Emily Hagen: The Opportunity to Say Yes

Emily Hagen never expected one Norwegian class would change the course of her college experience.

As a student at Luther College, she simply needed to fulfill a language requirement. Not wanting to continue with French, she enrolled in beginning Norwegian—a decision that quickly grew into something much bigger.

"I fell in love with the language and the department," Emily says. What started as one class became a Nordic Studies major, thanks in large part to the encouragement of one professor she describes as "a second mom, “ Dr. Maren Johnson. 

Whenever Emily questioned whether studying in Norway was realistic, her professor had the same answer: "You should go."

The biggest obstacle wasn't desire—it was finances.

"I kept thinking I could graduate early, save money, and start working," Emily recalls. "But she kept encouraging me to pursue the opportunity."

When her professor suggested applying for a Lakselaget scholarship, everything began to feel possible. The award eased financial pressure and gave Emily the confidence to embrace the experience fully—from choosing housing closer to campus to saying yes to opportunities to explore Norway.

Sometimes, it takes someone else's belief in you before you're ready to believe in yourself. For Emily, that encouragement—and the support of Lakselaget—opened the door to an experience she will carry with her for a lifetime.