strait from school to a profession. Using my body and being outside to me-My mom have told me that before I could ever sit still and make my homework, I always needed to be outside at least two hours a day, even when it was a full blown snowstorm outside. I have used this skill and passion to work in the outdoor tourist industry as an instructor within climbing, skiing, white water kayak and rafting guide. After several years of great work experience, I started studying Business Administration at an age of 27! So now I'm working as and consultant helping companies to perform better.

I have always followed my heart, been doing what has interested me and been open for opportunities and taken risk to explore the opportunity. Some times you have to dare, and see what happens. So don't be afraid, open that door and get out there.

What advice do you have for the students of today?

Figure out the best way you learn, we all have different ways of learning. Then relate what you learn to what interest you, that way it becomes relevant for you and you'll remember it better. When you are going to choose profession, then make sure you choose what excite you - that is what helped me getting through it.

Why is it important to study the Arctic?

By studying the fragile Arctic environment, for example the effects of pollution, we can learn about the effects of other less environments.